With Marvel now moving ahead on their "S.H.I.E.L.D." TV series, the superhero invasion that has hit the big screen will likely explode on the small screen as well. And while there have been pockets of shows here and there — most notably "Smallville" — for the most part, dudes or dudettes in tights haven't fared well (please see last year's failed "Wonder Woman"). CW hopes to have a hit on their hands with "Arrow," but as this first clip demonstrates, they'll have a few hurdles to clear.
Campy, horribly acted and trying to duplicate Bruce Wayne-style stealth, this hooded Hawkeye-type dude just isn't all that threatening. Or maybe we can't tell because the baddies around him seem to think that bugging their eyes out means they're emoting. But most likely, it may be because the thrust of this scene — PUT ALL OF THIS MONEY IN THIS ACCOUNT OR ELSE — already feels pretty bland and tired. But, you know who would dig this? Little kids, and we'd guess that'll be the audience for this thing.
Meanwhile, Warner Bros. continues to fumble the ball with Batman in animated form. Following last year's disappointing "Batman: Year One," along comes "The Dark Knight Part 1" with Peter Weller (!) as Bruce Wayne. Again, there is weird mix of seriousness and kiddie-like lightheartedness that doesn't mesh well. Essentially trying to adapt what is effectively R-rated material into PG-13 fare sort of doesn't work, but we're sure diehards will be all over this. But we'll pass, thanks.
"Arrow" premieres on October 10th, while "The Dark Knight" arrives on September 25th. [ScreenCrush/Flicks And Bits]