Review of Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021) by Megomike — 19 Mar 2021

I recognize that while we have been treated to a new level of excellence in the genre over the past decade, the majority of what is released, especially by DC comics, is simply another comic book movie.

While this film is largely the same story as the original theatrical release only at twice the duration make no mistake; this is not just another superhero film. The additional footage is seamlessly added to the original journey of Bruce Wayne to recruit more heroes to face an imminent threat from an ancient, interstellar threat.

True humanity, global stakes and high drama contribute to the scope of what can only be described as a proper epic. Justice League was written by Chris Terrio, Will Beall, and Zack Snyder and directed by Snyder.

It stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, Jason Momoa, and Ezra Miller as the heroes of the Justice League. Supporting characters include Amy Adams as Lois, Jeremy Irons as Alfred, Connie Nielson as Queen Hippolyta, Joe Morton as Silas Stone, and Amber Heard as Mera.

Jesse Eisenberg and Jared Leto reprise their villainous roles of Lex Luthor and the Joker in brief. Again, the story opens with a world in mourning over the death of Superman, and Bruce Wayne’s impossible quest to find more super-powered beings to protect the planet in the absence of Kal-El.

Diana has also returned to her life as a simple museum researcher, only occasionally appearing as Wonder Woman to battle pockets of terror as they appear. Unknown to them both, the threat to Earth is beyond imminent, and the need to build a team of strength and number is already at hand.

Steppenwolf, a warrior of immense power from outside our galaxy has come to the island of Themiscyra to pry from the Amazons a “Mother Box.” This is an ancient item of mystical strength that when paired with two other boxes in the possession of Atlantis and surface humans, will foretell the return of world-conqueror Darkseid.

Steppenwolf does indeed procure the first box from the Amazons and quickly turns his attention to Atlantis, and the surface world, to obtain the final two, and bring sure destruction to the planet. The additional time is not wasted in this film.

Yes, it feels like a four-hour movie, and you will sometimes wonder if the new material is what you have seen before, for the genius of editing. Great care is given to the introductions and origins of Flash, Cyborg, and Aquaman.

The additional footage of these characters becomes absolutely critical to the film and one will not be able to view the origins presented in the first film without knowing so much is missing. The family and romantic ties of these three newest Justice Leaguers is often tender, and sometimes enraged.

These become not only characters in a film, but flawed and frightened human beings uncertain of their roles in the larger world nevertheless a superhero team. Supporting characters such as Lois Lane, Alfred, Gordon, Martha Kent and Mera are also expanded to connect them to the larger epic.

One can sympathize with Ray Fisher’s displeasure when the true level of how much his character had been abridged in the theatrical release is realized. The new movie no longer begins with the low droning “Hallelujah” of the original release, although a variation of the song appears in the end credits.

Instead, the earlier scenes revealing the many characters are beautifully framed by the haunting chords of lovely folk-style music in full harmony. This is one of the most remarkable soundtracks in recent memory, both mellow and intense, and leading to a powerful score toward the later battles.

We are treated to more respectful effects, from the appearance of Steppenwolf, to the vast apocalyptic landscapes created slowly, branching out to much larger visions. The extra time given to cinematography is not wasted.

The saga of Superman and his rebirth is also given the time it deserves, simplified by a more thorough explanation, and given much higher drama as a result. The love of Zack Snyder for this world and these heroes, however, is the heart of the story.

Zack is responsible for the cinematic entry of 300 of course, as well as many of the contemporary entries of the DC Cinematic Universe. Justice League, this cut, the Snyder Cut, is very clearly his opus.

Epic in its scale, this is a superhero movie that takes itself seriously, even more so than the Infinity Saga and Endgame with all of their death and despair. Even Dark Knight wasn’t “so serious” after all.

Snyder’s triumph isn’t in just making a better Justice League movie, but in making the one we deserved all along. It's not only his obvious love for the humanity of these characters he plays with that endures, but his clear love for the humanity of the audience.

I think I would like to see many more superhero films taken this seriously. Hopefully Warner Brothers, and even Disney, is paying attention.