DC Extended Universe

[Triggermv]

After posting my full-out Shazam review, I figured it was time I updated my usual DCEU rankings to include it for anyone interested.

1. Wonder Woman- Easily the best movie of the bunch with a pretty good story and amazing direction, cinematography, acting and character introductions. This movie also oozes Wonder Woman's charisma, endearment, compassion, and heart.
2. Man of Steel - Unlike many others, I actually really really liked this movie, particularly the casting, the score, the cinematography, and the villain. Unlike many Marvel movie's villains, Zod actually had a point to being there. Just exclude the stupid dog scene from this thing please.
3. Shazam - While a few of the movie's biggest hero moments didn't quite hit as well as I would have liked, this movie oozed fun and quite a bit of heart. This movie also had great acting across the board with a great balance of tone and a great villain.
4. Aquaman - Great world-building combined with a lot of great visuals made for a really fun movie experience. On the flip side, some scenes went a bit overboard on the cheese, particularly everything in the desert, and Aquaman's hero arc didn't quite pack the punch I was hoping for. This movie only improved upon second viewing.
5. Justice League - While loaded with flaws, I still had a decent amount of fun with this movie the first time I saw it due to all my pent-up enthusiasm to see a Justice League movie. However, the more I watch it, the less I like it and the more all the ridiculous production problems in the background become blatantly apparent. I still think I like this movie more than most, and I actually really liked both the Flash and Cyborg in this movie.
6. Batman v Superman - Haven't walked away from any of these movies quite so disappointed, mostly due to expectations, as I REALLY wanted this to be good. Bad characterization, confusing plot, too many Easter eggs, too many plot holes, bad editing, too much CGI. While there were a few things I liked, particularly Affleck as Batman and Gadot as Wonder Woman. While it didn't fix the movie, the Ultimate Cut at least improved a lot of these things some.
7. Suicide Squad - Had all the potential in the world to be a great movie, but just wasn't. Had some fun stuff, introduced some great characters, but suffered from terrible pacing, terrible villain, terrible editing, and too many plot holes. Deadshot and Harley Quinn were the highlights.

I will say that after watching both Aquaman and Shazam lately, I can finally say for the first time in a while (in a very hesitant way) that I'm somewhat excited for the direction DC is taking things. I've at least placed one foot back in the boat. I still think the way they run all their DC movie and TV business behind the scenes is fundamentally flawed, but that still doesn't mean they can't produce a somewhat coherently good universe.

 

[3GenClone]

Filming has wrapped for Birds of Prey:

 

[Triggermv]

https://www.starnewsonline.com/news...UTQfuleQojaDhhUlMZc57EhHMmRi6i5-RLI3NM8rRfqFY

Looks like the upcoming "Swamp Thing" TV series set to debut on the DC streaming service has ceased production after only filming 10 of the 13 episodes, while DC analyzes the future of its streaming service. This sucks to hear, but I can't say I'm super surprised either. While great for hardcore DC fans, I've always thought even the prospect of a DC streaming service was too narrow in scope to be able to fully support itself, especially with how ambitiously expensive all their planned original shows would be. There just isn't a big enough audience out there to support it. Especially when compared to what Disney is launching with their Disney+ streaming service and the equivalent price point, the DC service doesn't even compare. Ultimately, with Warner Bros having plans to eventually do their own service, I'm not sure why they didn't wait on the DC content to include it in those plans.

I do think this is a little hint though at the future of streaming. No, it isn't a sign that streaming is dying, it will go away, and we will return to cable. But rather, it is a sign that only a certain amount of these streaming services are ultimately going to survive and be self-sustainable. I am 100% confident both Netflix and Disney will survive in the long term, but as for all these other smaller, less valuable ones fighting for their share of the pie, I think it is inevitable a lot of them get weeded out. It will be interesting what exactly Warner's service will look like in the end. Outside of Disney, Warner is definitely #2 in terms of the value of all their TV and movie intellectual property. They also own both DC and HBO, which when adding in those, might even have an argument to be right there with Disney on total IP value. To me, they need to roll it all together in order to compete, which I think is possible and the route they ultimately need to go.

 

[3GenClone]

John Cena is in talks to join Suicide Squad.

This article confirms Idris Elba is in the film and that Margot Robie and Jai Courtney (Captain Boomerang) are the only two original cast members that are confirmed to return for the sequel.

https://variety.com/2019/film/news/john-cena-suicide-squad-2-1203191618/

 

[Triggermv]

John Cena is in talks to join Suicide Squad.

This article confirms Idris Elba is in the film and that Margot Robie and Jai Courtney (Captain Boomerang) are the only two original cast members that are confirmed to return for the sequel.

https://variety.com/2019/film/news/john-cena-suicide-squad-2-1203191618/

I really liked John Cena in Blockers, but I heard he wasn't good in Bumblebee, so not sure what to think. I plan on watching Bumblebee sometime here soon.

 

[Frak]

My 10 year old didn't have a problem but my 7 year old hid his eyes during the boardroom scene with the 7 sins, that was probably the most intense part. All in all I'd agree with your review, it was a very enjoyable movie as an adult. '

For the kids, they LOVED it. I expect this will become one of those cult movies that my kids will revisit many times as they grow up and look back on fondly. They had a similar reaction to Ready Player One, which while an okay movie from an adult standpoint, it hit all of the tones to suck an elementary aged kid into the world and make the movie a longtime favorite for them.

I took a 4 year old and a 9 year old. The 4 was a little scared of the monsters, but she made it though it. The 9 thought it was the best movie ever. I thought it was just a fun movie but didn't go in with super high expectations.

BTW, anyone watching Doom Patrol? It's super weird, but I've enjoyed watching it. Thank you jailbreak firestick!

 

[3GenClone]

David Dastmalchian has landed the part of Polka-Dot Man in James Gunn’s Suicide Squad.

Dastmalchian is fairly recognizable: he was computer wiz Kurt (Russian/Eastern European accent) in both Ant-Man films, and he was also briefly in The Dark Knight.

https://m.ign.com/articles/2019/04/...k-knights-david-dastmalchian-as-polka-dot-man

Here is a fascinating article about Dastmalchian from this past summer:
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/h...ed-character-actor-david-dastmalchian-1127575

 

[Triggermv]

https://www.comicbookmovie.com/suic...hark-in-james-gunns-the-suicide-squad-a168269

Michael Rooker is apparently in talks to play King Shark in James Gunn's Suicide Squad 2. This shouldn't be surprising at all considering how close of friends him and James are. James also seems to like to reuse a lot of his inner circle in different movies.

 

[Triggermv]

So, I've been spending the past couple months playing some Netflix catch-up on the Arrowverse where I hammered out Supergirl (Season 3), The Flash (Season 4), Legends of Tomorrow (Season 3), and Arrow (Season 6). Overall, I'll be the first to admit that watching all these shows is becoming less and less enjoyable and a bit more and more exhausting with every season. It doesn't help that most of them are a whopping 23 episodes of network television, but from a quality perspective, they are a bit all over the place. I also think due to their network restrictions, they aren't being allowed to evolve like they should be. The network TV model in general is becoming more and more dated. With that said, here are a couple non-spoilery thoughts on each season:

Supergirl (Season 3): Started out really bad, had a great middle, then never stuck the landing. Of all the shows, this one goes so far out of its way to tell a political message at the major expense of its storytelling at times. This season still had some really touching moments, particularly everything with Martian Manhunter and his father.

The Flash (Season 4): This season was a step back in the positive direction from its past season, and probably the most consistently good of the four shows I'm reviewing. However, I'd say the season only marginally stuck the landing. This show's strength is its heart and charisma of its characters and this season really leaned into these things making it the show that I most looked forward to watching.

Legends of Tomorrow (Season 3): Whoof this show is bad and almost painful to watch. Of all the shows, this one goes most heavy on the cheese, camp, and villain of the week formula to the point that it drives me nuts. It also plays so fast and loose with time travel and continuity to the point any of it has any meaning. It almost is making me really dislike anything involving time travel right now, which I resent it for. Also, my LEAST favorite villain of all the Arrowverse is Damien Darhk, so why would this show bring him back both a second and a THIRD time???? My goodness. About the only good part of the season was anything that involved Constantine, but he was only in a few episodes.

Arrow (Season 6): This show started out decently strong, then waned some in the middle. However, of all the shows, I thought this one probably had the strongest finish and leaves me looking forward to next season the most. While it probably was not as good as last season, next to the Flash, I looked forward to watching Arrow the next most.

Here is my updated Superhero TV rankings to include these seasons.

1. Daredevil (Season 3)
2. The Punisher (Season 1)
   
3. The Flash (Season 1)
4. Daredevil (Season 2)
5. Agents of Shield (Season 5)
6. Daredevil (Season 1)
7. Agents of Shield (Season 4)
8. Arrow (Season 2)
9. Luke Cage (Season 2)
10. Arrow (Season 1)
11. Arrow (Season 5)
12. The Flash (Season 2)
13. Jessica Jones (Season 1)
14. The Gifted (Season 2)
15. The Gifted (Season 1)
    
16. Supergirl (Season 1)
17. Luke Cage (Season 1)
18. Runaways (Season 2)
19. Agents of Shield (Season 2)
20. Agent Carter (Season 1)
21. Supergirl (Season 2)
    
22. The Tick (Season 1)
23. Iron Fist (Season 2)
24. Arrow (Season 6)
25. The Flash (Season 4)
26. Legion (Season 1)
27. Jessica Jones (Season 2)
28. Krypton (Season 1)
29. Powerless (Season 1)
    
30. Cloak and Dagger (Season 1)
31. The Punisher (Season 2)
32. Runaways (Season 1)
33. Gotham (Season 1)
34. The Flash (Season 3)
35. Agents of Shield (Season 1)
36. Agents of Shield (Season 3)
37. The Defenders (Season 1)
38. Agent Carter (Season 2)
    
39. Supergirl (Season 3)
40. Legion (Season 2)
41. Gotham (Season 2)
42. Iron Fist (Season 1)
43. Constantine (Season 1)
44. Arrow (Season 3)
45. Arrow (Season 4)
46. Legends of Tomorrow (Season 1)
47. Legends of Tomorrow (Season 3)
48. Legends of Tomorrow (Season 2)
49. Inhumans (Season 1)

 

[CloniesForLife]

So, I've been spending the past couple months playing some Netflix catch-up on the Arrowverse where I hammered out Supergirl (Season 3), The Flash (Season 4), Legends of Tomorrow (Season 3), and Arrow (Season 6). Overall, I'll be the first to admit that watching all these shows is becoming less and less enjoyable and a bit more and more exhausting with every season. It doesn't help that most of them are a whopping 23 episodes of network television, but from a quality perspective, they are a bit all over the place. I also think due to their network restrictions, they aren't being allowed to evolve like they should be. The network TV model in general is becoming more and more dated. With that said, here are a couple non-spoilery thoughts on each season:

Supergirl (Season 3): Started out really bad, had a great middle, then never stuck the landing. Of all the shows, this one goes so far out of its way to tell a political message at the major expense of its storytelling at times. This season still had some really touching moments, particularly everything with Martian Manhunter and his father.

The Flash (Season 4): This season was a step back in the positive direction from its past season, and probably the most consistently good of the four shows I'm reviewing. However, I'd say the season only marginally stuck the landing. This show's strength is its heart and charisma of its characters and this season really leaned into these things making it the show that I most looked forward to watching.

Legends of Tomorrow (Season 3): Whoof this show is bad and almost painful to watch. Of all the shows, this one goes most heavy on the cheese, camp, and villain of the week formula to the point that it drives me nuts. It also plays so fast and loose with time travel and continuity to the point any of it has any meaning. It almost is making me really dislike anything involving time travel right now, which I resent it for. Also, my LEAST favorite villain of all the Arrowverse is Damien Darhk, so why would this show bring him back both a second and a THIRD time???? My goodness. About the only good part of the season was anything that involved Constantine, but he was only in a few episodes.

Arrow (Season 6): This show started out decently strong, then waned some in the middle. However, of all the shows, I thought this one probably had the strongest finish and leaves me looking forward to next season the most. While it probably was not as good as last season, next to the Flash, I looked forward to watching Arrow the next most.

Here is my updated Superhero TV rankings to include these seasons.

1. Daredevil (Season 3)
2. The Punisher (Season 1)
   
3. The Flash (Season 1)
4. Daredevil (Season 2)
5. Agents of Shield (Season 5)
6. Daredevil (Season 1)
7. Agents of Shield (Season 4)
8. Arrow (Season 2)
9. Luke Cage (Season 2)
10. Arrow (Season 1)
11. Arrow (Season 5)
12. The Flash (Season 2)
13. Jessica Jones (Season 1)
14. The Gifted (Season 2)
15. The Gifted (Season 1)
    
16. Supergirl (Season 1)
17. Luke Cage (Season 1)
18. Runaways (Season 2)
19. Agents of Shield (Season 2)
20. Agent Carter (Season 1)
21. Supergirl (Season 2)
    
22. The Tick (Season 1)
23. Iron Fist (Season 2)
24. Arrow (Season 6)
25. The Flash (Season 4)
26. Legion (Season 1)
27. Jessica Jones (Season 2)
28. Krypton (Season 1)
29. Powerless (Season 1)
    
30. Cloak and Dagger (Season 1)
31. The Punisher (Season 2)
32. Runaways (Season 1)
33. Gotham (Season 1)
34. The Flash (Season 3)
35. Agents of Shield (Season 1)
36. Agents of Shield (Season 3)
37. The Defenders (Season 1)
38. Agent Carter (Season 2)
    
39. Supergirl (Season 3)
40. Legion (Season 2)
41. Gotham (Season 2)
42. Iron Fist (Season 1)
43. Constantine (Season 1)
44. Arrow (Season 3)
45. Arrow (Season 4)
46. Legends of Tomorrow (Season 1)
47. Legends of Tomorrow (Season 3)
48. Legends of Tomorrow (Season 2)
49. Inhumans (Season 1)

I couldn't watch Legends of Tomorrow past Season 2 Ep 2. It's so bad.

 

[Triggermv]

I couldn't watch Legends of Tomorrow past Season 2 Ep 2. It's so bad.

Well, Season 3 wouldn't be any better for you then. However, like I said in my review, anything Constantine was the best part of this season. So, seeing that he is part of the regular cast for this latest season I guess leaves me slightly optimistic.

 

[CloniesForLife]

Well, Season 3 wouldn't be any better for you then. However, like I said in my review, anything Constantine was the best part of this season. So, seeing that he is part of the regular cast for this latest season I guess leaves me slightly optimistic.

Good to know. Maybe if I am really bored someday I will catch up but there is enough other stuff I want to watch that this is pretty low on my list. Like you I am struggling to get through these shows. Even The Flash which is one of the better ones can be bit much sometimes.

 

[alarson]

Well, Season 3 wouldn't be any better for you then. However, like I said in my review, anything Constantine was the best part of this season. So, seeing that he is part of the regular cast for this latest season I guess leaves me slightly optimistic.

I'd strongly disagree.

The first season of LoT took itself more seriously, but eventually the show learned to have fun with itself. Season 3 of LoT might've been the best show in the 17-18 arrowverse season

 

[Triggermv]

I'd strongly disagree.

The first season of LoT took itself more seriously, but eventually the show learned to have fun with itself. Season 3 of LoT might've been the best show in the 17-18 arrowverse season

Truthfully, I'm not surprised to have someone say this as I've heard other people online who actually prefer LOT. So, you are not alone. I've determined that its pretty obvious that some people are looking for something much different in their superhero TV than I am, which is perfectly ok. I prefer things to be a bit more on the serious side, which I think is also why I think Marvel TV is winning out for me more lately than the Arrowverse stuff. In the end, while I used to like both models somewhat equally, over time, I think Marvels more connected, more non-traditional non-network model is winning out. I'm just not a villain-of-the-week old-school superhero TV guy I guess, which is more what the CW shows are. I'll be grabbing a DC app subscription here eventually to watch the DC TV stuff on there, so I'm hoping maybe that model ends up fitting my tastes a bit more than the CW network model does anymore.

 

[Triggermv]

I'd strongly disagree.

The first season of LoT took itself more seriously, but eventually the show learned to have fun with itself. Season 3 of LoT might've been the best show in the 17-18 arrowverse season

Also, thanks for the response from both you and CloniesForLife because that means I'm not the only one watching these shows. Therefore, somebody at least is readying what I'm writing. That is good to know .

 

[Triggermv]

FYI..... next up on my Superhero TV docket is The Tick (Season 2). I'm really looking forward to it.

 

[alarson]

I have really been liking Doom Patrol. It just has so many great moments.

 

[Triggermv]

https://variety.com/2019/film/news/...matt-reeves-bruce-wayne-dc-comics-1203125473/

Looks like Pattinson is in final negotiations to play Batman in Reeve's new movie. This shouldn't come as a shocking surprise as there was earlier news a few months back that he was being eyed by Reeves. With that said, while I'm not over the moon about this choice, I'm not entirely against it either. Yes, most know him from his Twilight fame, but lately he has been doing more indie film roles and has been really good in them to be honest. Particularly, I really liked him in Lost City of Z. I also think that if given the chance to bulk up, he could end up looking more like Batman than people might think.

 

[jdcyclone19]

FYI..... next up on my Superhero TV docket is The Tick (Season 2). I'm really looking forward to it.

Looks like they cancelled the tick.

https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/the-tick-canceled-on-amazon

 

[Triggermv]

https://screenrant.com/james-gunn-suicide-squad-sequel-reboot-no-clarity/

It is kind of interesting that James Gunn won't clarify whether his Suicide Squad movie is a reboot or a sequel. Prior to this, there has been enough mixed reports on the matter that it wasn't like there was much clarity on the matter even coming into these comments.