I’ve written the background of this movie to death. But, like any dead comic character, it can come back whenever the writer feels. When Justice League was released in November 2017, I was just so excited to see the culmination of the league, that I overlooked glaring flaws in hopes that a breezy team-up flick would age well. A second viewing made me realize that it didn’t fit what director Zack Snyder had created with Man of Steel and BvS.
Starting now, you can watch Zack Snyder’s Justice League on HBO Max. This four hour experience represents a years long journey that should have come out in 2017, but we’re only seeing now. Once again, Bruce Wayne knows that a great calamity is coming to a world without a Superman. He and Diana seek to recruit people with abilities to stop the coming tide. As the heroes attempt to unite, Steppenwolf and his minion parademons are searching for Mother Boxes, devices that bring death and destruction when joined.
Let’s be clear. This version should be considered the only real version from now on. This is better than what we got before, on every single level. It’s insane that WB released that mess in 2017 that could, at best, inspire apathy in audiences. We, as audiences and fans, finally get to see a live-action version of the Justice League that is worthy of the characters and lore its based on.
The runtime for Justice League is the biggest asset, but also its biggest issue. Snyder breaks the story down to six specific chapters that could easily be considered different episodes. This extra time allows for such in-depth character construction, that any shorter movie could not accomplish. In that way, it has the edge on any feature of its kind. Streaming is a great outlet for this blockbuster because, unless you’re a die-hard, you can take breaks at any time. However, the length will prevent casual viewers from immediately investing in Justice League.
The extended runtime allows Snyder to focus in on each character and gives them each motivations and depth. Narratively, this cut follows the same general story beats as the 2017 version, but where that movie had characters jumping around from place to place without content or reason, we now get to experience why characters make certain decisions, and more importantly, who they are and become throughout the journey.
When Joss Whedon cut and reshot footage for the original release, he added his own tired style of tacky and sexualized jokes. But, the footage he took out seems like possible sabotage. His method of erasing complete character arcs seems purposely harmful to actors, characters and the crew that built everything before Snyder had to depart the project.
This time around, characters are no longer punchlines or one-dimensional plot devices.
Let’s talk about Cyborg (because the original movie sure didn’t). Ray Fisher’s performance truly is the heart of the film. His origin directly ties into the greater plot and, thematically, the movie ties into his struggles. He’s no longer a passing reference of “Need me to hack into the internet?” Now, Cyborg carries much of the narrative and lands the most emotional scenes of the movie. Fisher easily delivers the best performance of the bunch.
If WW84 gave you a bad taste for Wonder Woman, I’ve got good news. She is treated with complete respect (something that Whedon wouldn’t do). The Amazon Warrior with a purpose is back. She clues the League in on the coming threat and easily has the best action scenes.
Two characters who were treated as jokes in Whedon’s version were Batman and The Flash. Ben Affleck no longer has to deliver any lines that are out of character or even demeaning to the character’s legacy. Even without being one of these gods on earth, he has no fear of putting himself into danger for the greater good. The Flash is still the most humorous character in the League, but he’s actually funny now. Also, there are great and dramatic uses for his powers. There are moments involving The Flash that are some of the film’s most unforgettable.
It’s difficult to not compare the movie we have now, to the atrocity that was released before. Truthfully, this is the movie that should have been released. Zack Snyder knew what he was doing. He fulfilled the promises and themes set up in his initial two movies and delivers representations of characters that are worthy of the legacy each has.
Snyder is known for his impressive visuals and JL proves that any single shot could be its own poster. He is one of the best big-budget action directors out there and the action here highlights each character’s abilities and are an actual joy to watch. There are only a few major action set pieces in the movie, but I caught myself grinning unabashedly while watching them.
I don’t often emote while watching any movie, but somehow this one had me smiling, laughing, and even choking up at times. Each scene is punctuated by the impressive score by Tom Holkenberg (BvS, Mad Max: Fury Road). He includes familiar themes set up in the previous DCEU movies and provides the epic and emotional undertones necessary throughout. No joke, I was looking forward to the score as much as I was the movie.
The theme in Man of Steel is one of Fathers. The theme for Batman v Superman is, infamously, Mothers. Now, Justice League brings it home with a central theme of Family. Arthur/Aquaman is at a point where he wants nothing to do with his family. Diana deals with leaving behind her family. Barry/Flash wants to save his father, but also sees the need to belong to this unconventional super family. Mostly, Cyborg is dealing with loss on one side and distance on the other. He feels incomplete and that’s due to the family (and body) he’s lost.
We’re at a point where we may never know how Justice League could now tie into future DC projects. As of now, the director and stars have been pushed out/moved on. It’s just so crazy to see how a studio could so badly manage a tentpole like this and hide it, sabotage it, or not understand what they had. They had a vision fulfilled and they chopped it in half and gave it to someone (Whedon) that does not care for the characters. There’s a reason that the name Zack Snyder will always precede the title of this Justice League. This is his movie. It’s the movie he set out to make and it’s the movie that fans have deserved for nearly four years. Regardless, if there is never a follow-up, I’m happy this was released.
For those concerned about the R rating. Take it for what it’s worth, but don’t be worried. It has three F words. The violence level is high and there’s a fair amount of stabbing (mostly aliens), but this is one of the softest R’s you could find.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is an incredible achievement and exactly what I hoped it would be (Hope, being the key word). It removed the stink of the disappointing 2017 release. More importantly, it excels in nearly every way. Yes, it’s too long and the CG in a few scenes (a very small percentage) is off. Yet, it delivers in action, pacing, character growth, and even comedy. Now, excuse me while I dive in a second time to see if this holds up, but Justice has finally been done. A-
Comments are closed.