A Tale of Superheroes

by Margie Senechal

This week, my girls and I went to see Suicide Squad. And as a mindless, action movie, it wasn't bad. I'm not sure I'd call it good, though.

And while watching it, I came up with the differences between DC and Marvel movies, besides Stan Lee.

One: 
Backstory. Marvel gave their heroes individual movies to set up their backstories. Ironman, Thor, Captain America, even Antman got his own movie before being thrown into the mix.

However, DC crams the backstory of several characters into one movie. In Suicide Squad, the backstories are presented as docs to support their inclusion into this elite force. In Batman VS Superman, we actually had to get Batman's backstory again. Seriously. Who doesn't know Batman's backstory at this stage of the game????

Although to be fair, Marvel has also done this with Spiderman. If the new version has him getting bit by the spider, having his beloved uncle die as a result of Spidey's carelessness, I might have to revolt and reconsider my allegiance. 

Two: A real enemy. 

Marvel has Loki, Ultron, Green Goblin, and some other ones that I forget.

Marvel had mmmm--well, I'm not really sure. Batman and Supe were fighting each other over the stupidest of reasons. In Suicide Squad, Viola Davis plays Dr. Amanda Waller who puts the team together and tells a presidential panel that the country is in danger because Superman is MIA. She never tells and the movie never shows what imminent danger she speaks of. And the danger that finally comes is a direct result of her taking the Enchantress hostage by removing her heart. So, does that make Waller the villain? I'm still not sure.

Three: Women  



On this one, I have to give the thumbs up to DC. I love Scar Jo, but Black Widow hasn't gotten her backstory and she's just simply there to supply a shot of estrogen into the testosterone-heavy Marvelverse.

The best part of Suicide Squad is--hands down Harley Quinn. I loved the clips of her backstory and her connection with The Joker--now, that's a movie I'd like to see.
And Margot Robbie was a blast to watch as Harley Quinn.

And just as Harley Quinn was the best part of Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman was the best part of Batman VS Superman. I'm really looking forward to her movie and adding Chris Pine--genius!

Anyone else have any insights they want to share? I'd love to hear some.



Comments

  1. Margie - What a fun post! Unfortunately, I can't weigh in much because I stopped watching Spiderman with the Toby McGuire actor, and haven't watched the Superman v Batman or the Suicide Squad (apparently, I'm a Marvel gal). However, I will admit that the little bit of Black Widow backstory they gave in Age of Ultron was disappointing... Call me heartless, but I thought "Really? Of all the things you were trained to do and had to do as a Russian assassin, *that's* what bothers you most?!"

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    1. LOL. And I forgot to mention the humor. Avengers is full of lightening up humor, while DC is pretty dark.

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  2. I can't wait for the Wonder Woman movie...haven't seen Suicide Squad...and the Batman franchises have always been my least favorite. Which I guess lands me on the Marvel side of things?

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    1. I loved Michael Keaton as Batman--I know, that basically ages me, but I thought he was good. And they weren't as intense back in the 90's or late 80's.

      And Wonder Woman looks awesome-spectacular. I hope they do her justice (and not league. LOL)

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  3. Great post, but I can't be in the discussion since I don't know anything about any of these people. :-( Although I do like Tobey McGuire...

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    1. Too bad Tobey's kind of fallen off the grid. I miss him. And I thought he was the best Spidey.

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