As a film critic, I've always prided myself on my "spidey sense" when it comes to detecting the ridiculousness of certain Hollywood decisions (a live action "Candyland" movie? Really?). Last month, news leaked out that Warner Bros. was courting Ben Affleck as a director to jump start their much maligned "Justice League" franchise. I must admit when I heard the news, it did leave me a little screw faced.
Don't get me wrong, I love me some Ben Affleck -- yes even during the "J-Lo" years, thank you for asking. I'm a sucker for a good come back story, and Affleck has moved beyond the "Bennifer" years to being a respected actor and director. While I loved "The Town", which I like to nickname "Set It Off in White Face", I wasn't sure Affleck was the right pick for a superhero ensemble flick. Then I saw "Argo"...and had to give myself a time out in the corner of shame. With "Argo" Affleck has elevated his game to a whole other level. He's not just a pretty actor with a directing side hustle, he's positioned himself as a serious contender for Oscar gold next year.
I've listed 3 reasons why the suits at Warner Bros. would be wise to get Affleck back in the fold if they ever hope to bring "Justice League" to life.
3. He's wicked smaaht -- Don't let the smooth taste fool you-- although Affleck convincingly plays Bostonian thugs ("Good Will Hunting" "The Town"), he is actually quite the smarty pants. He is one of Bill Maher's favorite go-to celebrity panelists on "Real Time" and can more than hold his own with Washington's most powerful politicos.
Watch Ben give Ann Coulter the political beatdown on "Real Time":
As proven by Nolan's superb rendition of the Batman franchise, it takes more than fervent fan boy knowledge and overpriced CGI to pull off a successful superhero movie. You need a love of language and razor sharp insight into the human psyche. The most compelling comic book characters are deeply flawed, and usually at odds with their alter-ego and the expectations that come with the powers they possess. If you're a fan of "Justice League" comics, you know this is a team fraught with tension and harbor some very dark secrets. You'll need someone of Affleck's intellect to direct such complex interactions.
2. He can finally put the ghost of "Daredevil" to rest -- Can we finally stop clowning him over this movie? Yes, it's probably one of the worst Marvel offerings, but Affleck himself admitted in Details Magazine that he didn't like the movie. At. All. How sweet would it be for Affleck to direct a DC property and beat Marvel at their own game?
1. He's a damned good director-- With Argo, Affleck has proven his mastery of deeply engrossing drama and heart-stopping suspense, while never insulting the audience's intelligence. Affleck clearly loves and respects the art of cinema, and whoever directs "Justice League" shouldn't be in it just for the payola. If Warner Bros. has a shot on taking on the "Avengers" juggernaut, you need someone who will go balls to the wall for this project. Affleck is that dude.
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