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Justice League trailers: Here's what worked and what didn't

Justice League trailers: Here's what worked and what didn't

The guesses are from the trailers and we really hope we're wrong about some of these.
Updated 29 Mar, 2017

The new Justice League trailer came out over the weekend and that paired with it's previous trailer, I have mixed feelings about the upcoming film.

I have a lot of faith in Zack Snyder. His direction style is unique to him and judging from his previous works like Watchmen and the extended cut of Batman VS Superman (which allowed comic book fans to forgive him), he is a geek who loves DC. And it's apparent in the latest Justice League trailer.

The thing is I'm a geek too. And while I can forgive certain departures from the comic books — because they're either not that big a deal or well translated for the filmverse — I'm on the fence about some liberties taken in the two Justice League trailers.

Here are a few things which worked in the trailers and what didn't.

What worked: Aquaman finally looks like the King of the Seven Seas

There are very few people who can argue against this. For a long time, Aquaman hasn't been a fan favourite mainly because he didn't have a hero-like appearance. A blond man, covered in orange and green scales, riding dolphins (or worse, a seahorse) didn't exactly look the part. It was a relief when he got a great makeover for the animated series, but it's Snyder who's respected the King of Atlantis like he truly deserves and given him this badass look.

No one's complaining about the new look, including us!
No one's complaining about the new look, including us!

The new look makes up for some acting flaws, like the fact that Arthur Curry seems to fluctuate between acting too casual — rather than coming across as 'royalty' — and not. He behaves more like Lobo than the ruler of 70 per cent of the world. But hey, he looks great! Plus, there's a glimpse of Queen Mera in the trailer as well. Can't wait for that!

What didn't work: Green Lantern being MIA

Okay, Snyder is showing a New 52 Justice League where Cyborg is established as one of the founders. While many would still prefer his presence in Teen Titans, we can't deny he was a core member in New 52. That event has taken place in the comics, even though many readers have opposed New 52.

But what's really hard to ignore is the absence of Green Lantern in the movie.

Green Lantern was in the original Justice League team AND the new one
Green Lantern was in the original Justice League team AND the new one

We get it... the Ryan Reynolds-starrer Green Lantern was an embarrassment to the DC cinematic universe (it was as bad as Batman and Robin, you know it's true) but that doesn't mean we shelf the guardian! It's hard enough for me to let go of Martian Manhunter but no 'Beware my power, Green Lanterns light'?! Cast a new guy and get on with it, please.

What worked: Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne

It's easy to be the superhero. It's easy to wear a mask and perform heroic acts (most of which are carried out by a trusty stunt double). Heck, George Clooney did it. (Yes, I am very bitter about that, okay?) The real challenge lies in being the secret identity, being Bruce Wayne and Ben Affleck plays the role very well. He proved it in Batman VS Superman, with many critics who didn't even like the movie claiming he was the best thing about the flick. He captures the attitude brilliantly and we're getting what we want by seeing him reprising the role again.

What didn't work: Flash looks like Kid Flash

For the universe this is set in, with such a mature Bruce Wayne and a 'yet to appear' Superman, it's a little odd to see Barry Allen so young. For a moment I thought it was Wally West. Instead, we're shown a scene too reminiscent of Iron man meeting Spiderman in Captain America: Civil War -- though it made sense in that film!

There's a huge Flash family, take your pick!
There's a huge Flash family, take your pick!

Even though we enjoyed the scene in terms of dialogues and humour, it just doesn't connect well with me here. Flash seems fun but this doesn't seem like Barry Allen to us. I'm sure there are many fans of the series who won't like what I'm saying but if you look at the broader aspect here of Justice League, it might make sense. Which Flashpoint paradox has taken place here? I guess only time will tell.

Considering Flash is potentially one of the most powerful superheros out there, I hope you justify this, Snyder.

What worked: The quirky humor

While we don't appreciate Flash's age, we did get a chuckle out of the scene from the first trailer. It captured Flash's sense of humor. And for most characters there are witty remarks.

In an attempt to get rid of cheesy zingers from the golden era, the DC cinematic universe has been showing a lot of dark elements and has a considerably slow pace. In all this it sort of lost the charm that is associated with the heroes in the comics. But this trailer shows glimpses of humour. From Batsy's witty replies to Aquaman's playful jabs, it seems some quirks are returning.

What didn't work: The dark visual tone

The visual tone of the trailers was way too reminiscent of Watchmen and while that film was perfectly executed according to the graphic novel, Justice League doesn't require the same dark tone. Snyder's high colour contrast maybe his signature style, but we'd like a little sun here and there. This isn't just a Batman flick. Even the humourous exchange between Bruce and Barry is visually very dark. Throw some brights in, man.

The dark visuals make the battle scenes in the trailer seem too empty. The setting makes it seem like there was a battleground waiting for the heroes to continue the war. While we can't gather much from a trailer to make such assumptions, this has me concerned.

What worked: The character sequences and music

All the trailers have amazing music and knowing Snyder, there's going to be a great soundtrack. And also, Snyder does a great job of bringing amazing panels from the comic books to life onscreen. And considering how brilliantly the shots of Flash running have been done, how well the scenes of Aquaman in water are and also the mini clips of other characters are shown, you know it's been done well. Our only worry is the pacing, but if it panes out well, it can work.

I mean, come on, this guy has a point.

I really hope we're wrong about what didn't work in the trailer. I choose to remain optimistic due to my fandom for Aquaman.


The writer can be reached on Twitter.

Comments

Hassaan khalid Mar 28, 2017 07:51pm
I agree with this article, the look indeed is too dark, set in an unrealistic world. I also disapprove of the New 52 justice league, but I think that the flash looks fine, he looks young but not like the Kid Flash. Good article though
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Ahmer Mar 28, 2017 09:44pm
I like that it is Dark. I hope it doesn't become Disney-sque like what Marvel is becoming now. My qualm is with Green Lantern and Martian Man-Hunter being MIA. Come on, they are the founding fathers. Also yes, they could've used slightly older Flash amid all the quirky humor.
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Ali Yusuf Qureshi Mar 28, 2017 09:46pm
Excuse me, madam author, but Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne actually doesn't work for me. Let alone as Batman. You claim to be a geek? My my the bar is certainly set low it seems. The humor is not quirky, it is in fact quite base that be-little's the stature of the characters who are being portrayed. Batman is made out to be almost out of control vigilante with unshaven face. The whole endeavor lacked class. Probably playing too much for the mindset of the millennials I guess. The author has just brushed the topic superficially. Typical for this generation.
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Jamil Mar 29, 2017 05:24am
They are so much boring looking compared to Avengers... Avengers all the way.
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Om Mar 29, 2017 08:28am
We should be careful in introducing such violent heroes to our generation.
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Ghinva Raza Mar 29, 2017 10:10am
Not a big Ben Affleck or Justice League fan,but Jason Momoa *Woot* *woot** will watch in Cineplex only because of him!!!
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@ABD Mar 29, 2017 11:03am
DC need some serious reforms:-(
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Saad Mar 29, 2017 06:02pm
@Ali Yusuf Qureshi ... I am not sure how to respond to this comment. I usually dont but I want to. I am not sure if I should respond to you being getting personal with this and attacking the author or the fact that your comic book knowledge is in question because you dont understand something simple as to why Ben Affleck worked as batman. First you said that Ben isnt working for you. great end of story, then you just started attacking and generalizing and... well it just goes on and on.
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Saad Mar 29, 2017 06:02pm
@Ali Yusuf Qureshi Read some seriously mainstream Batman books that are easily available like the Dark Knight returns, once you are done you will find many other books where Batman has gone mad for his mission. Do that before answering to this comment ( you wont i know, you'll boast your comic book knowledge and attack me as well because clearly thats what you think you're good at. everyone who likes Ben Affleck (or agree to you) doesnt deserve to live and should be humiliated thats your philosophy) Anyway once you are done, and once you allow your mind to think outside of your opinions you'll see how and why Ben works as batman. And dude please, you sound like an adult, maybe have 2 or 3 kids as well, have a conversation on the topic rather then attacking someone else for having his or her own opinion.
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Saad Mar 29, 2017 06:03pm
@Ali Yusuf Qureshi ( thats right I assumed stuff about you, I generalized, just like you did. I dont care if the assumption was stupid or blatantly wrong, because that was not the point. just like how your comment was)
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Ahmer Mar 29, 2017 08:32pm
@Ali Yusuf Qureshi I don't know why you don't like Ben Affleck as Batman but his physical stature and his face cut out suits perfectly for the role. Maybe you don't like Ben as an actor. I am no big fan of him either but I think he is perfect for this role. His unshaven face as Bruce Wayne is actually suave. You should complain about the characters missing if you have ever followed the DC Universe. I hope the story line of JL doesn't disappoint us.
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sajjad Apr 01, 2017 08:41pm
Ben Affleck is acting as batman is nothing compared to Chirstian Bale- I still miss his massive sound and impact as a Real man of steel as compared to this kid Ben Affleck wrong actor is promoted as batman
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