Introduction
Zack Snyder has always been a controversial filmmaker. Not because he's a bad person, but because most of his films have received polarizing reviews from critics and audiences. So it only makes sense that the most polarizing films in the DC Extended Universe are the ones he directed. In this post, I'd like to explain why I enjoy these films and why Zack Snyder deserved more credit than he got.
Man of Steel DID Work
Zack Snyder's first foray into the then new initiative for DC films was divisive to put it lightly. There were people who liked Man of Steel and others who were disappointed by it. I'm of the former as I feel it accomplished what it's initial goal was: bringing Superman into a post-9/11 world. I understand people's criticisms with the film such as Clark Kent's gloomy demeanor and the DBZ inspired action. This is due to Zack Snyder and screenwriter, David S. Goyer rewritting Superman's origin so that he grew up being reluctant to use his powers to help others because they'd reject him rather than thank him. This is a topic not explored before in Superman films: how would Superman be perceived in a world that fears what they don't understand. Zack Snyder's vision for the famous superhero involved not just exploring that idea, but also redefining how Superman behaves. Many people criticize the amount of collateral damage in this film, especially from a character that's usually more gentle and considerate like Superman. To me, this was done to show Superman as, well, a man. A good man, but not a flawless man. A common misconception about Superman is "he's too perfect" which is fundamentally false. Just because he's got super powers that doesn't make him perfect. Zack Snyder and David S. Goyer not only brought his imperfections to the forefront, but they made that a central theme to his character. The Jesus imagery, to me at least, is somewhat fitting: while Jesus never sinned, He was initially rejected by people who did follow Him. Jesus Himself had His fears and doubts, but He still did His duty and saved us from sin. Likewise, Superman, for all his faults, is still portrayed as an optimistic, helpful, brave and likable character. It's also worth noting that the fight scenes are dope. This is the kind of action that should've been the main selling point for Dragonball: Evolution. In addition to the opening sequence, the fights with Superman and the other Kryptonians are exactly how I pictured it to go down in a modern blockbuster. Every punch feels powerful, every explosion feels devastating, and the final fight between Superman and Zod is as close as a live action recreation of Goku vs Vegeta I am going to get. Then there's the infamous neck snap. This controversial decision was not made lightly as the filmmakers new this was going to be a big deal. "You have to do what's best for the story," Goyer said about the scene, "This was a Superman who had only been Superman for like a week. He wasn't Superman as we think of from the DC Comics...he'd only flown for the first time a few days before that (https://www.google.com/amp/s/ew.com/article/2015/10/29/david-goyer-superman-kill-zod/%3famp=true)." At the end of the day though, Man Of Steel still did what Superman Returns didn't, and that's get people talking about Superman again. Now let's get into the even more divisive follow-up.
Batman v Superman is NOT Really That Bad
This is the film people have been waiting decades for. Batman, the world's greatest detective, and Superman, America's greatest boy scout, together on the big silver screen. And to say critics and audiences were divided on it would be very generous. People either love it, hate it or are overall mixed about it, even more so than Man Of Steel. Me though? I really like this film. I like how Batman is given a very valid reason not to trust Superman because he was there during the climax of Man of Steel. I also like how, unlike Zack Snyder's previous work, which were more action heavy, this film is more of a character drama before becoming an action movie in the climax (because it's a big budget superhero movie, duh). One of the biggest complaints regarding this film is the characterization of Batman and how in this film, Batman straight up kills people, thus breaking his unwritten rule. Yes, unwritten. While it's common for stories about Batman to have him be a pacifist, it's not a mandate that DC or Warner Bros. enforces. That said, it is understandable why Batman killing is a turn off for fans of the caped crusader. In this film, Batman is not who he used to be. He's cold, old and bitter, and has grown more harsh towards criminals. This is meant to be a direct contrast to Superman, who still has the decency to show mercy. Then there's Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of Lex Luther, which has been criticized as being quirky and goofy. You know, a necessary comic relief in an otherwise pretty grim film? Joking aside, Jesse Eisenberg gave a very good performance as Lex and made the character his own without mimicking previous portrayals of the character. There was also the criticism that this film was setting up events that would lead to the Justice League. As if the subtitle "Dawn of Justice" wasn't clear enough, the set up for Justice League was meant to be the icing on the cake. The fight with Doomsday makes for an entertaining and engaging climax, especially when it brings DC's iconic trinity (Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman) together for the first time. Many people complained that Superman died too soon and while that's fair, it was going to pay off in Justice League, which was going tk be an epic 2 part event that ends with Superman being brought back and the team battling Darkseid (DC's Thanos). It was going to make The Avengers look like a tea party...but then plans changed. Let's talk about it.
How Justice League Changed It's Plans
So this all started when Batman v Superman Superman underperformed. While it made $860 million on a budget of $250-$300 million, it should've made $1 billion no problem. Except there was a problem: competition. See, the film was originally going to come out on July 17, 2015, but was pushed to May 6, 2016 before settling on its March 26, 2016. Obviously, Warner Bros. thought audiences would see Batman v Superman more than Captain America: Civil War and obviously, they thought wrong. So, in an effort to try and salvage the DC brand, they changed their approach with Justice League. Instead of it being a 2 parter as initially planned, it was just going to be a stand alone feature that hopefully audiences would accept first, than they do a sequel. But then, towards the end of production, Zack Snyder stepped down as director because his daughter committed suicide and post-production was handled by Joss Whedon. The end result? Same as last time, unfortunately.
Justice League Is (Almost) Great
Once again, critics and audiences were divided on this film. I personally really like this film, but I still wished they went with their initial plans to make this a 2 parter. As it is, it's an entertaining and well made film. One of the main points of criticism is with the character of Steppenwolf, and I kinda see where they're coming from. Due to this film being changed from a 2 parter to a standalone, Steppenwolf is unfortunately left as the "appetizer villain" with Darkseid only being mentioned by name once. As is, he's fine. Ciaran Hinds gives a solid performance and he's enough of a threat for our heroes to stop. Another problem people seem to have with the film is Superman's CGI mouth. This was done because during reshoots, Henry Cavill was forbidden to shave his mustache while filming Mission Impossible: Fallout. It doesn't bother me unlike Mars Needs Moms, it's only in a few shots and I barely even noticed the first time around. The CGI in general has received alot of criticism, which I just don't see the problem. Maybe I'm just not as knowledgeable with how CGI actually works, but to me if it looks really enough for you to touch, the CGI artists did a good job. I've also tried to give CGI artists some credit because they don't get enough online or in mainstream criticism. Ever try working overtime for little to no pay to get an effect or a shot rendered before the deadline? That's what it's like for some CGI artists. While it's still eligible for criticism, it is NEVER okay to call it lazy. Sorry, went on a bit of a tangent, but you get my point. Justice League on it's own is entertaining and should've been the film DC and Warner Bros. needed to compete with Marvel. Unfortunately, it wasn't.
Conclusion
Justice League made $657 million on a budget of at least $300 million. When you add additional marketing costs, this film was a box office bomb and Warner Bros. lost $60 million on this film (https://deadline.com/2018/04/ready-player-one-steven-spielberg-opening-weekend-box-office-1202318581/). That's honestly really disappointing, because Zack Snyder, love him or hate him, truly did care about these characters and wanted to do them justice (no pun intended) in the most epic way he could. Yet the divisive critics and audience reactions, the stiff competition with Marvel and even the lost of his daughter prevented him from making the movies he wanted and giving Warner Bros. and DC the results they needed. The upside? Aquaman did much better than anticipated (earning $1.148 billion on a budget of $160-$200 million) and DC has been on a role since. Plus, Zack Snyder is still getting work as his next film, Army of the Dead, is to be released on Netflix sometime this year (if not next). Sure, these films weren't everyone's cup of tea, but at least they were entertaining.
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