Hollywood's Alarm: 'The Flash' Falls Short

Before the release of "The Flash," there were constant claims that it would be a game-changer and one of the greatest superhero films ever made. Positive test screenings, reviews from CinemaCon, and endorsements from James Gunn added to the anticipation. However, when the general audience finally saw the movie, their reaction was far from positive. It flopped severely, with an 81% drop from Friday to Friday and one of the worst second weekend drops for a superhero film.

This raises the question: is this failure solely due to the movie being bad, or is it a symptom of a larger problem?

Currently, there are two superhero films in theaters: "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" and "Miles Morales 2." But when it comes to DC and Warner Brothers, they have failed to keep up with Disney Marvel. In fact, it seems like DC and Warner Brothers might be on a downward trajectory, catching up with Marvel on their way down. While there have been successful superhero films, DC has struggled to find their footing. On the other hand, Marvel has oversaturated the market with various projects, leading to mixed results. This discussion on superhero fatigue is happening again, and this time it feels different.

In DC's case, they made the questionable decision to fire Henry Cavill and reboot their entire universe with underwhelming films. Marvel, on the other hand, has become oversaturated with a plethora of shows and movies, some of which have been disappointing. The quality of the films and shows, coupled with the constant changes in plans, forced agendas, and disregard for the source material, have contributed to superhero fatigue.

The notion of superhero fatigue has been discussed before, but now it feels more tangible. Even the access media, represented by publications like Variety, is acknowledging its existence. The numbers speak for themselves, particularly when we consider the post-pandemic box office performance.

Films like "Shang-Chi," "Eternals," and "Shazam Fury of the Gods" have underperformed.

This fatigue is evident in reviews and the jadedness of critics towards repetitive tropes. There seems to be a lack of pushback against these criticisms, indicating a growing weariness among audiences.

It's interesting to see how the access media takes a strong stance against DC's failures but remains softer when it comes to Disney Marvel. This situation reminds me of my own past criticisms, which were met with resistance at the time. "Captain Marvel" marked the beginning of the end for the superhero film. It incorporated intersectional feminism, a forced hero's journey, and controversial changes to established characters. This became the template for Disney Marvel, resulting in the decline of the American comic book industry.

The palpable superhero fatigue can be seen in the box office numbers, reviews, and even the responses of actors like Chris Hemsworth. There's a sense of weariness among critics and audiences who are tired of recycled tropes and lackluster storylines.

Superhero films have become formulaic, predictable, and lacking in originality. It's no longer enough to simply have a superhero saving the day; audiences are looking for fresh and innovative storytelling.

Additionally, the over-saturation of the market with superhero content has diluted the impact of individual films. With multiple superhero films being released each year, it's becoming harder for each one to stand out and make a lasting impression. The novelty and excitement that once surrounded these movies are gradually diminishing.

Another factor contributing to superhero fatigue is the lack of risk-taking and the emphasis on safe and marketable storytelling. Studios are often more focused on creating a product that will appeal to the widest audience possible, rather than taking creative risks and pushing boundaries. This results in a homogenized and formulaic approach to storytelling that fails to captivate audiences.

Furthermore, the reliance on CGI-heavy action sequences and spectacle over character development and compelling narratives has also played a role in the declining interest in superhero films. Audiences have become desensitized to the grandiose visuals and explosive set pieces, craving more substance and depth in the storytelling.

It's important to note that not all superhero films are experiencing the same level of fatigue. Movies like "Joker" and "Logan" demonstrated that there is still a demand for mature and introspective takes on the genre. These films broke away from the traditional superhero formula and offered something unique and thought-provoking, garnering critical acclaim and commercial success.

In order to combat superhero fatigue, studios need to find a balance between delivering entertaining and visually stunning spectacles while also offering compelling narratives and memorable characters. They should prioritize quality over quantity and take creative risks that push the boundaries of the genre.

Additionally, exploring different genres within the superhero realm could help rejuvenate interest. Films like "Deadpool" and "Birds of Prey" experimented with blending superhero elements with comedy and action, offering a refreshing take on the genre.

Ultimately, superhero fatigue is a result of various factors, including over-saturation, lack of originality, and a formulaic approach to storytelling.

To reinvigorate audience interest, studios and filmmakers need to step outside their comfort zones, take creative risks, and deliver compelling and unique narratives that go beyond the traditional superhero tropes. Only then can they break free from the fatigue and capture the imagination of audiences once again.