Justice League directed by Zack Snyder and guided through post-production by Joss Whedon could have set the DC Extended Universe of films on the path to fame. While it does have some things in its favor, including an all-star cast, it fails to inspire. You can check out my live reaction here. After taking a few days, I have more thoughts.
Based on the DC Comic series of the same name, the stories picks up almost immediately after the previous film. The world is reeling from the death Superman (Henry Cavill). Batman (Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) set out to recruit a team of metahumans including the mysterious Aquaman (Jason Momoa), the Flash (Ezra Miller), and Cyborg (Ray Fisher).
They are battling an enemy known as Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds) who has come to Earth to unite three alien ‘Mother Boxes’ to open a portal to his home planet where a conquering army of Parademons are waiting to feast on humanity.
I will stop with the plot details as I will give too much away. I will say that while I enjoyed the film, it did not blow me away the very first Avengers movie did. Warner Bros. and Snyder have a problem knowing what their fans want to see, choosing instead to attempt a ‘mass appeal.’ The problem is, when you try to please everyone, you end-up pleasing no one.
The core issues are three things. There’s too much of a reliance on CGI, making the film seem wobbly in places. I’m no fan of Snyder, but he at least does good with the visuals. This is especially true Cavill’s CGI lip. It was distracting. Two, the plot and the villain are way too simple. I like a straightforward plot without all the psychological mumbo-jumbo that leaks into movies, but the villain and plot lacked any “umph.” He was not terrifying in any way and you do not feel any serious threat from him. The third is its portrayal of Batman. Ben Affleck chose to perform a confused, guilt-ridden Dark Knight who needed to grow a backbone. He was also totally useless in the final battle with Steppenwolf. He just served to get tossed around. That was disappointing for a hardcore fan like myself.
While it is unintentionally entertaining at times, it does not capture the gravitas of even animated versions of the Justice League. I original thought it was a good thing that Warner Media hired Joss Whedon to fix this film. However, he failed at his task, bringing it in at mediocre at best.
Bottom line, Justice League fails to deliver on almost every level. I am highly disappointed in Joss Whedon’s ability to make this superhero flick into the epic it deserves to be.
FAVORITE QUOTE: That’s not a saying.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Foul language, Violence
That is my review. What did you think? Let me know in the comments below and tell me if there’s a movie you’d like me to review. Check out my thoughts on Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.
You can find me on everywhere on social media! Facebook: Author Jacob Airey | Instagram: real.jacob.airey | Twitter: @realJacobAirey | YouTube: StudioJake
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