The moment many DC Comics fans have been waiting for is
finally here. Zack Snyder’s vision for a DC Cinematic Universe began back in 2013 with Man of Steel, which, due to a less than
optimistic Superman and a very controversial ending, led to mixed reactions
from fans and critics alike.
That film was followed up by the critically panned Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Fans and critics alike criticized not only
the grim tone of the film but the choppy editing. But anyone that has seen the Ultimate Edition
knows that Zack Snyder’s vision of the film was not choppy. Fans can put the
blame for that solely on the Warner Bros. executives for demanding the film be shorter, even though it was designed as a three
hour epic.
Then the follow-up film, Suicide
Squad came that Snyder did not direct.
While Suicide Squad is
considered to be the worst of all the DC Comics films, it did have its moments.
Viola Davis and Margot Robbie nailed their characters as Amanda Waller and
Harley Quinn, respectively.
All the films have been financial successes but unfortunately
none had been a critical success until they released Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman. While many fans had doubts with the casting choice of Gal Gadot for
Wonder Woman, most of those concerns were put to rest when Batman v Superman came out. But if any doubt remained, they were buried after Wonder Woman was
released. Fans and critics alike praised
the film as one of the best comic book films of all time.
Jumping to today, good or bad, Justice League is the culmination of all these films. Fans remained
skeptical due to DC/Warner Bros. track record, while others, such as myself, sat at the edge of
their seats in anticipation and hoping for a great film.
***SPOILERS AHEAD!!!***
So is Justice League a good film? The short answer: Yes. It was an absolutely entertaining and fun
ride. I was grinning ear-to-ear for half the film.
The characterizations of the team are everything a DC fan
could want. Aquaman is a man torn
between two worlds and is reluctant to join the team. Cyborg is in a dark place
feeling like he’s a monster since his cybernetics are so new and he hasn’t
embraced them yet. The Flash’s enthusiasm is infectious and he becomes the heart of the team. Batman and Wonder Woman truly act as if they
are part of the Trinity, doing what they can in their roles without Superman. And then there's Superman and his return.
He smiles, cracks jokes and feels like the symbol of hope he is meant to be.
There are so many fun moments in this film that remind us of what
made us love DC Comics in the first place. While some people feared Zack
Snyder would make this a depressingly grim film, going forward others will credit Joss
Whedon for making it more lighthearted, yet it was always Snyder’s plan to bring
hope back in the Justice League. Batman v Superman was his Act II, which
is always the low point of any story.
That movie was supposed to feel like hope was gone while this movie, his
Act III, which was originally meant to be a two-part film, was meant to see
hope return.
Due to Warner Bros. growing doubts in Zack Snyder, what was
planned to be a 2-part film was now going to be cut down to a single movie that, of course,
Warner Bros. demanded be no longer than 2 hours. They seemingly forgot that the
two greatest successes in Hollywood history are Titanic and Avatar, both
longer than 3 hours. Star Wars films
are all longer than two hours. Lord of
the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit
trilogy, Harry Potter, the list goes
on and on. Even The Avengers was over
two hours and a massive success. Warner Bros. and their decisions are the weakness of the DC Comics films not the filmmakers. I even wrote an article once called "How Warner Bros. Is Giving Me an Ulcer" based on the stupid, reactive decisions they tend to make when they should be setting the standard.
Anyway, I digress, as the time restraint of 2 hours is where Justice League really suffers. Snyder
has to introduce three new characters: Aquaman, The Flash, and Cyborg,
reintroduce Superman, have meaningful interactions between Batman and Wonder
Woman, all while trying to progress the story.
Fortunately, Snyder pulls it off, but there are moments in
the film that feel rushed where there could’ve been more character development.
Perhaps the biggest concern is that many of the scenes we
see in the trailers are cut entirely. Flash doesn’t shatter a window with his
finger, Wonder Woman and Batman do not discuss Aquaman saying no, Bruce Wayne
doesn’t look at a hologram (which will anger fans that have been debating if
that was Supergirl), and we never get to see who Alfred is talking to which also
could’ve been Supergirl.
My personal gripe with the film was its lack of Green Lantern.
Green Lantern is my all-time favorite super-hero, and after being so
disappointed with that 2011 film, I had hoped for some redemption here. But if there
is a sequel, I may still get my wish.
But despite Warner Bros. trying their best to sabotage
this film, Zack Snyder, Joss Whedon and Geoff Johns (perhaps the most
under-credited person for the course correction) have managed to make a film
that is one of the most enjoyable comic book films ever made. Flawed, yes, but
enjoyable none-the-less. And I cannot emphasize enough that you need to stay for both
after credits scenes. The potential for future films based on what is said in
the final one makes me excited to see where these go.
While other critics seem to be attacking the movie, I see
this as another win for Warner Bros. and DC Comics and I cannot wait to see
what they do next. Here’s hoping Aquaman takes it up another notch. (And
fingers crossed for Mera to be the bad ass she is supposed to be. Wonder Woman has real competition if she is.)
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