DC Universe 1: Superman

DCU 1: Superman (2025)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It took awhile to get around to watching this, but glad to have finally caught up. In some ways this follows the classic Superman lore a lot, and even introduces Krypto, Supergirl's dog. Supergril also makes a brief cameo, but is nothing like previous series have portrayed her thus far. There is a lot of mixing with the Justice Gang (replacing the previously well known Justice League in the DC fandom). It's rather hilarious recognizing some of the actors in the series, especially Green Lantern, as this is very different casting from previous iterations. There is a fair bit of humor mixed in, but a lot of high impact content, leaving this version with a mix of emotions that overall are enjoyable, but could turn the other way - especially as we seem to see a lot of the "Man of Steel" not being so invincible after all. The addition of the robots are also an oddity, especially against the name "Fortress of Solitude."

DC Extended Universe 15: Aquaman 2 [The Lost Kingdom]

DCEU 15: Aquaman 2 [The Lost Kingdom] (2023)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


DCU does not seem to be improving. Can't say I'm a fan of how they continue to paint Aquaman as a bit of a lumbering drunk while still trying to be a hero and king. Arthur must seek help from his brother Orm who is currently imprisoned. Meanwhile, the Atlantis council seems to block every opportunity for peace and coexistence while casting doubts on his rule and Black Mantis is back with even more deadly power backing him to cause trouble for both land and sea. While there is technically still a bit of family infighting given the king behind Black Mantis' power is their own ancestor's brother, Arthur's immediate family has a bit of a turning point and several realizations along this journey that hopefully will mean further improvements in the future. 

The Batman

The Batman (2022)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Trying to catch up a bit on my super hero/comic movies and realized I hadn't yet seen Pattinson's version of Batman. Not exactly the first actor that comes to mind for a dark, broody, action packed role, but did okay. This time around, it turns out there may be some bad blood in the Wayne family past, and Bruce himself is about the must human we've seen of a Batman in awhile. Sure, he's still the Dark Knight, but he doesn't have as many of the fancy gadgets or the smooth moves that are more common in the other films. On the other hand, this Batman seems to make a deliberate choice to be a hero in the light more than a vigilante in the dark. Not a favorite film, but enjoyed it a lot more than expected given it's another reboot and we know the previous Batman is most likely to continue as part of the DCEU.... or will he given the addition of the multiverse?

DC Extended Universe 11: Black Adam

DCEU 11: Black Adam (2022)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This plays a bit off of Shazam, which anyone will recognize with the lightning symbol and the power phrase. Unlike the more comedic version, this one is a bit darker however, which the name "Black Adam" may indicate. There's a whole history with magicians and demons, slavery and power, and lots of death. Black Adam isn't your usual hero. Some don't consider him a hero at all. But it seems he's just the sort of hero the people of his country need, even if the Justice Society isn't as quick to agree. Those who have followed the DCU may also recognize a certain government agent from the previous movie, The Suicide Squad.

DC Extended Universe 10: The Suicide Squad

DCEU 10: The Suicide Squad (2021)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


While this is the sequel to Suicide Squad, apparently adding "The" to the title is supposed to be enough of a difference to tell the two movies apart at a glance. Realistically though, this is just as much of a cluster as the first one was. This particular group clearly is not to my taste in the comic universes. While there are pieces that add humor, the overall movie is haphazard, gory, and vulgar. Not my cup of tea at all.

DC Extended Universe 9: Wonder Woman 2 [1984]

DCEU 9: Wonder Woman 2 [1984] (2020)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Diana has to make some hard choices as she comes up against what her purpose in life really is and how her desires weigh into the cost not just for herself, but for the rest of the world, too. She'll have to convince not just Maxwell Lord and Cheetah, who help set everything in motion, but the rest of the world to put everything back to rights. Don't stop watching when the credits roll though, or you'll miss another easter egg from the Amazons. Though this comes out later in the series following the release order, it actually fits much earlier in the series if you're watching chronologically. 

Joker

Joker (2019)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This is the story of Arthur Fleck and how he transforms from a rather disturbed stand up comedian and clown into the serial killer known as the Joker. Not overly thrilling or engaging, but there are throw backs to the original story line and Joker design that will draw in any longer-standing Batman fan. The film does pick up significantly towards the end as Arthur's world ultimately unravels and he takes on the Joker persona full time.

DC Extended Universe 6: Aquaman

DCEU 6: Aquaman (2018)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Admittedly, it took me much longer to see this than it maybe should have. Haven't been as excited about the DC Universe new releases, though Aquaman does appear to be one of the better ones. Despite the frequent flashbacks, rather forced denial, and more than a little bit of predictability even if you didn't know the original comics at all, the movie was overall well made and performed. I started it thinking that it was already late and I might need to pause and finish the next night after work. Ended it glad that I'd finally sat down to watch it and enjoyed the story all on the same night.

DC Extended Universe 3: Suicide Squad

DCEU 3: Suicide Squad (2016)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


This is one of the most disjointed movies I've seen. We see brief glimpses of the actual heroes (Batman, Flash, Superman) when villains are originally apprehended. While those glimpses are consistent with the other movies in this segment, it seems an odd add on when the rest of the movie focuses solely on the villains (even if they are technically working for the "good guys" this time around). In the end, I'm really not sure what purpose this film was supposed to have in the overall lineup. Hopefully it'll come through in the future, because right now it's just the strangest cluster I've seen in a very long time.

DC Extended Universe 5: Justice League

DCEU 5: Justice League (2017)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this movie despite being a little put off right off the bat that they did not keep iconic characters the same as already established (like the Flash) similar to how the MCU merges their movie and TV line-ups. DC is going an entirely different route and intentionally trying to keep the two separate. Don't know how that will work for them long term, as it currently seems like a good way to lose some of the fans who might only tune in because they love those established series already. Other than being a different actor, The Flash comes off as being severely unprepared and disjointed. His suite seriously looks like it's held together by elastic bands and is just beyond awkward. Superman's resurrection was also done differently, though we all knew it had to be coming with the prior foreshadowing and knowing he's a big part of the JL from all the promotional stuff, let alone anyone knowing the original comics. I can't say it's my favorite superhero movie, but I can say I enjoyed it for the film it is. I'm not sure yet, given how knew it is comparatively speaking, the DCEU measures up to creating their own universe and connecting the movies along the way. They have potential. There will need to be more installments, and likely another JL movie before that can really be determined.

DC Extended Universe 4: Wonder Woman

DCEU 4: Wonder Woman (2017)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Diana/Wonder Woman has been one of the long standing icons of the JLA for as long as I can remember. She is also often overlooked when it comes to live action movies. This was a fun and action packed film that covers her life with the Amazons, training, and initial integration into human society. A little naive, there is a lot to learn about this world outside the Amazon's hidden island. While there is an overall good feel to the end of the movie, it can't be said that Diana gets a "happily ever after" like many films focus on. Rather, she seems to use sadness and loss to help temper her power and learn about herself. Admirable in the end, though any DC Universe fan knows she ends up the hero, not the villain.

The Lego Batman Movie

The Lego Batman Movie (2017)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I remember the first Lego movie felt like watching crack (and the second one from Frozen wasn't much better). Just like the others, the humor here is over the top and redundant. Batman especially is overly antagonistic and often downright cruel while supposedly being oblivious to his carelessness and self-centered personality. Not exactly endearing in any sense. Yes, the original Batman was a loner and had security issues of his own leading to the creation of the "masked vigilante." He did, however, appear to have more empathy and concern for Gotham than this rendition portrayed. An interesting watch, but definitely not something I'd necessarily want to watch again in the near future.

DC Extended Universe 2: Batman v Superman [Dawn of Justice]

DCEU 2: Batman v Superman [Dawn of Justice] (2016)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This does not start out like your usual film for either hero. Batman comes across as more violent, not minding killing and branding to get his message across. Superman is trying to do good, but is framed for various violent and murderous deeds, leaving him wanted for justice by the U.S. courts and other portions of the world all asking how/to whom Superman is accountable. This and the deaths resulting from Superman's battle in Man of Steel. Batman lets his fear of the unknown push him to nearly become the villain, nearly killing Superman himself before a plea to help save someone (conveniently sharing his late mother's name) snaps him out of it and the first glimpse of the JLA is born. Wonder Woman makes a brief cameo and converses with Bruce at Clark's funeral. Thankfully from the teasers at the end, the closed casket won't be staying that way for long. It seemed rather surreal that they would kill Superman with Doomsday just as they were starting the foundation for the JLA series. It will be interesting to see how exactly they engineer his return and what kind of commotion that is going to cause on top of his already god-like references that were being tossed around before his "death."

Lucifer

Lucifer (2016)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Based solely on the DC Comics character, Lucifer Morningstar (better known from The Sandman), this TV series tells the tale of what happens when the devil decides to go on vacation in Los Angeles... indefinitely. Given the main character, I was somewhat prepared to find the series too dark or distasteful for me and not like it. I was pleasantly surprised to find it borders on a certain type of lackadaisical sarcasm and humor that you can't help but enjoy it. Lucifer himself reminds us a little of a young Castle on crack - both constantly talking about insane stories they are peddling as the "truth," both sticking their nose where they most certainly are not wanted, both attracted to a female detective, both solving their own types of crime. We'll see if it holds true to the end, but right now it's too funny to mind the biblical references.

Legends of Tomorrow

Legends of Tomorrow (2016)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This show has potential as it pulls a lot of "secondary" heroes that we've seen in Arrow & The Flash. Even some of the villains are pulled into the team. The premise is that these would-be heroes have to travel through time to try and stop Vandal Savage from essentially destroying everything (and Rip Hunter's family in the processes). Of course, as Hunter's mission isn't "sanctioned" by those governing time, they're also being chased by bounty hunters and have to pick the truth out of Hunter's lies to accomplish their mission. Too bad Savage didn't stay dead thanks Malcome Merlin the last time they met.

Supergirl

Supergirl (2015)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I was skeptical of the new Supergirl TV series to start off with, but have been pleasantly surprised so far as the series has continued to grow. There is some definite crossover with images from the most recent Man of Steel movie, leaving the option open to bring Supergirl in to the DC movie universe at a future date as well. Not a bad move considering their current work on the Justice League and creating their own cohesive universe much like the MCU has done. It will be interesting to see how the series continues on it's own or melding with the movies. Hopefully similar to how Agents of S.H.I.E.D. has closely followed the MCU releases with their content.

The Flash

The Flash (2014)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


The Flash is another DC Comics adaptation that originated when Barry visited Oliver in Arrow. The two shows continue to crossover with one character visiting the other for information or the occasional help on a case. Could add to some confusion if you don't happen to follow both series. Most fans of one probably enjoy the other however, and having the two run in tandem makes for a more special treat.

Gotham

Gotham (2014)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Commissioner James Gordon had to start somewhere on the Gotham police force. This series largely focuses on his story and just how dirty Gotham was even before he and Batman joined forces. Bruce Wayne is young and newly orphaned, trying to make sense of Gotham's political climate and how it's police force works as he tries to solve the mystery behind his parents murder. Many other familiar names are tossed into the works - Cat Woman, Two Face, Riddler, Poison Ivy, and others can all be recognized by their original younger identities before they become Batman's nemesis. Not as thrilling of a story line, but still interesting and worth some amusement if you like Batman in general.

DC Extended Universe 1: Man of Steel

DCEU 1: Man of Steel (2013)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this re-launch. The movie starts out with a new twist on Superman's beginning and actually starts with his birth on Krypton. Louise isn't the clueless and helpless damsel in distress when it comes to Superman. Rather, she digs up Clark's identity before he himself is sure of who he'll be to the public, helping cement his place as one of the "good guys" when Zod shows up and the fists start flying. They may have gone a little overboard with the Kryptonian fights, but did a really good job of making it more involved than the previous attempts while clearly showing Clark's struggle as he tries to help the soldiers and determine exactly what he's going to stand for, proving through actions far more than words that he's there for the right reasons. Also must admit that the new uniform is big step up from the original, though it does still sport the traditional colors and the cape may be a little more extravagant than necessary. Guess it just adds to the drama with those silhouette shots that have the cape billowing behind him.

Smallville

Smallville (2001)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Admittedly, this is the one part of the Superman saga that I could not get into when it first came out. I had seen a few random episodes however and was curious how the entire story went. This series tells the story of Clark Kent as a teenager, during the time that he discovers and learns to control his powers prior to moving to Metropolis and becoming Superman. With the upcoming re-launch, Man of Steel, I was curious enough to pick this up and see what I was missing. Not as good as the movies to me, and there are definitely a lot of inconsistencies between some of the characters, but overall still a good story.