The Worst Thing about Aquaman 2 Killed the DCEU 

What is your New Year's Goal? What is your dream creative project! Many videos to come and my feature film on the way. Much love. ❤

James Wan and Sam Raimi are teaming up for a horror project, seems promising…

"Arthur has more chemistry with a freshly cracked cold one than with his wife, his brother, his mother, or his son" lol I know a few dudes like that!

Its really sad to think that some of the most personality filled films like Gunns Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey werent a huge success. Its no wonder the studios thought we wanted boring basic schlock

Just pointing this out. A lot of people seem to think the last line of the movie was a parody of “I am Iron Man.” But people are forgetting the first movie also ended with “I am Aquaman”

The editing during the scene where Arthur’s baby gets kidnapped was terrible. That awful slow mo shot of him screaming and then a sudden cut to black. I’m convinced the rumours are true and Manta originally killed the baby and they just changed it during the edit.

Keep in mind that this movie had a bunch or reshoots and post-production hell before the new DCU was even announced. So the fact that this movie even came out is amazing in its self. Its the DCEU's Blade III.

Great video. I agree so much. It felt lifeless with two or one-dimensional characters devoid of any kind of realness and humanity. It breaks my heart to see The Flash or Aquaman getting their shine on the big screen and yet they are either overshadowed by the Batman's cape, or forced to be comedy characters in a script devoid of depth and humanity. DC heroes are fantastic and it's a shame we are witnessing such "careless" films. I hope James Gunn's DC Universe will at least try to have depth and ambitions by trying real things.

I hope James Gunn helps DC to take over this decade

For the record Jason momoa helped write this movie and got a story credit so he is partially to blame for the state of this movie.

I'm still waiting for a video essay about Blue Beetle one of the actual good films in the dceu that actually doesn't connect to the dceu in the best way possible 😂

The worst part about this is that the studio executives probably still don't understand what went wrong. They're so detached from the filmmaking process and cared so little about the individual movies that they likely haven't actually learned anything other than "something went wrong" There were so many kneejerk reactions that not only did they not give themselves time to recognize any patterns, for every problem that was fixed there was a different problem that needed to be fixed in the next movie. The studio executives were constantly battling the bad reviews because they didn't just let the filmmakers do their jobs. "People said the last movie was too dark, make everything lighthearted." "Focus groups say they like this stuff so put it in the movie." "People didn't like this scene so cut it...now these other scenes don't make sense so cut them too." "We need a dozen other projects so throw in a teaser somewhere, new script is due tomorrow." Hopefully James Gunn taking over as one of the lead creatives will result in a better, and more consistent DC Cinematic Universe. Would prefer a full reboot to whatever the hell he's doing with the Peacemaker characters but I just want more great movies. Too many ups & downs with the DCEU that weren't simply "the sequel wasn't as good as the first one"

"I would not trust (Aquaman) to save me from constipation." Is that... something that superheroes can do?

The sad thing is that if WB so desperately wanted a billion dollar team-up movie, They really could have just made it right away. They didn't need to copy the Marvel formula, It would've been just as valid if they took the opposite approach (Make a team movie to introduce these characters and then give them solo movies afterwards)

I hope the new DCU headlined by James Gunn really helps DC shine. I have faith in what Matt Reeves is doing on his end. But we all could really use a great Superman movie.

I shed no tears for the DCEU. May it ashes be scattered to the winds and holy water dumped on the ground where the ashes land. Looking forward to JASON, Mr. Hunter.

The fact this got beat at the box office by a Godzilla film will never not be funny

The sad part is all of this could have been avoided. Henry Cavills Superman was a well thought out story. They actually did a great job with the MoS origin story. Imstead of giving us a sequel right away to continue telling that story, they rushed the Batman and Wonder Woman introduction and gave up on storytelling.

Personally I really liked the dynamic between Arthur and Orin, and their scene fighting over the trident was really nice to me, especially because it called back to my favorite scene from the first movie.

I didn't even know this was released. Thought it would come out later this year.

Snake Eyes suffered from a lot of the same problems. Snake Eyes is the absolute worst part of that movie, while Storm Shadow (the villain btw) is a far more likable, and respectable dude. While Snake is a complete prick, with zero honor and loyalty. Then they expect us to applaud him for it.

I agree but this analysis doesn’t apply to EVERY DCEU movie, Wonder Woman 1, Shazam 1, Birds of Prey, The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker and Blue Beetle all put in a lot of effort to endear the audience towards their main characters. But yes, overall the DCEU had been failing on that front, and was definitely on a downward spiral. I just don’t think it’s fair to say things like “The DCEU never bothered to help you get to know its characters” there were some bright spots.

Great Video! I think the massive pull between the creatives who cared about these characters (Snyder, Ayer etc) and WB executives who cared about numbers and trends is really what killed the DCEU

Your videos always have so much heart and care put into them. Your the best Alex

WB thought they could copy the basic (and bad shenanigans of the) MCU and get the same amount of money.. but people obviously rather keep the original.

DC should start caring about there heros and how they get represented with a better script and plot i really could not agree more with you amazing video ❤

I think there's a major problem with test screening in Hollywood. Apparently, the people who attend the test screenings have very different tastes from the normal everyday moviegoers.

Rest in peace dceu

The studio never understood DC. They never have and never will. The success DC has had in the past have been flukes. George Miller’s Justice League Mortal was closest thing to a proper Justice League movie that could’ve been great and launched the DC film universe. But instead WB gave us a deconstructed nihilistic DCEU and when that failed they went back to their usual ways that almost killed DC in the first place. I don’t trust James Gunn to right the ship and Zack Snyder is not the right guy to fix the wrongs that he was a small factor of. DC glory days is far behind them after Justice League Unlimited and since then it never reached the peak it was destined to become only to suffer a fate of mediocrity. The entire DC brand is dead.

Oh damn, nice to be early for once. Good luck on your new film HiTop, love the content

I love the way you speak about superhero films and how you emphasize the importance of the person and behind each mask and costume. I’d love to hear you talk about Creed since I think it does a gorgeous job touching on really human themes in sports movie. A sports movie where the characters all feel like people and people with such organic chemistry with one another. Much love and can’t wait to see Jason!

Aquaman from Brave and the Bold is the measuring stick that I test his adaptations in media. It takes a lot to make him cool or interesting especially while keeping most of his classic look, but they pulled it off. When I 1st saw his casting and images for JL movie I was worried they'd suck out all his fun to make him "cooler and serious" but was surprised. My biggest issue was his himbofication that they kept doubling down on in each movie.

of the 10+ Aquaman 2 reviews I've watched, your's is the best

It's a while since I watched some of your video and just like always I learned a lot 👍

good video thank you. I’m so sick of main characters not having any semblance of growth in movies. I’m exhausted with cameos. I hope this trend changes. but it doesn’t look like it will any time soon. excited as FUCK for jason. thanks for putting the time and work in 💜

Lol, love the cuts to Roman when talking about the studio interference

3.6k likes to 6 dislikes is the most insane like ratio i've ever seen. Good job, man.

Aquaman is defined by his commitment to being better, a better person, a better king and a better hero. His greatest villains are a result of his previous mistakes. Orm his refusal of his duty to be king when orm originally wanted him to be the ruler, giving orm the opportunity to grow a taste for power. Black manta his unbridled wrath ending up with him killing black mantas father in cold blood. Arthur curry is a man who is of two worlds and wanted by neither but has a responsibility to make both better

I really enjoy a video that can get their point across without ranting, and just bring an idea without the fanboy outrage of either side. This is probably the perfect encapsulation of the issue with the DCEU, and in recent years the MCU too. The moment, the nuance of these stories, of these characters, is sacrificed, to the jokes, to the quirk, to the message, is the moment these franchises die. We also need capable writers, who can understand how to bring a character to life, regardless how spectacular their powers or situations are. Without the person behind the icon, we are left with moments that will feel hollow and be forgotten, except for the few who only care for watching a compilation of wallpapers strung together as a film.

The Flash was supposed to be the last film. The dates got mixed up because of delays. Nobody's fault.

When you put the DCEU into perspective, it really just kinda became an anthology after 'Justice League', with the occasional post-credit scene that led nowhere.

"The humanity behind the super" is such a great point - I wish so badly that DC had opted for a more muted exploration of what it means to be a superhero rather than chasing Marvel's tail, but I guess we'll never truly know what might have been. I'm extremely pessimistic about where James Gunn will take us, and whether Warner will let him take us there on his own terms. As you said, test scores dictated so much of what the DCEU was, but with Warner in their current state of debt and consolidation how much room is in their heart (and budget) for a truly creator-driven DCU, especially when all signs are pointing to an overall audience fatigue for superhero movies? Part of me wishes they would let sleeping dogs lie - leave it alone and let a future generation revisit and try again in 10-15 years - but it seems like they're going to drain every ounce of goodwill and profit they can find out of the DC name until the test scores finally tell them it's time to stop.

Calling _Aquaman_ 'shallow' is actually a pretty scathing critique 😂

Honestly, I thought this one was big dumb fun as well. Like, the dialogue was PAINFULLY ATROCIOUS, but I'd still watch these two Aquaman films over The Flash or BvS again. I think I really appreciated that they went for an old time-y secret island base, henchmen in uniform etc. (I'd agree with the Jason Momoa comments.)

Jason Todd looks so good that dc will probably hire you after it it kinda looks like a Logan type of film where it’s more about the character behind the mask then with the mask

aquaman 2 felt like i watched a weakly episode of saturday morning action cartoon show ....

I’m glad I’m not the only one who found Jason Mamoa’s Aquaman grating or that Patrick Wilson looked and acted way more like the actual Arthur Curry.

Dude was born to play Lobo. Really hope that happens.

A DC movie where the title cares is even worse than in Shazam: Fury of the Gods?? I didn’t think it was possible.

Can’t believe the Flying Dutchman would do such a thing

"funny" is entirely subjective. My theater session laughed. A lot.

Can't wait for Jason... I saw the first and I know that I'll be so proud to see the second

Yessir Alex, always giving me hope

Fantastic coverage as always. The Flash destroyed any remaining momentum or call to see these movies so I skipped this one. Sad to hear this is how it all ends.

Jason fits better as lobo he doesn’t care gives off strong meat head biker vibes

This is exactly the problem with Thor. Also I think Taika Waititi did set out to make something that’s hated

Warner bros will never kill my love for the JL I grew up with like the portrays in the animated series 🖤 But the absolute fiasco this all universe was can’t be explained. It’s freaking shit on another level and I can’t wait for the Gunn man to blow us !

I’ll be completely honest while I think James Gunn is going to put out quality movies for his universe the way he oversaw the production of DCEU films while he was Head was poor. The flash, Aquaman 2, Shazam 2 all suffered major revisions, edits and more to fit the upcoming universe. They had little to no marketing, rewrites that gives me flashbacks to Josstice League and more

Dude went crazy with the Goodfellas clips

Yeah, Harley Quinn really was the most developed character in the DCEU

What’s better than a high top video? A high too video on my birthday

Great video and with all that being said, THANK FUCK the DCEU has ended!!!!!!!! WHole thing was a mess on every level Excited for the DCU and elseworlds!!

Superhero movies are done, the year of Kaiju is HERE

I honestly didn't mind Jason Momoa's Party-Bro personality in this movie, especially because it worked fantastically well with Pat's Orm who was much more serious. Their dynamic was the highlight of Aquaman 2 for me. And btw, this movie was reshot and reworked multiple times. I'm sure this wasn't what Aquaman 2 was meant to be and it definitely wasn't made to close out the DCEU. I don't blame James Wan and his team if at some point he just went "F it" and didn't even bother anymore. Gunn better not screw up or DC on film is screwed.

They wanted us to see Aquaman and his brother like Thor and Loki.

An Auquaman film about fighting global warming and bringing the sea and land together was a golden opportunity to have Arthur seek out Swamp thing, or better yet…Dr. Pamela Isley. Being the hero that genuinely puts aside the past and sides and just gets the best people together to actually solve the problem.

Imma be honest, i just love seeing stories in the aquaman world that they had created.

can you do a video about blue beetle I would like to hear your thoughts

i wouldve opened the film on oceanmasters childhood raised by his dad calling his mom weak and to train him to beat the firstborn arthur should he ever show up (like orm says in the jungle segment), and bring up more on the ancient brothers with the lost kingdom. its an orm movie, he changes for the better - arthur doesnt, not really - hes still a dad, hero and king by the end. i wouldve had someone else take the title of king so he can just hero and be an ambassador to the surface. also swap the crab king out with the fisherqueen, so shes the one orm saves - daughter of the king he killed last film. and hes the reason to stop the council from thinking like him and hating on the surface. I enjoyed this a bit more then bluebeetle, but loads more then the marvels. good fight scenes, and horror troupes to build monsters and villains - it couldve been better, it couldve ended the snyderverse in some way/shape/form - like antlantian tech helping post alien invaison. like the amazons already joining UN at start, seeing its possible.

You know a good way of starting a new DCU? A good Green Lantern movie, we had a justice League without John nor Hal

I didn't even know this movie came out

Aquaman 2 suffered Thor Ragnarok syndrome where the lead bad ass hero gets turned into a joke machine parody of the character.

You sound happier. Good luck with the movie man.

My disappointment with black menta was that they wasted him and made him a goon for a sauron wannabe

i always thought aqua man was void of character in the comics i give him credit for trying to do the best with what he has

It’s possible I missed the answer to this in a Q&A, but when are we getting the deep-dive into The Batman if we’re still getting it at all?

Happy New Year! This movie should've been better, it felt rushed, it felt weird... I honestly couldn't tell that James directed this one, hope to see better stuff in the future.

Well, at least it's being rebooted. Fingers crossed 🤞.

BRUH!!!!! I literally been saying that Orm played a better Aquaman than Jason did and it wasn’t even his character 😂😂😂😂 ugh finally someone else that understands me hahaha Great video btw

unrelated to the video but your a fuckin poet man, all your videos are amazing and the way your thoughts come out is actually inspiring and you always make me think, there is a video essay to be written about the way your videos are written and edited man. Love your vids bro

I forgot Boba Fatt was Aquaman's dad.

Honestly, the moment i saw Orm in this movie i was like...."THAT'S AQUAMAN!". Imagine if Arthur sacrifices himself. Orm declines the role of Ocean master to be earth's new Aquaman as tribute to his brother. Patrick Wilson and Yahya carried this movie. I enjoyed it just as much as the first one. It was a fun popcorn ride. Even though i do see it could've been more. I honestly think WB intentionally sabotaged this movie so that there wouldn't be an outcry to bring the universe back. Cause it should've come out before Flash and the universe would've been properly bookended. Rather than having a fast and furious movie be the ending of a franchise that had so much potential. RIP DCEU

The biggest thing that the DCEU did wrong was not make Jason Momoa play Lobo

Alex you need to check out some anime that will make you feel inspired and the list are as follows:- 1. Vinland Saga (it will taught you the true meaning of life the character of Thorfinn is the real life representation of 'Change') 2. Dragon Ball {start watching from the Classic Series, then the Z Series (skipped the entire GT Series because it isn't canon), then watch the Super Series (except for episode 68, 69 and 70 because that doesn't make a single sense if you apply the DBS logic) [watch the series because 'Goku' is the characterized representation of 'Hope' in the anime world and 'Vegeta' is the representation of 'Pride']} 3. Naruto [start with the classic then the Shippuden because this one is the best inspiring Anime of all time 'Naruto' is the representation of 'Never Giving Up', 'Sasuke' is the representation of 'Revenge' and 'Itachi' is the representation of 'Sacrifice'] 4. Jujutsu Kaisen (don't expect anything the 1st Season and its prequel movie 0 will be seems like another Shonen but the 2nd Season will blow your mind, 'Gojo' is the representation of 'Beauty' and 'Yuji' is the representation of 'Pain') 5. Naoki Urasawa's Monster (it's a Senin and no one in the world can manipulate the antagonist because the antagonist 'Johan Liebert' himself is the representation of 'Manipulation' and a perfect example of 'Nihilism') 6. Berserk (read the Manga because the anime isn't the proper adaptation of the gem because the character of 'Guts' is an example of 'Stoicism')

Just left the movies. Overall this wasn't a bad film to me. I wished the whole Amber situation and Ezra stuff never happened because the two retrospective were good enough even with the reshoots in my opinion. So i can only imagine how good the actual movies could've been. Not to mention if DC had actual cohesion 😅 I will say I dislike the movie letting Momoa=Arthur being the same person

Aquaman two quite literally made me cringe. The pseudo Iron Man speech at the end felt like Mamoa couldn’t wait to run from the set.. Let’s see what Gunn can do..

I want to see you/hear you talk about Loki after season 2

FINALLY a reviewer who saw the same movie I did! Moma (yay for the bag) literally looked like he did not care to be there, didn't even get into shape, and the dialogue was Thor love and thunder bafoonery mixed with ripped off MCU lines and quips done poorly! From movie 1 to 2 straight personality transplant for Authur!!

Lot of taxi driver clips in this. Video on it potentially? I’d personally love it

Hey man, you said Christmas!

i’ve never been so bored in a movie theater than w this movie… the entire time i was just asking “who gives a fuck” 😭

I’ll still proudly die on the hill of believing that Man of Steel, and Batman v Superman were this universe’s greatest films. Yes they had their problems, yes there were already signs of a rushed Universe. However, if you ignore the lazy PowerPoint Introductions of 1/2 of the Justice League in BVS, you have a solid deconstruction of the Superhero genre. Superman may not have been the well established Boy Scout we all know and love from the comics… but contextually from where Man of Steel left him, it made sense. I appreciated the unique depiction of the character that struggled to fit into a world that was half afraid of him. Truthfully that’s exactly how real life society would react to a powerful alien that’s capable of either protecting or destroying us. Superman was the only ray of light in BvS. Humans turned their backs on him, the powerful elite tried defaming him as a means to conquer him, Batman was tired/jaded and tried extinguishing him. Yet Superman was always willing to listen, reason, and comply whenever everyone put him through trial after trial. It wasn’t until Lex forced him into a corner that he began to lose hope for earth… and even then, he still attempted to reason with Batman before Bruce forced him to fight. At the end of the day, after everything he’s been through, he still saved Lex’s life… and he proudly declared that Earth was his world before giving his life to protect it. He may not have been traditional, but he was still Superman through and through. This is why my heart still bleeds for the injustice WB put Henry Cavill through… silently black listing him from the universe he helped create, and then abruptly and formally removing him so they can make way for another attempt at a billion dollar universe. Henry, just like Superman, was always kind and passionate. He cared about the fanbase, and genuinely wanted to make his Superman more traditionally light hearted, for the fans… but he never got the chance, thanks to the childish greedy executives at WB. Let’s just hope they don’t get carried away again with Gunn’s DCU. I’d hate for David Corenswet to go through the same thing Henry did.

Nobody says, " Hey How ya doing? I hope you're doing well." Like Hi-Top Films

He’s back!

WBs cared more about what Marvel was doing. James Gunn isn’t going to save DC.

Pretty good summary of what went wrong though I will say BIRDS OF PREY, THE SUICIDE SQUAD, WONDER WOMAN, SHAZAM!, PEACEMAKER, BLUE BEETLE and (to a degree) the first AQUAMAN are all projects they can and should be proud of. Kinda crazy that I liked Peacemaker (a character I didn’t know existed 8 years ago) more than Batman or Superman. That wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing if I still liked these versions of Batman and Superman-but I didn’t. I hope Gunn/Safran continue the trend of giving lesser known characters the respect and care they deserve but this time, also treat the A-listers with more care.

absolutely roasted. 10/10 vid

Another HiTop banger

another fire vid

Its a shame the whole template was laid out in front of them with the cartoons and they still churn out bland material.