Synopsis:
In ZACK SNYDER’S JUSTICE LEAGUE, determined to ensure Superman’s (Henry Cavill) ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) aligns forces with Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions.
We are in extremely new and unusual territory with this Snyder cut. Never before have I witnessed a fanbase provide such a jolt to a film that it literally brought it to life like Frankenstein’s monster, or Superman. While impressive, it may set a precedent resulting in zombie-like film corpses climbing out of the vaults and dragging themselves across cutting room floors onto unwanting screens. However, I do understand the circumstances and final product of the theatrical release may have warranted the rallying cry. So, with that said, in order to make it all worth it, we must all #watchthesnydercut.
“The Great Darkness begins.”
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is action-packed, story-driven, heavily detailed, and staggeringly better than its theatrical fraternal twin. This film succeeds in doing multiple things that the first film failed to do. The four-hour feature delivers more concise motives, fleshed-out character arcs, a tone that better suits the events taking place, and Darkseid. I know those who aren’t fully invested may be intimidated by the runtime but I assure you that with the film’s engrossing nature, it flies by. However, if you can’t sit for the duration, the story unfolds in six chapters that are distinctly marked on the time stamp slider. While the plot is relatively the same, Snyder’s version is clearly different. Not only is it aesthetically superior but making Cyborg the heart of the story grounds it in a way that is very human. A huge beef I had with the original was that the story felt rushed and the team was haphazardly thrown together, making it difficult to care about them. This time around we are provided with all the context and backstory that will have fans wanting this rendition to replace the other as canon. We finally get to know what makes each character tick. While some scenes may look similar, this is Snyder’s original movie with one new scene. That scene being the Batman and Joker scene that you saw in the trailer. The dark Snyder tone coupled with a new epic score and its grandiose visuals makes this film a feast for the senses.
I’m not exactly sure what direction the DCEU plans on going in but with what Snyder presents in this film, I think it’s safe to say that he had an extravagant vision for the universe’s future. I thoroughly enjoyed Zack Snyder’s Justice League. The action sequences are fantastic, Steppenwolf and Darkseid look awesome, the story makes sense, and there plenty of great surprises. Its rewatchability is high.
Plot & Pace
After a cry of pain from a mortally wounded Superman reverberates across the world, it awakens the ancient and powerful Mother Boxes. Sensing their newly awakened state, Steppenwolf, looking to redeem himself for past derelictions, seeks to gather them for Darkseid whom he serves. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne is attempting to put together a team in order to stop an attack that he feels is bound to happen sometime soon. Unbeknown to him, it’s already happening and there are casualties. With the help of Diana Prince who has gained some knowledge of the ongoing attack, Bruce’s worse fears have come true and his team must come together immediately. Once the team is fully formed, it’s a race against time to stop the immensely powerful Steppenwolf as he plans to destroy Earth. However, with how powerful Steppenwolf and the Mother Boxes are, Batman and his newly formed team may need the help of an old friend that is hard to reach. If the heroes fall, Darkseid awaits and Earth will be his.
Even with the film being as long as it is, it moves at a pace that keeps you entertained and locked it.
Characters & Chemistry
This time around, the team feels cohesive and like an actual team. While led by Ben Affleck’s Batman, the heart and key element to this film is Ray Fisher’s Cyborg. Even while being mostly machine, Cyborg is the story’s humanity. His arc is as heartbreaking as it is triumphant. Affleck is stoic and willing to put it all on the line. Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman is badass as always. Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen earns his hero title in grand fashion. Jason Mamoa’s Aquaman is one of my favorite arcs in the film. I love the legendary aspect of his character and how the town protects him. And I think we all want more of Henry Cavill’s Superman. His deep care for Lois (Amy Adams) and ferocity everywhere else is intense. Joe Morton also puts on an amazing performance as the father of Cyborg, Silas Stone.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League premieres exclusively on HBO Max on March 18th, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.
Director: Zack Snyder
Writers: Chris Terrio, Zack Snyder, Will Beall, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster
Producers: Deborah Snyder, p.g.a., Charles Roven, p.g.a.
Executive Producers: Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, Wesley Coller, Jim Rowe, Curtis Kanemoto, Chris Terrio, Ben Affleck
Rated: R
Runtime: 4h 2m
Rating: 4 out of 5