18. Zack Snyder’s Justice League
The journey that Justice League took to the big screen was one of legend. Even more so after the film was released and panned, not only by critics but also fans. Joss Whedon took over for director Zack Snyder following a family tragedy. Whedon reportedly said the movie was garbage and reshot much of the film while trimming some of its core story.
Fans begged Warner Bros to release the “Snyder Cut”, and to everyone’s surprise not only did they release the film, they allowed Snyder to release his film as a 4-hour epic.
Superman (Henry Cavill) is dead. Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) starts recruiting more heroes, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), Flash (Ezra Miller) and Aquaman (Jason Mamoa) to help him stop the threat of Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds) as he attempts to bring Darkseid to Earth to transform it into Apokolips. The heroes soon learn that they are overmatched by the parademons and Steppenwolf. If they have any chance to save Earth, they must find a way to bring Superman back to life.
Right away, Snyder’s Justice League is leaps and bounds better than the theatrical release. The over four hour runtime gives each hero more time and story to breath. The hero who benefits the most is Cyborg. But there is a rub with that as well. The Cyborg story is just not that interesting. Fisher is fine as the conflicted hero, but his journey is not compelling. I was much more interested in Affleck’s torn and beat down Bruce Wayne. He anchors the film and when he is not on screen his absence is felt. Gadot is a standout as well, her Diana is well rounded and she is full of charisma.
Superman is absent in the film for about 3/4 of its runtime, making his return that much more impactful. Flash is given a sweet scene saving a woman with some truly impressive visual effects.
There is still some issues with the film. There is too much slow motion. It looks cool but it really drags the film down. Although the four hour runtime is warranted there is a bit of fluff and pacing issues throughout the film. Which I actually think is a problem in a lot of the streaming movies, where the filmmakers are given a slate to make their film as they see it. Which is a double edged sword. On one hand I love the creative freedom the filmmakers are given, on the other hand they sometimes need to be pulled in and make their films tighter. The film looks incredible and Snyder is a talented director with a great eye.
Of all the scenes that are added the end Knightmare scene with Batman and the Joker is cool and totally unnecessary. It doesn’t really add anything to the story, it’s just cool. Same can be said for the reveal of Martian Manhunter. It’s cool in theory but not needed in the film. It feels like fan service and nothing more.
The film does correct a lot that is wrong with the theatrical release of Justice League. And although it does suffer from pacing issues and some underdeveloped ideas, it is a winning film not only for fans but for Snyder as well.
Grade: B-
Zack Snyder’s Justice League Video Quality
Justice League takes the fight to your home system with an impressive 4K UHD picture. The film is framed in IMAX-style 1.33:1 open matte. It gives the film a unique look which is not commonplace for home viewing. Justice League is not really colorful as Snyder’s film has a washed out quality to it, but it is highly detailed and stunning to look at. The details in the slo-mo shots, especially Flash breaking through a window highlight the depth and beauty of this release.
Grade: A
Zack Snyder’s Justice League Audio Quality
Justice League kicks all sorts of ass in a sonic delight of sound design. Like most Snyder DC films, JL fills your room with music, sound effects and crystal clear dialogue. Justice League is a film that will have your living room shaking and quaking.
Grade: A+
Zack Snyder’s Justice League Bonus Features
Man, I wish this release had a commentary by Snyder. I would’ve loved to hear him talk about the film and the process of making it after being away from it for over three years. Instead we do get a solid, albeit short making of called The Road To Justice League. Snyder is joined by several stars and crew members that just scratches the surface of the production.
Grade: C-
Zack Snyder’s Justice League deserved to be released. The turmoil that surrounded the production and the tragic passing of Snyder’s daughter made the viewing experience an essential one. Snyder earned the right to have his film released and hats off to all the fans that pestered Warner Bros into making it happen. Although it’s not without its faults, Justice League more than makes up for it in telling a stirring and solid superhero epic.
Overall: B+