This week Justin, Kyle, and Tom talk with Chris McKay, the director of the #1 movie in the box office for the last two weeks running, The Lego Batman Movie! Hear some in depth stories about the inner workings of The Lego Batman Movie and Chris’ personal insight on the character NIGHTWING! Episode 83 is Guaranteed to Please with some priceless Bat-Knowledge, Enjoy!

The Lego Batman Movie

By John McGee

Full of all the heart and soul of the original Lego Movie and then some, The Lego Batman Movie pretty much takes away any reason to continue down the path of the life of Emmet. The brand crossing was fun in the first one, but Emmet was the worst part. Everyone who saw and everyone who did not see The Lego Movie agreed that Batman stole the show and it was his movie. There wasn’t enough of him. (Looking at you, Suicide Squad. Where’s my Joker movie?!)

I digress. The Lego Batman Movie was hilarious at every turn, Chris McKay’s love letter to the franchise and character, and a soul-searching Rite of Passage for Batman in a way that’s never been done on screen before. Batman was actually relatable and sent a great message to everyone watching. I had kids a few rows behind me who were finishing Batman’s sister’s homework (sorry, inside joke) at key moments, and in the big key moments those kids starting crying once they saw me crying. It was emotional.

Of course, being a DC fan and a man with a finely developing brain behind his eyes, I am not one of those losers who has to throw mud/shade/movie tickets at other DC films just because this one is different. Critics have once again taken a step backwards. They were right to praise The Lego Batman Movie. It was a spectacular movie for Batman that CELEBRATED his ENTIRE history. Yes, Batman v Superman included. So don’t expect a “Lego Batman was great so that means The Dark Knight sucks” narrative. I am capable of enjoying multiple films with multiple tones/themes. Isn’t that too hard for critics these days? They can’t seem to handle anything more serious than outright comedies.

If you are on the fence or considering waiting for Lego Batman to hit DVD racks…don’t. Don’t wait for the DVD until you’ve experienced the wonderful movie in theaters, and bring the kids. You’ll all love it. The cast is fantastic, especially Will Arnett’s obnoxious, hilarious laugh. The effects are impeccable. I forgot once or twice that I was watching Lego bricks. That’s how good it looks. Then of course is the amazing story. It was a complete theme-driven story full of emotional tear-jerkers and heartwarming moments. The Lego Batman Movie is the best superhero film we’ve had since Batman v Superman. Go see for yourself.

Shanlian On Batman is bringing you yet another information packed podcast this time with returning guest, Jay Oliva. You are definitely familiar with this man’s work from Flash Point Paradox and Assault on Arkham to Justice League Dark and The Dark Knight Returns pts 1 & 2. Sit down and listen to Jay walk the guys through his films and talks about doing story boards for BvS as well as the upcoming Wonder Woman Film. Enjoy Episode 82 of Shanlian on Batman.

By Drew Kiess

Our tears are barely dry from the disappointing news a few weeks ago that Ben Affleck would no longer be the director on his Batman stand-alone film. Today, brings some potentially good news. Variety is reporting that Matt Reeves, director of Cloverfield, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and its upcoming sequel, is in talks to become the new director. According to their sources, Reeves has already committed to the job, but both sides are still putting together the details. After some conflicting stories and reports regarding the state of the script in the last few days, including a rewrite turned in by Argo, Dawn of Justice, and Justice League writer Chris Terrio, we hopefully will be getting some news as to the creative team that will be leading the caped crusader on this particular silver screen adventure.

If Reeves does indeed take the job, this may turn out quite well for the film. A big budget blockbuster is more in line with Reeves’ skills than it is Affleck’s, as great of a director as he is. War for the Planet of the Apes is one of the most anticipated films of this summer, and both Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Cloverfield are well regarded. Stay tuned to Shanlian on Batman as more news develops, but in the meantime, does this bring back some optimism to the project? Be sure to let us know!

Source: Variety

By

John McGee

Ben Affleck is Still The Batman

January 30, 2017 will go down in history as the biggest overreaction regarding modern film in Twitter history. (Which is saying something). Ben Affleck has announced that he’s going to find a collaborator to direct the Batman movie whilst he focuses on the little jobs like starring, writing, and producing the film on top of producing and starring in Justice League coming off the heels of starring in Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad after spending a year getting into Batman shape while filming Gone Girl, The Accountant, and writing, starring in, and directing Live By Night while writing The Batman while appearing in countless interviews, premieres, church services, comic cons, award ceremonies and commercials and making TV shows with Matt Damon followed by the occasional Tweet every now and then.

Aren’t you exhausted? Don’t you want to take a nap after reading that mile-long sentence? I need a Ben & Jerry’s already. Seriously, imagine doing all that in your early 40s. Would you be keen to take on more pressure than you’ve ever felt in your life on top of all the other pressures involved in making a movie? I wouldn’t. I would love to hand off the technical stuff to another person so I can focus on the creative side of things. That’s exactly what Affleck said he’s doing. He’s focusing more on the creative so that he doesn’t lose it drowning in the technical.

Yes, we all wanted an Affleck Batman movie, but he believes it wouldn’t be as good as an Affleck/insert cool director here movie. And quality is his main goal when it comes to Batman. Maybe if Terrio and Johns wrote the script he would have directed it. Maybe if he were making a smaller film like The Town he’d direct it. But this is a huge task to undertake and he needs help. Everyone needs help from time to time. Even Batman. So on top of all the other DC stuff he’s giving us, he’s still committed to making the best Batman he can make. Switching directors isn’t like script hell. From all accounts he’s closing in on that coveted final draft, that golden Batman movie we’ve all been waiting for. The Flash is getting a rewrite, but the Batman is not.

The fact he announced this publicly means that he’s gearing up for production and intends to get things right. I have faith that he’ll find someone who will be able to shoulder the immense pressure and do their best to help him achieve his vision. (I wish Lexi Alexander would direct, or George Miller, or Chris McKay, but we’ll see). All that’s really happening here is a reason to be excited: Ben Affleck is shopping around for a really creative aesthetic to complement his script and portrayal of Batman. No need for panic. No need for “DCEU is doomed” articles. Ain’t that shit getting old?

I can’t wait to watch “The Batman” and look forward to hearing who he calls upon to direct. This is gonna be good.