After several years of alternating between Batman and Superman, DC has finally gotten their ducks in a row and is plowing straight ahead with its extended cinematic universe. For those growing weary with Marvel’s missteps – and for those who have long dreamed of an epic JL team-up – the footage released at Comic-Con last week felt like a positive shower of blessings.
There are just… So. Many. Good. Things! about this footage, guys!
There’s the obvious: like finally seeing Jason Momoa’s Aquaman/Arthur Curry in all of his insanely impressive glory; getting to hear Ezra Miller’s Flash/Barry Allen actually interact with Affleck’s Bats/Bruce; and catching our first glimpses of newcomer Ray Fisher as Victor Stone/Cyborg.
But then there’s the Diana/Bruce dynamic: these two are totally going to be the Mom and Dad of the team, and I love how we get the sense that they already have an easy camaraderie that’s grown since their first fight together in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Beardy!Bruce is great, but his scene with Barry is easily the highlight of the footage. Barry interrupts his imposing pre-rehearsed speech with, “I’m in. I… need friends,” and while Bruce says, “Great,” his eyes say, “…You’re my son now.” The adoption papers are already signed and on the judge’s desk. (Boy, do I love when Bats gets his Dad on.)
The special effects – the Speed Force lightning! – look incredible, the choice of The White Stripes’ “Icky Thump” for the background music was perfect, and the sprinkling of comedy amidst the Super Serious Superhero Stuff suggests that the movie won’t be an entirely dreary, rain-soaked picture full of grimdark manpain.
(I’m so glad we’re moving past a Batman who can only play one note – that note being “angst” – and towards a Batman who can be a certifiable little sh*t. Gotta love when the World’s Greatest Detective tells the king of the seas, “I hear you can talk to fish,” and then acts surprised when the titan of a man throws him through a wall. Bruce, please.)
Consider me both pumped as hell and disappointed as hell – that we have to wait a year and a half for the actual flick. This anticipation is going to be killer, guys.
