Saturday, November 18, 2017

Ranking the DC Extended Universe Films

 With six films under their belts, it seemed like it was finally time to start ranking these DC films that all exist within the same movie universe. This is also something I've done with the Marvel Cinematic Universe films and you can check that out by clicking here. Much like that Marvel list, this ranking will only consist of this specific lineup of films. So, animated films, the Tim Burton Batman movies, the Christopher Reeve Superman, etc. won't be included. Also, like the Marvel list, I'll update this after each new installment.


#6 Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
 This film feels like four movies were smashed into one... and none of those four were any good. The first viewing will hold your interest while you wait for it to get good (it never does). However, repeat viewings offer little more than a challenge to see if you can stay awake for the 2 1/2 hour (which feels like 5hrs) runtime.


#5 Suicide Squad (2016)
 This movie is a mess. It's fun at times, but it's a mess. It throws vibrant colors, comedy, and musical cues at you like it's trying to capture a 'Guardians of the Galaxy" vibe while simultaneously telling you that the filmmakers have no idea how to make that work in a film. Additionally, it's poorly written and edited which is a shame because there are a few good actors sprinkled among the cast that could've shined with a better script.


 #4 Justice League (2017)
 Honestly, #3 and #4 are basically interchangeable and they suffer from a lot of the same problems. The edge here goes to 'Justice League' mainly because Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Superman, Flash, and Cyborg  are just more interesting than Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Killer Croc, Katana, Captain Boomerang, and El Diablo. 


#3 Man of Steel (2013)

Yes, this version of Superman is about as interesting as block of wood, but at least this feels like a real film. It's competently made, and has a fairly well structured, coherent story. It's pretty joyless most of the time and a bit dull to look at, but it doesn't feel like you're just watching a bunch of movie trailer money-shots.

 
#2 Wonder Woman (2017)


I'm hopeful that there are going to be some really amazing DCEU films in the coming years but, as of right now, it's slim pickings. Wonder Woman is far from a perfect film and if you're looking for plot holes and a few sub-par special effects you'll find them. However, the movie is fun, it feels like care was taken with the main character, it actually leaves you wanting to see the next Wonder Woman film, and it's one of only two films on this list that I actually recommend. 


#1 Aquaman (2018)

Of these films this is the one I had the most fun watching the acting is pretty solid, the effects are good, and I was totally invested in the story. Unlike the folks at Marvel, WB/DC doesn't seem to have a set, long-term game plan for their comic book properties but I hope they make an Aquaman sequel because I really enjoyed this one.


I'm a fan of many of these comic book characters, so hopefully this list will become more populated with good movies in the years to come.

 

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