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."

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The original movie based on the book by Roald Dahl; this is an old-time classic that I remember from my own childhood. My daughter has recently taken a shine to the Oompa Loompa song, though we're unclear on where she heard it that it would become her recent obsession. As a result, we had a family night to watch the original movie together. While the story is more than a little quirky and meant to be humorous, there are also some good lessons scattered throughout. All in all, it's rather enjoyable, though you may want to be careful with a few of the scenes if you are prone to vertigo. Kids may also get an extra kick out of the Oompa Loompa songs as some of the lyrics are even in text while they sing and dance. It's also interesting to see when the kids clearly identify what some of the kids in the movie are clearly doing wrong or that wasn't good that landed them in various situations or why they may not "deserve" something. Now apply that to your own behavior and how does it measure up? 🤔

Wonka

Wonka (2023)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is very much a musical telling of Willy Wonka's childhood and early adventures trying to create is dream chocolate factory, including how he first meets an Oompa Loompa. While it seems the rest of the Oompa Loompas are back on the island, would have to imagine some sort of contact is made to bring more over and work in the factory given how many are there in the later films and story. Willy is a bit of a dreamer and idealist, to the point that he can't imagine someone meaning ill or doing wrong by another person. As a result, his own kindness is taken advantage of and it's only thanks to some unlikely friendships, a lot of creativity, and a bit of magic, that things turn out so well in the end. It's also rather bemusing that you can literally see the chief of police fattening up through the entire movie with all of his bribes. More than a few new relationships come out of the adventure though, both friendships and romance, and the dream takes flight. 

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. 

DC Extended Universe 14: Blue Beetle

DCEU 14: Blue Beetle (2023)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Jaime Reyes is just trying to get a job to help his family keep their house. His family are a group of odd-balls and conspiracy theorists who love to egg each other on. When he is charged with protecting the scarab, of course they get him to open the box, resulting in actually handling it and being chosen to be it's symbiotic host as the new Blue Beetle. There's no time to learn though Victoria Kord is convinced the scarab holds the key to her ultimate weapon, leading to the success and recognition she craves. She doesn't care who she has to destroy along the way to get what she wants. The Reyes family are a tight knit group though, and with a little help from Victoria's niece, Jenny Kord, who does not agree with using her father's legacy to create weapons, they might have a chance to turn things around. The movie itself is an odd mix of humor, trying to be action, and copying from other films (anyone else recognize that trunk jingle at the beginning reminiscent of Ant-Man?). A good portion of the movie is also in Spanish, so hope you don't mind subtitles. While it's okay overall, and I'm glad we saw it at least once so we won't be lost in later movies if they tie all together, can't say this one really rates too high or is likely to be repeated any time soon.

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 13: The Flash

DCEU 13: The Flash (2023)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Well, technically we had the Arrowverse first, then MCU debuted the Multiverse, and now we have specifically the multiverse referenced here in this movie for the DCEU. Barry wants his mom back, however, it's not as simple as just saving one person and the timeline remains intact. Through a series of misadventures and unfortunately events, Barry is reminded what it's like not to be the Flash and has to watch as the world has changed and falls apart around him while he's helpless to do anything to help.... or is he? Have to admit, I'm still partial to the previous Flash from the Arrowverse rather than this awkward one from the movies. We get several different Batmans, and even some flashbacks to previous Batman and Superman series.

DC Extended Universe 12: Shazam! 2 [Fury of the Gods]

DCEU 12: Shazam! 2 [Fury of the Gods] (2023)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Surprisingly, despite all of the immature chaos and lack of cohesion, this is one of the better DCEU films recently. Billy and his family are still very awkward, but they learn some big lessons in this addition to the series and really come together as an actual family. Billy even sort of gets his wish with Wonder Woman stepping in at the end. A tad confusing though with the reference to no other gods and both the Justice League and the Justice Society, and yet no one seems to have a clue about Black Adam, even though he has the same power as Shazam. Convenient plot whole so they could bring in Wonder Woman or something else? They even give a nod to the MCU in the end there with the "Avenger's Society".

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.

Barbie

Barbie (2023)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Pleasantly surprised how much we enjoyed this movie. There's still a decent amount of cringe in the movie overall, but it's all tastefully put together so it's an enjoyable comedy with a heavy dose of fantasy and a tad of adventure added in. For those of us who grew up when Aqua's I'm A Barbie Girl debuted can pick out the song in the end credits - though it's Nicki Minaj's Barbie World version with the original song layered underneath. The new rap tune is turned up so loud in the theater that you really have to know the song or be paying attention to pick up Aqua's original mixed in with it. A nice bit of nostalgia that is very appropriate to the movie choice. The whole movie truthfully isn't just about playing with dolls, but finding your place and worth in life. Many women seem to be identifying especially with Gloria's rant at the turning point of the film. Spot on. 

Fantastic Beasts 2: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Fantastic Beasts 2: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I may have accidentally watched these out of order, so there were several things that made more sense after watching this. Grindelwald also changes appearance rather significantly between the first movies and the last one, which is also confusing. We see more of Dumbledore and the older Hogwarts though, which is interesting to compare to films that take place later in the story. For example: how does Dumbledore go from wearing smart three piece suits in this trilogy to wearing flowing wizard gowns in the original Harry Potter series? Not sure we'll ever get answers to some of these oddities, but they are indeed still odd and interesting to observe.

Fantastic Beasts 3: The Secrets of Dumbledore

Fantastic Beasts 3: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A bit quirky and amusing, but also has it's fill of darker moments as things certainly don't go according to plan entirely. There are at least a few happy endings, though still some ambiguity as well. Also curious if we ever learn exactly how and when Dumbledore goes from wearing 3-piece suits and close shaved bears to full length beards and long flowing robes... seems a rather dramatic change for the character, though the suits also seem to fit in better with the general population and clothes worn by the public in the film.

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. 

ER

ER (1994)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I have vague memories of watching this with my mom as a child. Kind of surprised she'd be okay with all of the adult themes, death, blood, etc, though it is in a rather tame and contained manner for the most part. The series focuses more on the hospital staff rather than the patients they see and medical conditions they encounter like House. For the most part, after all the other high intensity or action series we follow, this feels a little flat.

DC Extended Universe 8: Birds of Prey & the Fabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn

DCEU 8: Birds of Prey & the Fabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This is a rather odd movie, and the title is more than a mouthful. Harley Quinn joins up rather oddly with a strange gang of misfits, every single one of them female. There seems to be a never ending slew of trouble and people they've gotten in deep with. Harley doesn't have to be with the Joker to still be a little crazy.... but then she did willingly follow Joker into the acid bath that twisted her brain even further to match his. It's good for a few laughs, but still leaves you wondering what exactly you just watched, too.

DC Extended Universe 7: Shazam!

DCEU 7: Shazam! (2019)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


There wasn't anything overly thrilling or exciting in this movie. If anything, the main character comes off as very awkward and a little obsessed. Borders almost on a drama/comedy scale than an action scale for a superhero movie. Also lighter than a lot of the other DC hero moves tend to be. Didn't expect much of the movie since we heard a lot of negative reviews beforehand, but being part of the DC Universe, still felt like we needed to give it a chance and hopefully also be able to see how it ties in to the rest of the universe building into the Justice League.

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.

Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider (2018)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This was an interesting movie. Very different than the originals, and inconsistent as well, so it cannot be seen as a true prequel. Still, if just watched as a stand alone film with no tie to any of the other media or releases for the character thus far, it's entertaining. Not my favorite of the Tom Raider films so far, but not bad.

Isn't It Romantic

Isn't It Romantic (2019)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not my usual type of movie pic, but when trapped on a 9+ hour flight, why not?! I was pleasantly surprised with how I enjoyed this film. Plenty of clinches; the whole story is basically one joke after another all rolled into a big cliche sandwich. Still, it's enjoyable for all it's predictability, and the music is entertaining.