Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (March 24th, 2016)

[jedibear]

Right there with you, PC. I've often thought that could be one of the reasons Lucas got out when he did. When somebody gets so much grief for just telling their story their way instead of how "it's expected" to be told...it must reach a point where the money just isn't enough...not when you've got to deal with all of the loud whining and judgement. Heck, Synder must be feeling pretty much the same way these days. I know I'm in the minority (around this neck of the woods anyway) but I like what he's been doing with DC.

It's a safe bet the next ones to be run out on that rail are Ridley Scott (if AC isn't the carbon-copy of Alien, it will be universally loathed) and James Cameron when he gets around to putting out his new Avatar stuff.

When the test screening edits are winning out and the movies get done by committee, you end up with "The Force Awakens" or "Civil War"...nice safe movies that stay familiar and hit the right spot at the moment...then like cotton candy at a fair, dissolve in a rush of sweetness until there is nothing left.

No risk, no personality of the folks making them, just, safe,warm feelings.

Please...someone out there keep giving us flawed, divisive movies that make one want to watch them again abd keep a discussion going....

 

[a-dev]

When I don't like a film, gotta be honest, I find it hard to give it credit for 'taking risks'...not much to be gained from doing so when the end product just pissed me off.

 

[Prime Clone]

Yup, and as I said, I can accept the argument that they're just crap. But the higher we raise the bar of what defines commercial success (eg the billion-dollar mark) the more risk-averse we get.

I thoroughly enjoyed CW and admit it was awesome, but in another way it was exactly what I expected and I didn't feel the need for repeat viewings.

As for Lucas, back when he was making the prequels he was quite matter-of-fact that each one needed to make money to fund the next. He was mainly making them for himself, and for that I respect him. Probably the only big-budget "indie" films we'll ever see.

 

[a-dev]

With the PT I'd argue that child Anakin, Jar Jar and rainbow clones screamed 'commercial imperatives' though. So they're not entirely immune to that kind of criticism as has been aimed at TFA.

 

[Prime Clone]

True that TPM was aimed at kids, which is why it's my least liked prequel, but it was still the story Lucas wanted to tell. Jar Jar was as much a CGI experiment as a marketing creation.

One of the main reasons I liked the PT overall was because I accepted it was George's story and thus didn't have any (or many) preconceptions. Maybe that wasn't setting the bar high enough, but at least I wasn't as let down!

 

[a-dev]

.......needlessly changing the clone design in ROTS (I think we all got that the AOTC dudes would become Stormtroopers, no further visual clues were necessary), General Grievous instead of just having an extended role for Dooku...kerching!

All that said Phantom Menace is still my favourite prequel. If it had nothing to do with Anakin Skywalker I'd consider it a good Star Wars film.

 

[Prime Clone]

Grievous to me seemed like a prototype for Vader, which fits that whole "design evolution" theme. This has since been borne out in the new (canon) SW comics.

 

[RIDDICK]

.......needlessly changing the clone design in ROTS (I think we all got that the AOTC dudes would become Stormtroopers, no further visual clues were necessary), General Grievous instead of just having an extended role for Dooku...kerching!

All that said Phantom Menace is still my favourite prequel. If it had nothing to do with Anakin Skywalker I'd consider it a good Star Wars film.

 

[abake]

With the PT I'd argue that child Anakin, Jar Jar and rainbow clones screamed 'commercial imperatives' though. So they're not entirely immune to that kind of criticism as has been aimed at TFA.

Not sure I agree that starting the story with a child Anakin was so much a commercial imperative rather than a story imperative. After all, Lucas wanted to establish where Anakin's anger and fear came from, and what better way than a frightened slave who loses his mother?

 

[abake]

As someone who tends to like movies everyone else hates (BvS, SW prequels, STID, ASM 2, Lone Ranger, Matrix sequels to name but a few), it's sad that we're probably seeing the last of the risk-taking big-budget films. Rightly or wrongly, commercial imperatives and studio expectations are taking over, and I can see future blockbusters being increasingly micro-managed by studio execs.

You could argue the misfires were crap anyway, and Hollywood is a business, both points of view I can accept. It's just sad that art is likely going to lose out to commerce.

Agreed!

While not perfect by any means, I believe the DC movies are much more driven by the director's vision, and they take more risks in what is the story they want to tell and how to tell it. And that is quite refreshing for a blockbuster movie.

 

[Prime Clone]

Here's an interesting theory on what went wrong with BvS. Not that I necessarily agree, but this guy probably knows more about filmmaking than I...

 

[crows]

Here's an interesting theory on what went wrong with BvS. Not that I necessarily agree, but this guy probably knows more about filmmaking than I...

that was excellent. that was really on point. It describes the problems of Suicide Squad as well. I wish the people at WB would see this.

 

[kryptonianmutie]

Here's an interesting theory on what went wrong with BvS. Not that I necessarily agree, but this guy probably knows more about filmmaking than I...

Pretty good presentation. I'm not really sure he's saying anything that hasn't been said already though. His focusing on "moments" is something people have complained about Snyder's movies before but they just refer to it as slow motion.

 

[Prime Clone]

Could explain why I found BvS more of an "event" film than CW. I personally didn't think it was overdone, however.

 

[kryptonianmutie]

Could explain why I found BvS more of an "event" film than CW. I personally didn't think it was overdone, however.

I think I can relate. MI2 is my favorite mission impossible movie to watch over and over because there are a number scenes that have great moments IMO, but most comments I've seen regard the movie as the worst in the franchise.

 

[crows]

I think I can relate. MI2 is my favorite mission impossible movie to watch over and over because there are a number scenes that have great moments IMO, but most comments I've seen regard the movie as the worst in the franchise.

it is my most hated

 

[a-dev]

Can't watch MI2, all the others are great though.

 

[Khev]

that was excellent. that was really on point. It describes the problems of Suicide Squad as well. I wish the people at WB would see this.

Have you even seen Suicide Squad?

 

[crows]

Have you even seen Suicide Squad?

yes, i did
different director but the exact same explanation applies (Since the studio decided to go with the trailer company to edit the movie)

A bunch of scenes, a group of moments that dont make as much sense together but look cool.

 

[The Clown Prince of Crime]

yes, i did

When are you getting a SS tattoo?