Flashpoint: 5 biggest challenges for the directors
By Matt Moore
2. Balancing the humor in Flashpoint
Critics have pointed to the overly dark and dreary tone as the main flaws of DCEU films like Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Warner Bros. tried to correct this first in the theatrical edit of Suicide Squad and then in scenes added to Justice League.
The Flash was a major part of the humor and Marvel-esque dialogue in Justice League. While some fans thought it was an over-correction, many appreciated the comedic timing of Ezra Miller. It will be up to Daley and Goldstein to determine how to continue getting laughs in Flashpoint— a storyline that is dense, emotional, and violent.
In hiring the pair it is clear that Warner Bros. wants the humorous element of the Flash highlighted. Daley and Goldstein directed the 2015 comedy Vacation, which received mostly negative reviews and seemed short on memorable laughs. As writers, they have been successful with the comedy Horrible Bosses and in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Their work on Spider-Man will have an interesting influence on the reception of Flashpoint. If the humor lands, critics and studio executives may want DC Films to continue to follow Marvel’s lead. If it falls flat, then DCEU fans will surely call for the more serious tone set by Zack Snyder.