Warner Bros. was released last week The Lightning. After a long delay, the film provoked a divisive reaction from critics and viewers, to say the least. While many praised the light-hearted tone, Michael Keaton’s return as Batman, and Sasha Calle’s portrayal of Supergirl, the excessive humor, subpar visual effects, and weak third act were harshly derided.
Warner Bros. was released last week The Lightning. After a long delay, the film provoked a divisive reaction from critics and viewers, to say the least. While many praised the light-hearted tone, Michael Keaton’s return as Batman, and Sasha Calle’s portrayal of Supergirl, the excessive humor, subpar visual effects, and weak third act were harshly derided.
I found the film disappointing. Aside from Calle’s solid performance as Supergirl — there were limited options aside from some impressive fight sequences — the superhero epic felt cheesy, disjointed, and lacking in substance.
Still, I’m excited that Andy Muschietti will be directing Batman: Brave and the Bold for James Gunn’s new DCEU. There are a few concerns, but I still hope for a positive outcome.
In the first place, The Flash’s troubles seem to have less to do with Muschietti’s directing and more to do with the behind-the-scenes unrest at Warner Bros. Since Zack Snyder’s departure, the DCEU has lacked a clear vision. No one has emerged with a clear creative direction, resulting in a haphazard collection of films that oscillate between the “Snyder verse” and a more light-hearted, Marvel-inspired approach.
Mussetti has fulfilled his duties and delivered a final product that is at least worth seeing – an achievement in itself. The Flash boasts impressive visuals, despite flawed CGI, likely due to chaotic production, last-minute reshoots, and over-interference. The film has brilliant moments, notably when Muschietti and his skilled stunt team turn Keaton into an action star. While infiltrating a Soviet facility, Batman uses hand-to-hand combat and high-tech gadgets to take down a horde of faceless thugs. The fight choreography is well executed and visually arresting. Mussetti demonstrates a clear spatial awareness and guides the plot coherently.
However, the fight in the third act is a complete mess. Again: this is probably due to those last minute revisions. Additionally,owing on his own established rules,Jusseetti’s film allows Batman to effortlessly take on Zod’s powerful powers. Nonetheless, the action provides the needed thrill every now and then; Given the circumstances,owleiti delivers a gripping and suspenseful cape flick.
Equally stunning is the opening sequence, in which Ben Affleck’s “Dark Knight” chases a truckload of thugs in broad daylight on his motorcycle. Batman uses various gadgets to overcome obstacles while protecting the citizens of Gotham. Unfortunately, this exciting moment loses its impact when Batman gets off the bike. This reveals a terribly designed costume, followed by some Joss Whedon-esque banter with Wonder Woman.
However, I’m wondering if these issues are due to result from Muschietti’s directing or from Warner Bros. influence.
Given the right circumstances,uzzietti has the potential to direct a good Batman movie. He’s not without his flaws, as he sometimes loses control during bigger scenes. Comic elements often overshadow dramatic moments, similar to his previous It films. Both films suffered from spooky sequences paralyzed by inappropriate humor or slapstick.
Hopefully, Gunn will be able to guide Muschietti while giving him creative freedom to shape the Batman character.
Ultimately, everything depends on Gunn’s vision for the DCEU’s future. Will we see more light-hearted adventures like The Flash, or darker narratives that delve deeper into the complexities of these characters? For Batman: Brave and the Bold, Gunn wants to introduce Damian Wayne, a complex character with a violent streak. While I don’t see us taking undue liberties with our new Dark Knight or his Boy Wonder, I don’t expect a recreation of Zack Snyder’s Batman vs Superman either. CanPussyetti provide the right balance of depth, heart and action to please fans?
I believe he can.
Although we’ve only seen a limited selection of Muschietti’s skills – Mama, IT and The Flash – he has displayed a touch of brilliance in every project. While it may be wishful thinking, when it comes to “The Brave and the Bold,” I trust Andy Muschietti. With the right guidance, he has the potential to create an extraordinary Batman film that could even rival Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight.
Only time can tell.