Rewriting The History of The DCEU

We just wrapped up an epic discussion on the DC Extended Universe, and man, was it a trip down memory lane. What really struck me was this phenomenon of "rewriting history" that seems to happen with every new regime. People who bashed these movies when they first came out are now suddenly their biggest defenders. So, we decided to break it down, movie by movie, and see what was really being said back then.

Man of Steel (2013)

This is where it all began, and let me tell you, the immediate reaction was not universal love. People complained that Superman was "too dark and broody," not the hopeful hero he should be. The destruction of Metropolis was a huge point of contention – "reckless and irresponsible," they called it. And Jonathan Kent telling Clark to let people die to protect his identity? That was a big no-no for many, saying it was "completely against his character." Fast forward to today, and suddenly everyone loved Henry Cavill's Superman from day one. It's wild how perspectives shift, especially when a new Superman comes along.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Oh, this one. The criticisms were loud and clear. "Batman is a killer using guns and explosives, which isn't the real Batman!" was a common cry. Lex Luthor's characterization was slammed as "too manic and unthreatening." And the "Martha scene"? That was the one that broke the internet, and not in a good way. People found it "stupid and breaks the tension." My co-host, who just watched it for the first time, was baffled by how two heroes could stop fighting over their mothers having the same name. We even got into a heated debate about whether Batman ever kills. I'm telling you, he has!

Suicide Squad (2016)

This movie was a hot mess, in my opinion. Jared Leto's Joker was called a "cheap Hot Topic knockoff" compared to Heath Ledger's iconic performance. Harley Quinn, despite Margot Robbie's charisma, was seen as a "shadow of her comic book counterpart, lacking true madness." And the Enchantress? A "forgettable villain," and the plot was just plain "incoherent." I personally felt the first two acts were fine, but once it got supernatural with Enchantress and her brother, it just got stupid.

Wonder Woman (2017)

Now, this was the one that everyone seemed to love, and for good reason! It was a huge hit, making over $800 million worldwide. But even this one had its detractors. Some called it "too focused on girl power" and having a "forced feminist agenda." Ares was labeled a "weak and underdeveloped villain." And believe it or not, people even complained about "inconsistencies in Gal Gadot's accent." My co-host actually wasn't a fan of Gal Gadot's acting, saying she lacked emotion. I disagreed, but hey, everyone's got their take. The Amazon scenes were definitely a highlight for me, fulfilling a lot of fantasies, if you know what I mean.

Justice League (2017)

This was a tough one. After all the hype, it just didn't land. It was criticized for its "rushed storyline, wasted potential, and underdeveloped characters." It felt like a studio-mandated Frankenstein's monster. The box office numbers reflected that disappointment.

Aquaman (2018)

This was the first DCEU movie to hit a billion dollars, and for good reason! Jason Momoa brought a fresh energy to the character. Of course, the initial reaction was "Aquaman is a joke, not a serious superhero," and some found the "costumes and armor ridiculous and campy." But the spectacle and action won people over. My co-host joked that it was all because of Jason Momoa's six-pack, and honestly, hot guys do sell! The new Aquaman movie doesn't show any six-pack, and that's a one-star review from me!

Shazam! (2019)

I actually really liked Shazam! It was fun! But at the time, it was criticized for being "too silly and light-hearted for a DC film" because DC was known for its dark tones. People found Shazam's childishness "irritating and not funny," and Dr. Sivana was deemed a "generic, forgettable villain." My co-host admitted she initially thought, "What the f*** is this?" from the trailer, but after watching it, she found it "kind of fun." She still found him annoying though.

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)

This movie was a blast. It had a fresh perspective and really let Margot Robbie shine as Harley Quinn. It was fast-paced and captured the anarchic spirit of the character. It broke away from the traditional superhero mold, which I appreciated.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

This sequel didn't quite hit the mark like the first one. It felt a bit convoluted and didn't quite capture the magic. It was another film that faced a lot of scrutiny and mixed reactions from fans.

Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

While not a theatrical release, the "Snyder Cut" was a huge moment for fans. It was a vastly different experience from the 2017 theatrical cut, offering a more complete vision of Snyder's original plan. It definitely satisfied a lot of the fans who had been campaigning for it.

The Suicide Squad (2021)

James Gunn's take on The Suicide Squad was a huge improvement over the first one. It was violent, hilarious, and embraced the absurdity of the characters. It felt fresh and exciting, proving that the concept could work with the right vision.

Black Adam (2022)

This one was a disappointment for me. I had high hopes, but it just didn't deliver. The story felt weak, and the side characters, like Dr. Fate, felt underutilized. It felt like a vehicle for The Rock, and it didn't quite live up to the hype.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

The sequel to Shazam! didn't quite capture the charm of the first. It struggled at the box office and didn't resonate as strongly with audiences.

The Flash (2023)

This movie had a lot of buzz, but it ultimately fell short for many. It was ambitious with its multiverse concept, but the execution left some fans wanting more.

Blue Beetle (2023)

I was genuinely surprised by Blue Beetle. This movie was fantastic! The family dynamic was so authentic and heartwarming. The grandma character was an absolute standout – the best thing about the movie, hands down. It was a refreshing take on the superhero origin story, grounded in culture and family.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

This was the final movie of the DCEU era. While it didn't reach the heights of the first Aquaman, it offered another adventure for Arthur Curry.

So, there you have it. The DCEU was a wild ride with its ups and downs. It's clear that fan opinions are constantly shifting, and what's hated today might be beloved tomorrow, especially when something new comes along. It's a never-ending cycle of criticism and re-evaluation, but that's what makes these discussions so interesting!

Watch the discussion in the latest episode of Talking Through The Movies with Chris and Eriel

https://youtu.be/qz7lGfnZhjM