Fandom Fatigue
Anyway, with the holiday slow down at my job, I've been able to reacquaint myself with the geeky, nerdy girl inside me! It's been so much fun! The reason this has happened really is the lack of political podcasts during the last week because everyone is on vacation. Political and philosophical is usually my go to, but I was all caught up on that mostly before Christmas, and I also needed a break from that! The other thing that happened recently was the release of the new Superman trailer. My Facebook feed became flooded with the massive commentary from all different sides of the Fandom. I quickly realized that yes, there are sides. Sad. As I delved into the commentary and left a few remarks of my own, I got even more of this commentary on my feed. I think I'm now a "top fan" on many comic pages, and I've probably followed, liked, or joined a dozen new comic fan pages. Haha!
So, I went down the rabbit hole. I've been a little out of the loop on all of this because I'm a busy woman! I've heard various things here and there about Warner Bros, DC, James Gunn, Zack Snyder, etc, but haven't been paying too close attention to it. I think I'm all caught up now having listened to many comic fan channels on YouTube! Thanks to all the commentators out there who are willing to geek out and talk about it. I'm getting up to speed on all of it. I actually kind of wish I had the time to have my own channel to geek out on, but I'm a writer, so here I go!
First off, why am I a fan/geek? Well, I think it's because of my mom! There was a time in her life when she read tons of sci-fi books and she has always been a TV junkie. She has always been a seamstress and worked early mornings most of the time. Her job always allowed her to be entertained while working. While fixing/making clothes she always worked with the TV on or the radio on, but mostly the TV.
I grew up watching Hercules the Legendary Journey, Xena Warrior Princess, Lois and Clark the new
If that's not enough, and to really drive this point home I will also mention my dad. An astronomy and physics professor who named me after a comet. A man whose hobbies included fossil hunting, rock collecting, learning about the Titanic, Hindenburg, Apollo 13, and of course Star Wars. A very interesting man whose curiosity was always alive. Some might say that that stuff is geeky, and yeah, sometimes it is, but to me the best parts of my education came from home. My parents were just both so unique and wonderful. They truly exemplified a love for learning! I suppose that's why I love to learn.....even about the comic book universe!
I wouldn't consider myself a comic book purist. I rarely read the comic books and I'll admit that I haven't been all that familiar with them. I have done some research about them though. I suppose that's why I'm more open to new story lines. I'm okay with someone taking a comic book character and writing a new story for them. There are plenty of people out there that like the comic stories and still ask questions. What if this? What if that? How could this come about? What would Superman do if this happened? I think there is, or should be room for some thinking outside the box, or new creativity. I get that some people take that as insulting; as if the new creator is disrespecting the source material. Many fans regard the source material as perfect and hold the view that it should never be changed, challenged, or questioned. There is utterly no space for that. All the comic movies have really become their own genre and can stand on their own as that. They are a newer, modern version or interpretation, however loosely, or tightly based on the source material.
The recent issues with Marvel and one reason I can't watch anymore, is that everything has become a joke. The movies are full of badly placed humor, unnecessary joking and instead of the story lines suffering because of too many action scenes, they suffer from too many bad jokes and lazy content. Let's not mention the insufferable actors and directors. Marvel has literally turned the Superheroes into jokes that can no longer be taken seriously. Perhaps that is by design. James Gunn has said things about how these comic book characters should not and could not ever be taken seriously. He wants to make fun of them on some level it seems.
As a kid, reading or watching the comics or cartoons, these characters are your heroes, and there is
Okay, back to the movies! There comes a serious question as to what exactly the fans want out of these movies???? It's exactly like what happened to Disney live action versions. Those came about not because anyone asked, but perhaps a desperate attempt to relive the glory days, and exploit the heartstrings of fans to give the sinking ship more money. In the beginning of the string of live actions I think some people wondered what it could be like if they added more to the story, they challenged the material a little and tried to make it better. The reviews of these movies have been extremely mixed. As it started, some complained about the cute animal sidekicks being reanimated. So, Mulan came along and they axed her cute animal sidekick. Overall I think most people liked that movie, BUT a large portion of the fan base cried over not seeing Mushu or some version of him, and it ruined the whole movie for them!
Some movies were praised for expanded backstory of the characters. They have been both praised and ridiculed for CGI usage. Let's not talk about the time when they tried to turn Will Smith into some Kool-aid dyed version of the cartoon genie. I really wish they would not have done that. Now they are criticized for race swapping, more CGI, new annoying music, and even making carbon copies of the animated version. Halle Bailey's vocals were enough to win some over, but most dreamed of seeing the fair skinned red head again. Because that's my favorite Disney movie I just want to say: sorry everybody Halle was great! I admired the way she embodied the character, and her vocals were spot on. This made me not think so much about the difference in appearance.
When Disney made their original animated adaptations no one complained about how they differed from the source material. No complaints probably because very few were familiar with the source material and if they stayed true to source material Disney would have become the most famous horror movie company instead of children's entertainment company. Can you imagine that? They did something unique. They took the best of the source material and adapted it for children and changed the tragic endings into happy ones. The morals of those stories are unforgettable, that's why they are timeless.
Back when the Snyderverse started I will admit I was not paying attention. I was getting married, going on a long health journey, working, and having children. I was however paying attention to Cavill. He was in The Count of Monte Cristo, one of my favorite books and movies. The end of the movie differed dramatically from the book, but I was okay with it. I somehow maintained respect for both as both were excellent pieces of art in their own right. I remember wishing Cavill was the lead in Stardust instead of the very small role he played. Anyway, when Snyder's versions came on the scene I had heard the controversy and if I'm being honest, I was not interested in a Batman vs. Superman movie. I avoided the controversy because it was just too intense for me. I actually did not see the movies until about 6 years ago when my mom, of course, gushed about some of the DC movies. She's a big fan of Jason Momoa and The Rock! Haha! So, again my mother roped me in, and I was hooked!
At this point I had given up on Marvel mostly, although I enjoyed Spider-man with Tom Holland. After being introduced to Man of Steel, I loved it. I couldn't help but love a world where Henry Cavill was Superman, Amy Adams was Lois Lane, Kevin Costner Jonathan Kent, and Russell Crowe was Jor-EL. I was hesitant to watch Batman vs. Superman, but I did and was pleasantly surprised. I have not been a huge fan of Ben Afleck and I just couldn't see him as Batman, but again I was surprised. He did a decent job and he fit the way the character was written. I was disturbed by Jesse Eisenburg's Lex Luthor!
My mind was amazed at what took place in these movies! Snyder has said he was influenced mostly by Frank Miller's comics, which I'm not familiar with. Snyder did something I can really respect and appreciate! He took the characters and loosely used the comic stories and he asked questions! Exactly some of the questions I've had over the years about Superman. What if the world wasn't ready for him? How would our government really react to him? Would he be held responsible for people he couldn't save or people that became collateral damage in the midst of a bigger threat? I'm glad Snyder had the courage to explore these possibilities. He created a darker Superman, more serious, a little broody, and realistically wrestling with his secret. The weight of this secret gets heavier for Clark to bare as his father sacrificed his life for him to keep it.
Okay, I get why people don't like it, it's not what happened in the comics or any other TV or movie
When people complain about the seriousness of the content, or that it's darker, I just can't fully understand that. There really is a seriousness to the original story isn't there? If you just want heroics, bright colors, and happiness all the time, maybe go watch the cartoons! It does look like that's what James Gunn will give you. But the same people complaining about the serious, dark, broody tone from Snyder are also loving the trailer that shows us a bloodied, beaten Superman in the first image. Yes that's the 1st image James Gunn wants you to see, then he very boldly reminds you with large sparkly letters and inspirational dramatic music that he is directing this movie. If that's not enough he's also going to remind you that he brought you Guardians of the Galaxy! We have all been desensitized to the circus that Marvel has become, so that's what you want, or at least what you expect!
Before I say anything else about James Gunn, I will say I watched Guardians of the Galaxy one day when my kids were sick and sleeping. I did not know who James Gunn was, and knew nothing about him at the time. I did not like those movies despite really liking Chris Pratt. They just weren't for me. I just am not a fan of James Gunn's work. To me it's very juvenile, and maybe I don't get his humor, but I don't think he's funny. My first impressions make sense to me now that I've researched him more. To say that he will save DC is taking it too far. I realize he all too willingly inherited a sinking ship, but it seems to me he's made it worse since he got there. He has been caught in many lies as well.
I'm a positive person, so I hope he surprises me. I want to like this new movie. I have no issue with the casting. From the trailer, I already feel overwhelmed by the vast number of characters and underwhelmed by most of the scenes. I almost feel like he's going to try to tell too many stories at once and no story will actually be told. When he said he wanted Lois and Clark to have good "sexual chemistry", I thought that was strange. You can't just say they have "good chemistry"? We get the idea!
Hasn't he learned it's better to just not talk about these things? Don't give your critics more reasons to criticize you. If you just put your head down and work hard to put out the best you can, then the critics will at least respect you even if they don't like the movie. It has become extremely hard for critics to not respect Henry Cavill and it's easier to blame Zack Snyder or the WB studio, at least that's the buzz! After going back and watching press tour interviews with Snyder and Cavill, I can't help but respect them and their vision.
Okay, so, do I agree with any criticisms of Snyderverse? Yes, actually I do! To those that say it lacks some substance, Cavill was more there for eye candy, the writing wasn't the best, the Kryptonian start was too long or "clunky". I'm with you on some of that! I really loved the story line and I thought the writing was pretty good! I had no issue with the story itself, and I really enjoyed the flashback sequences for back story! However, I found myself wanting more script for Cavill. It could be argued that there did need to be a little more development of his character, but it was a movie not a TV series. I think we've gotten used to the long drawn out series where there's plenty of time to unwrap the character. I don't think you can fairly compare Superman and Lois writing to that of Man of Steel. In the time alotted, it was well done!
Another place that lacked development was Lois and Clark's relationship. Zack Snyder doesn't direct too many love scenes and it kind of showed. There was a lot of looks, and then they kiss. I would have enjoyed at least one more scene, conversation, or a little more flirtation to deepen that romantic side of the relationship. I do think it was better in Batman v. Superman. All of this could have been achieved by shortening the beginning scenes in Krypton. That part was a little long and drawn out.
There was a large focus on getting Cavill to look the part physically. I think they exceeded there! This is what Cavill brought to the role; the determined dedication and grit. He refused muscle suits with padding and CGI enhancement! This made it pure and more authentic. Although it is true he wore a suit that was formed to his own muscles that added some extra definition. He brought that other-worldly Kryptonian look to it! It did seem that Cavill was eye candy for much of the movie due to lack of lines.
I realize I'm biased......I'm a woman with eyes, haha! But what do the men have to say about it? I've heard nothing but utter respect for the most part! Henry Cavill was accused along with Hugh Jackman of creating "unrealistic and unhealthy body standards for men". When confronted with this accusation, Henry invited his host to go to the gym and get in shape. Before I say what I'm about to say, I want to clarify that I'm no feminist especially by modern standards. Well, well, well, how does it feel men? How does it feel to be held to a higher standard physically? I'd really like to know! Women have always been held to a high standard physically. Haha! It's not merely enough for women to be thin or a healthy weight, but that's acceptable for men. As long as men aren't fat, it's okay. By the way, how is it unrealistic if many men achieve this standard, I mean they got there somehow. I'm married to one who achieves all sorts of standards physically! How is it unhealthy? It's only unhealthy if it causes some body image issues for you, or you push yourself too hard, and I'm not sure what that looks like. The too hard, too much line could be different for everyone.
kid too! As Henry says "once a fat kid, always a fat kid"! I can relate! Having been on my own weight loss journey and knowing how hard it is, I have great respect for Cavill! I do wish the script would have allowed Henry to showcase his great sense of humor, or personality just a little more, and no, not with a poorly placed joke. Haha! After watching the extended cuts, I was more satisfied. This is less of an issue in the extended cut.
Overall the story line suffered a bit. It continually came in 2nd to the action. I find this is an issue with every new super hero movie. For me, there was too much action, violence, and profanity at times. I'm a mom and prefer to watch movies with my kids. As a general rule I don't watch anything that I wouldn't let my kids watch. I'm not 100% faithful to that, obviously. I made an exception for my mom, and all the media buzz! I would be okay with a more kid friendly version of the DCEU.
With all of that being said, I appreciate the show don't tell approach, Snyder took. I know that is highly criticized and many feel that Snyder didn't understand Clark's character as human or Superman. I loved that he showed us Clark in disguise going all over doing different jobs to help people. I loved the Good Samaritan vibe! All of those complaining about Superman not saving anyone but Lois.....sorry you're wrong. He saves a lot of people throughout the series: the oil riggers, girl in the fire, and not to mention the world! Nah, he wasn't saving some lady or kid every 10 seconds cause he was just busy saving the world. No biggy!
I actually liked that Lois sought him out and figured out his secret; she earned it. This built a special trust that led to their romantic relationship. Isn't that what she does in the real story; only superman verifies it by telling her eventually? So what if she figured it out before he became Superman. We have series that go on and on before Lois finally knows. So, you tell me, when is the appropriate time for that reveal? Is it different for movie vs. TV series. I would say yes, and it depends on the story line. Bottom line is that there are many time lines and ways to do this. Snyder chose this way, why is it such a hang up? Is it that the comic purist wants every version the exact same? I don't get that. Smallville was vastly different from Superman and Lois, which differed from the Dean Cain version, just to compare some TV versions.
All of this begs the question, again. What exactly is it that people want out of these movies? If a movie or series is made and it's not what you would see in your own head, then we must hate it, shut it down, and rip it to shreds. The comments on social media are brutal, wow, from both sides of the aisle. I know, I know everyone is a critic, including myself.
Snyder is accused of breaking the no kill rule. Alright I get it. We don't usually see superheroes doing this. Snyder brought DC comics into the real life world. Instead of recreating a fantasy world he inserted the fantasy into the very real life world, our world. He didn't just slap the comic up on the big screen and recreate it, which doesn't always translate well. He wanted his super heroes to face that possibility. Is it really possible to be a super hero and never do this? In the comic books yes, I guess. There would be situations that might arise where this is a very real possibility. I don't think it's a far fetched concept, even for comics, but if that ruins the hero for you well, then I guess it does. I will admit, this was not something I particularly liked or enjoyed about the Man of Steel and Batman v Superman. It wasn't a deal breaker for me though.
It can't be denied that Snyder made profits for the WB studio and DC IP. The executives admitted that much. It's true that those movies opened to mixed reviews and although made a profit, it wasn't as much as expected. What's also true is that it didn't really start tanking until after Snyder left due to a family tragedy. Other movies faced negative press with the delayed release of Aquaman 2 due to the very public defamation case involving Amber Heard. The Flash faced controversy over allegations against Ezra Miller. Other movies were just pushed out too fast and not done well at all. James Gunn admittedly gave notes or feedback on those movies before their release. Not sure to what extent that was, but all have failed. Is it time to just move the IP to a different company, or maybe just stop for awhile? WB studios is losing money, so I guess they have keep trying.
for not really good reasons. I guess it just wasn't meant to be and it's time to move on. If Snyder or any original cast wanted to continue in the near future and another studio dared take it on, I'd like to see Snyderverse continue, but I realize this is highly unlikely. Although it veered from the comic books, I still found it compelling. Regardless of how you feel about it, it won't be forgotten! Now we will never know if Snyder meant to really make Superman into the bad guy (eventually turn him evil), if it was just more of man's fears playing out, or the premonition and answers to save Superman from becoming evil. This is another point of controversy, how dare he do that! No one can argue that Snyder was the man that took us where no one dared go with the comics, I suppose. An interesting premise for sure.
Despite what has been, or what's to come, I'm sure there's a version that satisfies you if you're into it! Now let's just chill and look forward to better things!
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