CGI still needs some work: Criticism of the trailer

CGI still needs some work: Criticism of the trailer Jul 23, 2017 5:47:20 GMT

Quote

Post by TheHiawatha on Jul 23, 2017 5:47:20 GMT

Jul 23, 2017 1:03:44 GMT seahawksraawk00 said:

I know some will hate me for this, but whatever, and I know we're still four months out, so there's still time to fix it, but by god, there are a lot shots where it's just ropey as hell, especially with the red sky/background. I like the red sky, because it's a nice nod to the Batman animated series where the sky was always different shades of red during night time. But it's very shoddy too, especially with Aquaman sliding down the building as it crumbles. Didn't feel particularly real, looked like cardboard. The composite really didn't work there. Same with the shot of Bruce driving the Batmobile and parademons are following him while making that turn as the tower is coming in the background. Just looks fake honestly.
And I think Ciaran Hinds will deliver a great performance as Steppenwolf, however he's so limited as a CGI character, and some shots very superficial. I have this same criticism for Josh Brolin. I think he delivers a great performance as Thanos, but again, as a CGI motion capture character, he's very limited. I'll give X-Men: Apocalypse credit where its due. Apocalypse, Thanos and Darkseid are all similar in design with similar functions as the super big bad, and I understand why the producers would prefer CGI to make them feel big and looming. But, while I wasn't a huge fan of his design, I give X-Men props for doing prosthetic and makeup for Apocalypse. I wish they'd do the same for Thanos, Darkseid and Steppenwolf , and even Cyborg (look at the first two Terminator films, take inspiration from that) because it is possible and it'll feel more authentic. You can even touch it up with CGI if needed, but superhero films seem to have a thing for fully CGI'ed characters.
But overall, I don't think the trailer particularly edited very well. It doesn't really tell an interesting story and just seems like a bunch of scenes thrown together. By that I mean, obviously it's pretty clear what the villains intentions are and what he wants to do. I get that. But the way it's presented, I don't find it that interesting. I wish we had some more snippets of Steppenwolf and lines from him. That said, from some of those scenes, I think there are interesting and cool stuff to take away from it. A lot of cool nods to the animated series which is cool. Love the attention Wonder Woman got from it.
however, what was strange though (and this is because of how poor Batman v Superman was) was all the sudden love, reverence, and adoration for Superman. It's as if this they just forgot what happened in BvS.
They throw out all these "important memories" of Superman and what he stood for, but you really don't get any of that with MoS or BvS, but especially with BvS, where the vast majority of the world was highly suspicious of Superman at best, or flat out hated him at worst, especially Batman too. He was hell-bent on killing Superman and now all of a sudden, he's a beacon of hope for him. Superman has only been Superman for like 2-3 years in this universe, so all the sudden this reverence for him feels completely unearned.
Still looking forward to this film and hope it succeeds, but it's going to be tough to to top Wonder Woman.

A lot of solid critiques there. The CGI doesn't look very well integrated into the film, which has been an issue in all the DCEU flicks, even "Wonder Woman" had a few spotty bits with it. Also, I agree with Superman. I felt like he came across as very aloof and mopey, I didn't really get the "heroic noble warrior" vibe from him that they're trying to say he had. The respect feels unearned, and Batman's development from being a murderous Punisher-like vigilante to leader and devoted "disciple" of Superman just isn't believable. As for Wonder Woman, she thus far is the only character who "earned her stripes" in my book. Honestly, to me she's way more likable and interesting than either Batman or Superman as of now, and I'm glad that they're giving her a lot more attention.

And totally agreed on the editing. It just doesn't really make the film seem extremely epic and entertaining, but rather just dull. It's almost like a weird BvS and Avengers mix, if the trailer is to be taken at face value.

As for the note about Apocalypse vs Thanos vs Darkseid, do remember that Apocalypse was widely panned by critics and fans, both in terms of his design and in his character. Prosthetics can do many good things and come across really well if used right, but there's only so much they can do until the actor has so much on that he/she is extremely limited by it. And some characters just can't be done properly without CGI. I think that applies to Apocalypse's case, on top of him being a poorly written character and looking terrible.