Despite getting exposed for being behind “Project Butterfly” in Peacemaker, the Director of ARGUS, Amanda Waller, is doing just fine. The character shows up once again in black adam where she tasks the Justice Society of America (JSA) with stopping Teth-Adam. She later sends Superman to talk to him when he makes it clear that he won’t dance to her tune.
Waller has grown to be somewhat of the DCEU’s amoral version of Nick Fury and few to no fans have a problem with that. And even though the version portrayed by Viola Davis is the most popular one, the character has appeared in numerous other DC projects. But which are the most recommendable ones, according to IMDb ratings?
10/10 Black Adam (2022) – 7.1
Bestowed with the powers of the gods, Teth Adam becomes vengeful, leading to his eternal imprisonment. When he is awakened 5000 years later, Amanda considers him a threat and tries to get the Justice Society of America (JSA) to stop him.
While a 7.1 score is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s a reflection of how flawed the movie is compared to other projects in the list. The incredible action sequences and neatly done VFX make fans happy that black adam is one of the movies that escaped developed hell. However, a muddled storyline and characters with no background stories prevent it from being the masterpiece it could have been. Amanda Waller’s fans will also be a bit disappointed by the fact that she only appears for less than 3 minutes collectively. Nevertheless, she still plays a big part in the direction of the plot.
9/10 Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009) – 7.1
Batman and Superman become victims of propaganda when one of the greatest DC villains, Lex Luthor becomes President. In the feud between POTUS and the Justice League members, Amanda Waller chooses to side with the heroes.
While watching the movie, it’s easy to note why some fans gave it a lower rating. From Starfire to Hawkman, the numerous cameos make it seem a little too crowded, however, Superman/Batman: Public Enemies benefits from having an incredible villain in Lex Luthor. Amanda, who serves as Luthor’s security advisor, shines too. The choice to depict her as a character who is in a dilemma on whether to lean toward her morality or her loyalty, rather than one who is outright evil, makes the storyline richer.
8/10 The Suicide Squad (2021) – 7.2
Amanda Waller sends the Suicide Squad to Corto Maltese to destroy a Nazi-era lab. For their service, the members are promised reduced awards.
Director James Gunn has often been accused of using jokes that don’t land and this led to some bad reviews from fans. Despite that, the movie is a huge improvement from the one made a few years earlier by David Ayer. And it’s all thanks to a talented cast that nails every scene and a watertight plot. Additionally, Amanda Waller is the perfect low-key villain too. She unapologetically pulls a seat in the hall of wicked movie bosses by placing Rick Flag on the weaker team likely to get massacred and threatening to arm-twisting Bloodsport by threatening to lock up his daughter.
7/10 Batman: Assault On Arkham (2014) – 7.4
Batman tries to stop the Joker from planting a bomb. And while at it, he has to deal with Amanda Waller’s team, the Suicide Squad, which is attempting to kill the Riddler.
Waller’s fans will also be in for a treat here since she is more of the star than Batman. The ARGUS boss is at her condescending best, dishing out dozens of orders and making sure those that disobey her pay dearly. She even has one of her agents, King Shark, killed. She is the baddie-in-chief that gets to win too, since, despite her sins, no harm comes to her.
6/10 Smallville (2001 – 2011) – 7.5
The show covers Clark Kent’s earlier years on his journey to becoming Superman. Waller, portrayed by one of the best Blaxploitation actors, Pam Grier, appears in Season 9 as the boss of Checkmate.
As a coming-of-age tale, the series has hardly any glaring blemishes. Various characters from the comics make appearances too and since there is plenty of time, the characters are well-developed. Fans will love this version of Amanda too since she is still as threatening as ever, often adopting an ends-justifies-means approach and making it clear that “there is only one way out” for anyone who wants to leave Checkmate.
5/10 Arrow (2012 – 2020) – 7.5
Billionaire Oliver Queen starts fighting crime as the vigilante known as Arrow. A younger version of Amanda Waller also appears on the show.
From amazing villains to intriguing storylines, Arrow is a blast for comic lovers as well as casual viewers. Though underrated, the iterations of popular characters that appear in the series are also more formidable. For example, the younger version of Amanda is not only proficient with firearms but is also more ruthless. Whether it’s murdering Mark Scheffer or threatening to kill Oliver’s sister, she never ceases to shock fans.
4/10 Peacemaker (2022) – 8.3
After the events of The Suicide Squad, Christopher Smith, aka, Peacemaker joins the black ops squad “Project Butterfly” to eliminate a race of parasitic butterfly-like aliens. Overseeing the mission is the Director of ARGUS, Amanda Waller.
Given how the only DCEU TV show tightly embraces its R-rating, it’s no surprise that fans enjoyed it. With James Gunn being granted total creative control, he goes the direction of The Boys, packing in plenty of violence, profanity, sex, and gore. The character of Amanda Waller is made to look more human too since she has a family. Her series-exclusive daughter gets introduced and becomes a part of “Project Butterfly.” Unfortunately for Amanda, the same daughter betrays her.
3/10 Harley Quinn (2019 – Present) – 8.5
After leaving her boyfriend, the Joker, Harley Quinn goes on new adventures with her pal, and eventual lover, Poison Ivy. Amanda Waller later tries to recruit her to the Suicide Squad.
The raunchy and gory comedy is perfect in almost every way. It’s a rejuvenating project in the DC landscape too since it promotes the Joker’s sidekick to someone who is arguably better than him. In the spirit of doing things differently, even Amanda Waller is a lot nicer than she usually is. Few would have imagined that Amanda would try to recruit Harley by sending emails and gift shirts instead of simply arm-twisting or blackmailing her.
2/10 Justice League Unlimited (2004 – 2006) – 8.7
Members of the Justice League attempt to eliminate various threats on a day-to-day basis. On occasion, they get to work with Amanda Waller.
Justice League Unlimited is a blast for fans who enjoy seeing teamwork rather than solo adventures. The numerous cameos from other superheroes and supervillains are also well-written instead of just being sprinkled in. There is also a wholesome Waller-Batman friendship that’s always lacking in other DC media.
1/10 Young Justice (2010 – 2022) – 8.7
Teenage heroes Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, Miss Maritan, Red Arrow, Superboy, and Artemis protect Earth-16 from daily threats. Not a fan of them, Amanda Waller often stands in their way.
Because it doesn’t follow the comics, Young Justice benefits from not having to adhere to continuity restraints. The fresh storylines mean fans always have something new to look forward to. Waller is a little different too. She starts as the warden of Belle Reve Penitentiary before becoming the leader of Task Force X. The changes aside, her stern mannerisms are maintained.
Commentaires
Enregistrer un commentaire