Episode #63: Batman V Superman & Suicide Squad from the Writing Desk (with Laura Nicole)

This Shared Desk is, once again, a look at the silver screen from the Writer’s Desk. This time we have returned from watching Suicide Squad. With a re-watch of Batman V Superman fresh in our minds, we decide to do a breakdown of both films and discuss how Suicide Squad succeeded where BVS failed.

00:00 —  Introduction

• The drop-in’s are hinting over what we’re talking about
• Look who’s in studio—it’s Laura Nicole, the Gypsy in the Attic!
• Tonight’s Drink
  • Tee’s going with an old favorite: Romantic Chemistry from Dogfish Head Ale
  • The ladies are embibing with a Richmond Favorite: Blue Bee Cider
• Laura’s got a new book…provided she could remember this book’s title.

03:45 — Batman V Superman & Suicide Squad from the Writing Desk (with Laura Nicole)

• In preparation for going to see Suicide Squad, we all settled in to watch Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. 
• Working chronologically, but let’s talk a bit about the first impression of Suicide Squad.
• Were there any funny moments in BvS? A few, actually…
• Zac Snyder, fess up—you have no clue how to handle Kal, do you?
• Stop playing favorites, Snyder!
  
• Pip’s take on the plot of Batman V Superman: Utter ridiculousness.
• How BvS is a great lesson in giving characters agency.
• Tee’s new project: Bond CRIBS.
• So why are people pissed at Superman again? Luthor? Senator Finch? Seriously, no one knows!
• Even when the characters gained agency, the script stole it from them.
• Anyone else think Doomsday was shoe-horned into this script?
• No, Pip REALLY didn’t like Alexander Luthor.
• Alexander Luthor, Social Media Douchebag.
• For God’s Sake, Superman. Jesus Christ………
• Addressing the 800-pound gorilla: DC Films is trying to catch up with Marvel.
• Age of Ultron and Batman V Superman—what they share in common.
• Pip loved Wonder Woman…but her presence was a little odd.
• Both BvS and Suicide Squad suffered weak plots. That’s a shame.
• The problem with Lois Lane.
• What’s with the crazy dream sequences?!
• The Writer’s Grades for Batman V Superman
  • Laura: D-
  • Pip: D
  • Tee: C- (I’m trying to be good to it, Billy Flynn…)
• That script was begging to be Ol’ Yellered!
• Onward to Suicide Squad…
  • Better characters
  • The odd story was easier to follow.
  • AMANDA WALLER. Boom.
• Where Tee wags a finger at Billy on the “multiverse” defense for these film, and talks a bit about the inherent problem with comic book movies.
• In praise of flashbacks
• Suicide Squad worked (more or less) with the ensamble cast.
  • Why didn’t Captain Boomerang get killed off? Why Slipknot, the one Native American character? I’m just saying.
  • Katana wasn’t needed…but she was awesome.
  • This wasn’t a Will Smith movie.
  • Tee’s favorite Harley Quinn Moment
• One little problem: “The Big Bad”
  • Problems with The Enchantress as the main villain
  • The Joker. Okay…Tee’s trying to put behind him his own feelings on Method Acting. That being said…
• A deep dive into the relationship between Joker and Harley (that Suicide Squad handled exceptionally well)
• We wouldn’t say no to a Harley film.
• This movie was not the mess that critics made it out to be.
• The Writer’s Grades for Suicide Squad
  • Pip: A- (Like mother, like daughter)
  • Laura: B
  • Tee: B+
  • And a few tangents in-between…
• Want to know the best way to take make an Aussie die in public?

54:56 — The LootCrate Lookie Loo

• Time-shifting so we can get in this Lookie-Loo
• Boom’s got her own Loot Crate happening. Stay tuned for that!
• August’s Loot Crate: Anti-Hero
  • The Tee-shirt: Archer for President
  • Q-Fig Figurine: Harley Quinn and her hyena from the classic Batman: The Animated Series
  • Loot Wear: Kill Bill socks
  • Loot Crate pin: World of Warcraft
  • Loot Crate Exclusive: Hellboy’s Right Hand Of Doom
• This crate is the first crate that we’re keeping EVERYTHING!
• What’s in the Anti-Hero booklet?
• Pip has a plan for all the pins…
• Hold on, we’re time-shifting again!!!

1:02:12 — Wrapping up

• Where will Laura be?
  • Chapatacon in October
  • Vally Free Radio (Vally Free Radio.org)
• Tee steps up to see if he can still do the Radio DJ radio challenge. (And yes, he has still got it!)
• What’s coming up for us?
  • 14-16 October, Steampunk unLimited in Strasburg, PA
  • 22 October, The Maryland Renaissance Festival in Annapolis, MD
  • …and we may be headed to PhilCon!
• Got thoughts or comments on this show or what we are rambling about at the end of the show?
  • We have voicemail — 703.791.1701
  • I have email — tee@teemorris.com
  • Pip’s got email — pip@pjballantine.com
  • And Laura is at GypsyLaura.com

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Enjoy the ride
and we’ll catch you later.