Why Superhero Films are No Longer "Super".
We're just a week away from "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice". The "Man of Steel" team of Henry Cavill as Superman and director Zach Snyder return, and Ben Affleck becomes the sixth big screen Caped Crusader. And as the world knows all too well by now, these two protagonists become antagonists...towards each other.
Traditionally, superhero egos don't mesh too well. This was proven, to an extent, in the first two "Avengers" films. "Captain America: Civil War", out May 6, takes this truism to new heights as Cap and Tony Stark go mano a mano, and respective members of the Marvel Cinematic Universe pick sides. With practically everyone except Thor and The Hulk appearing in "Civil War" (along with new members Black Panther and the new, young Spider-Man), this feels like "The Avengers 3", or as the always unapologetic Robert Downey, Jr. is calling it, "my little 'Iron Man 4.'"
"X-Men: Apocalypse" (opening May 27) sees the "First Class" gang of James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence (who were also part of 2014's mash-up "Days of Future Past") going to war AGAIN. And Magneto and the Professor seem to be at odds as well by the looks of the trailer.
Without having seen any of these films, here's my obvious problem with them: they offer NO possibility for suspense. We know that Affleck and Cavill have signed-on for the "Justice League" franchise. We know that there's going to be a two-part "Avengers: Infinity War" (ugh) and "X-Men: Apocalypse" IS A PREQUEL! Each of these are destined to be all-action, no drama.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2" (June 3) could offer-up some decent thrills like its predecessor, but I'm fearing a case of sequel-itis.
And because of all of this, when it comes to the superhero movies of Summer 2016, I'm finding myself most juiced-up for "Suicide Squad", opening August 5 - the same first weekend that "Guardians of the Galaxy" debuted two years ago. Warner Bros. has assembled a high-power cast of Will Smith and Margot Robbie (reuniting after last year's "Focus"), Viola Davis and - the reason most fans are excited (including yours truly) - Oscar winner Jared Leto as The Joker. His performance could be one we'll all be talking about long after the sun sets on the season.
Yes, it does appear to be another anti-Superhero movie with bad guys running the show. "Guardians" proved how that storyline can work, while "Deadpool"...don't get me started.
The good news - "Suicide Squad" provides hope, the promise that it will have something substantial to offer while the rest of the genre's offerings look predictable and void of personality.
It may just be that "SS" is humanity's only hope to save us from what has all the makings of a bland blockbuster summer.
