WARNING SPOILERS! Several media outlets and websites were granted a visit to the set of DC's Justice League movie recently, and lots of details have been reported. Typically there is an embargo on the release of information until the movie is released. This time around, DC wanted to share with the fans. Perhaps learning from the mistakes of Batman v Superman and it's secretive schedule with more corporate input from Warner Brothers and little to no guidance from comic writers or fans. This early release of a plot synopsis, spoiler-laden plot details, images and more seems like DC is looking for feedback. Like when they beta test a video game. Zack Snyder remains at the helm of Justice League, so it doesn't sound like Warner Brothers heard the resounding call to remove the so-called visionary director. The influx of new details has the fandom all excited, and even though I am a fan of DC I just don't care about this movie. For this entry, I want to brain out loud why.
This official synopsis states Batman was inspired by the death of Superman at the climax of BvS. So inspired he has a whole new outlook on life. So inspired he formed the Justice League. Unless you live under a rock you know Superman returns in the comic, shortly after his fight with Doomsday. Even if you didn't know that, it is glaringly obvious Superman will be in the movie. Henry Cavill is listed in the cast line-up. In the movie, of course, Batman and the others won't know Superman's return is eminent but we do. This will make it seem as if Batman's grief and inspired achievements are pointless, and this is how the Batman character should feel. Marvel is almost in the same boat. The Avengers were inspired to assemble after the death of Agent Coulson. A few months later he was resurrected on television for Agents of SHIELD. This would negate the solidarity the team initially felt...if they knew.
Of course in the internet age secrets are hard to keep, and his return is no secret. Studios can at least try to keep a secret. Look how well the plot twists and surprises were guarded for The Force Awakens, or for an episode of Game of Thrones. Right out of the gate, DC is divulging a potentially big, and fan-pleasing surprise. Just like they did with BvS. The title "Batman v Superman" promises a fight, but the tagline "Dawn of Justice" lets even those unfamiliar know that the two will make amends before the end of the movie.
Decisions like this are commonplace in the long, long line of terrible choices DC has made while attempting to launch their cinematic universe. There will be several directors among the DCEU, but Zach Snyder remains at the top just as Whedon oversaw most of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I and many others have said Zach Snyder needs to go if the DCEU wants to improve. Snyder is not a proven blockbuster director, his box office returns are alarmingly inconsistent, his movies are not rated highly, and he does not have a unique vision. While Iron Man was being filmed in 2008, Marvel put a long-term plan into place with Kevin Feige at the wheel. DC had no such plan. At first, DC mocked the MCU, stating they weren't going to do that. Christopher Nolan's Batman movies were outperforming Marvels and they saw no need to connect their films into a larger universe. A few years later, after Marvel made all the money, DC is desperately rushing to keep up.
Bryan Singer's 2006 Superman Returns could have been a franchise and that may have led to a Justice League movie, beating Marvel to the punch, but it was terrible. The 2011 Green Lantern movie (left) was reportedly meant to be the start of the DCEU, but it was horrible. The only recent success DC has had was with Christopher Nolan's amazing Batman trilogy and they've been riding on those coattails since. Making optimistic, virtuous, and good-natured heroes like Green Lantern and Superman uncharacteristically dark and brooding. Warner Brothers and DC turned the aforementioned Green Lantern and especially Snyder's Superman movies into Batman movies, and it obviously didn't work. This stems from Burton's acclaimed Batman movies. Batman and Batman Returns were grounded, and dark in a noir film style. WB brought in Joel Shumacher to brighten the tone, add color and sophomoric jokes so they could sell toys. Batman Forever and Batman & Robin were disasters. They have only seen good reviews and profitable box office returns with an ominous Batman so they try to fit every character into that mold.
Other than GI Joe, one of the few comic books I bought on a monthly basis was Batman. I had boxes of Batman toys. I had the Batman movies on VHS and now the Nolan movies on Blu-Ray. I have a Batman tattoo. I ate Batman cereal. I am a fan of Batman and DC, but after years of disappointments, the mismanagement of Warner Brothers own intellectual properties and the false starts to a connected universe I can not get excited over the slate of films for the DCEU.
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
Directed by Zack Snyder, this marks the big screen debut of the Justice League, featuring an all-star lineup: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher.
This official synopsis states Batman was inspired by the death of Superman at the climax of BvS. So inspired he has a whole new outlook on life. So inspired he formed the Justice League. Unless you live under a rock you know Superman returns in the comic, shortly after his fight with Doomsday. Even if you didn't know that, it is glaringly obvious Superman will be in the movie. Henry Cavill is listed in the cast line-up. In the movie, of course, Batman and the others won't know Superman's return is eminent but we do. This will make it seem as if Batman's grief and inspired achievements are pointless, and this is how the Batman character should feel. Marvel is almost in the same boat. The Avengers were inspired to assemble after the death of Agent Coulson. A few months later he was resurrected on television for Agents of SHIELD. This would negate the solidarity the team initially felt...if they knew.
Of course in the internet age secrets are hard to keep, and his return is no secret. Studios can at least try to keep a secret. Look how well the plot twists and surprises were guarded for The Force Awakens, or for an episode of Game of Thrones. Right out of the gate, DC is divulging a potentially big, and fan-pleasing surprise. Just like they did with BvS. The title "Batman v Superman" promises a fight, but the tagline "Dawn of Justice" lets even those unfamiliar know that the two will make amends before the end of the movie.
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| The new Batmobile will have even more weapons than it did in Batman v Superman |
Decisions like this are commonplace in the long, long line of terrible choices DC has made while attempting to launch their cinematic universe. There will be several directors among the DCEU, but Zach Snyder remains at the top just as Whedon oversaw most of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I and many others have said Zach Snyder needs to go if the DCEU wants to improve. Snyder is not a proven blockbuster director, his box office returns are alarmingly inconsistent, his movies are not rated highly, and he does not have a unique vision. While Iron Man was being filmed in 2008, Marvel put a long-term plan into place with Kevin Feige at the wheel. DC had no such plan. At first, DC mocked the MCU, stating they weren't going to do that. Christopher Nolan's Batman movies were outperforming Marvels and they saw no need to connect their films into a larger universe. A few years later, after Marvel made all the money, DC is desperately rushing to keep up.
Bryan Singer's 2006 Superman Returns could have been a franchise and that may have led to a Justice League movie, beating Marvel to the punch, but it was terrible. The 2011 Green Lantern movie (left) was reportedly meant to be the start of the DCEU, but it was horrible. The only recent success DC has had was with Christopher Nolan's amazing Batman trilogy and they've been riding on those coattails since. Making optimistic, virtuous, and good-natured heroes like Green Lantern and Superman uncharacteristically dark and brooding. Warner Brothers and DC turned the aforementioned Green Lantern and especially Snyder's Superman movies into Batman movies, and it obviously didn't work. This stems from Burton's acclaimed Batman movies. Batman and Batman Returns were grounded, and dark in a noir film style. WB brought in Joel Shumacher to brighten the tone, add color and sophomoric jokes so they could sell toys. Batman Forever and Batman & Robin were disasters. They have only seen good reviews and profitable box office returns with an ominous Batman so they try to fit every character into that mold.Other than GI Joe, one of the few comic books I bought on a monthly basis was Batman. I had boxes of Batman toys. I had the Batman movies on VHS and now the Nolan movies on Blu-Ray. I have a Batman tattoo. I ate Batman cereal. I am a fan of Batman and DC, but after years of disappointments, the mismanagement of Warner Brothers own intellectual properties and the false starts to a connected universe I can not get excited over the slate of films for the DCEU.
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| Official logo for the upcoming Justice League movie |
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