Let's Talk About the Bright Spots Seen So Far in the DC Extended Universe That Warner Bros. Can Build On

It was a tumultuous 2016 for director Zack Snyder, Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment, starting with the lukewarm critical reception of BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE last March. After SUICIDE SQUAD then debuted to less than stellar reviews, last summer, it became very apparent DC Comics was in for a rough year on film. The rest of the year was not much better, between two directors dropping out of THE FLASH solo film and numerous reports of big reshoots and studio interference with SUICIDE SQUAD. 

Most recently there has been an insane amount of rumors about Ben Affleck’s THE BATMAN solo movie regarding the script and whether or not he will be directing. Well, Affleck is officially out as director and BATMAN V. SUPERMAN and JUSTICE LEAGUE screenwriter Chris Terrio has reportedly handed in a newly revised script for THE BATMAN.

While things aren’t looking ideal for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) at the moment, there have been a few bright spots among the first three entries (MAN OF STEEL, BATMAN V. SUPERMAN and SUICIDE SQUAD) that hopefully Snyder and company can build on. There has been some great action, comedy and true heroics. The only problem is those scenes have been far and few between so far. Let’s breakdown some of the best DCEU moments (so far). 

Arguably the greatest scene in BATMAN V. SUPERMAN is Wonder Woman’s introduction. Everything from the action to the incredible music is perfect, you immediately know she’s going to be one helluva force in this universe. While the Doomsday fight unfortunately fell short of fan expectations, Diana Prince can clearly hold her own next to Superman and Batman. Wonder Woman definitely serves as the basis for some optimism for the future of the DCEU, here’s hoping her solo WONDER WOMAN film really delivers this summer.

Margot Robbie is another woman that stole the show in 2016, with the excellent portrayal of Batman “villain” Harley Quinn. Robbie was definitely the highlight of the film, her introduction and backstory scenes were great. Harley and Deadshot had the strongest backstories and were the most interesting characters in the movie. This should have set the tone for the rest of film, unfortunately director David Ayer and crew were unable to keep the momentum going. Harley’s character was so much fun it even spawned an all-female spin off movie with Margot Robbie headlining, titled GOTHAM CITY SIRENS (also to be directed by Ayer). 

Another moment that was incredibly fun to watch is the Batman warehouse fight in BATMAN V. SUPERMAN. In a scene that almost looks like it was ripped directly from a comic book page, Batman takes down an entire crew of Lex Luthor’s henchman single handedly. It’s violent, intense and extremely well-choreographed. Batman fans have been waiting a long time for this type of action. If the solo Batman film is anything like this it will be considered a success. The scene also shows that Snyder might have been better for a Batman movie than a Superman film. (Hint, hint since THE BATMAN is currently looking for a director now.)

In 2013, MAN OF STEEL kicked off the DCEU. The movie itself divided fans and critics alike, but there were a handful of moments that provided glimpses of hope for this version of Superman. Jor-El’s speech to his son is one of these moments, it perfectly encapsulates who Superman is meant to be. 

“You will give the people of Earth an ideal to strive towards. They will race behind you, they will stumble, they will fall. But in time, they will join you in the sun, Kal. In time, you will help them accomplish wonders.” 

Superman is hope. We really haven’t seen this complete version of the Man of Steel yet but the above quote does give us a reason to believe that someone involved with these movies actually does understand the last son of Krypton. The lack of a strong sense of morality has really hurt the character thus far. The speech is a voiceover during a great scene where Superman takes flight for the first time, the effects are fantastic and displays the raw power of superman very well.

The DCEU clearly has a ton of work to do to win back many fans and prove they can hang with Marvel Sstudios' films. And building on the above scenes is definitely where they should start. 

Honorable mentions: Amanda Waller / Bruce Wayne meet in SUICIDE SQUAD, the Flash cameo in SUICIDE SQUAD, Superman saves Lois in the Desert in BATMAN V. SUPERMAN, Clark stops the school bus from sinking in MAN OF STEEL and Lois Lane / Superman interview in MAN OF STEEL.

Written by Tim Miller, DC Films Correspondent -- Click to read Tim's posts

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