Movie Breakdown: Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Pre-Screening Stance:
Well, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is finally here. I was surprised when the internet complained enough to convince WB to give Snyder $70 million to do what he wasn’t able to all those years ago, and I still can’t really believe that I’m actually going to watch the film. Here’s hoping it’s worth all the effort.
Post-Screening Ramble:
If you’re one of the many that were clamoring for the much-ballyhooed Snyder Cut, then rest easy, because the wait, the effort, everything – it was all worth it. Zack Snyder’s Justice League not only wipes away the woeful movie that was Joss Whedon’s Justice League, but it’s also an enthusiastic high-five to hardcore fans. The story is too thick to entirely unravel here – I mean, come on, it’s a four-hour film – but it’s essentially this: the death of Superman (Henry Cavill) sends out a signal that actives three magical boxes that are housed on Earth. This results in the attention of big baddie Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds) and his bigger, badder boss, Darkseid (Ray Porter). It also causes Bruce Wayne/Batman (Ben Affleck) to turn up the heat on building out his team of superheroes. Conflict then, of course, ensues.
If I had to boil down what works about Snyder’s version compared to Whedon’s, it’s that the former’s film is simply just fully realized. The tone is steady and there’s a real plot. Steppenwolf is no longer a generic CG monster, he’s got cool, shifting armor, a personality and a motive (that isn’t just the blatant destruction of the world). Victor Stone/Cyborg (Ray Fisher) is actually given things to do. Barry Allen/The Flash (Ezra Miller) is not only the comic relief, but also the heart of the team. Arthur Curry/Aquaman (Jason Momoa) hasn’t quite come to terms with his heritage yet, so his involvement is a conflicted one. Diana Prince/Wonder Woman is fearless and determined to protect everyone. Batman is very smart and operates a step ahead of everyone else, but he also – at his own admission – knows that the situation is bigger than him and he will have to work outside of his comfort zone. It’s maybe a little weird to so positively note that this film’s characters have depth, but considering the same characters in Whedon’s Justice League had none, the praise is deserving. What also warrants a nod of appreciation is Snyder’s visual panache. The sheer amount of slo-mo and nifty designs and stylistic action and more serves as a nice reminder as to why he had the job to being with – the guy sure can shoot one hell of a movie.
So can I recommend this movie to all? Not exactly. While I quite enjoyed it and found myself in a place where its length and occasional hiccups weren’t bothersome, I know that won’t be the case for everyone.
If you’re into comics and the like, then I 100% believe you should watch this film. It’s a real swing-for-the-fences, totally unabridged effort and I’m sure you’ll eat it right up. However, if you’re someone with just a passing interest in the movie, I don’t think you’ll get a lot out of it. In fact, I’d be surprised if you didn’t find it to be exhausting. As I like to occasionally say, your mileage may vary.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League will hit HBO Max this Thursday, March 18.
One Last Thought:
Admittedly, I went into this hoping it would put a period on Snyder’s time in the DC Extended Universe, but after actually watching the movie and seeing how much stuff gets setup, I sincerely hope that WB gives him a chance to finish his story. I’d like to see it … and I’d also like to avoid another exhausting fan campaign.
