Directors: Adil El Arbi, Billall Fallah
Cast: Leslie Grace, J.K. Simmons, Jacob Scipio, Brendan Fraser, Michael Keaton, Olivia Colman
Rating: (M) ★★★★
APRIL FOOL!
The decision by Warner Bros to cancel the release of Batgirl after poor test screenings meant that for a time it was the most expensive unreleased film in history, more profitable as a tax write-off than as a potential flop that might damage the hard-earned integrity of the DC brand.
However, after underwhelming showings of both Black Adam and the Shazam! sequel, and with interest sorely lacking in the upcoming The Flash, it appears someone had an uncharacteristic change of heart, deciding to restore a little goodwill to fans by quietly slipping it into cinemas for one day only.
Having been privy to a very selective critics-only screening, I can report that it is in fact a triumph, a savvy reinvention of the superhero genre that uses Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales as inspiration for its ultra-fashionable, time-jumping, multiverse-hopping plotline.
It should be noted this is the three-and-a-half-hour assembly cut that played to test audiences, complete with unfinished effects and a temp soundtrack, although this actually works in its favour, the visible wires and green screens highlighting the artifice in an almost Brechtian way. On the downside, the use of Limp Bizkit’s Rollin’ over every fight scene becomes a little grating.
In hindsight, it may have been a foolish decision to leave this on the table, but it makes for a fascinating look at a work-in-progress we’d never have had the chance to see otherwise. Screenings are free, but on a strictly limited, first-come-first-served basis, ending at midday today.
