Assembling DC comics's most icon heroes into an alliance of Earth's mightiest defenders, Justice League sets stone to another attempt to pull the DC Cinematic Universe out of the ruts dug by two of their vastly disappointing entries 'Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice' and 'Suicide Squad'. Fortunately, last summer's 'Wonder Woman' was able to accomplish that. For the good news, this film succeeds on demonstrating that the cinematic universe is far from out of the game. On the other hand, it fails to reach the peak of 'Wonder Woman', which is almost predictable considering that film set a high bar for how superhero entries should operate. From visual and acting standpoint, the movie hits a home-run, which only renders it slightly disappointing that the narrative undergoes a blemished Returning as director is Zack Snyder who injected his project with his signature visual style before Joss Whedon, one of the writers, took over for some reshoots after Snyder was forced to step down following a family tragedy. And the evidence of the two directors colliding with their dissimilar approaches shines significantly obvious. This film follows Bruce Wayne (played by Ben Affleck) who pairs up the reluctant Diane Prince a.k.a. Wonderman (played by Gal Gadot) to rally up a team of meta-humans including Barry Allan/TheFlash (played by Ezra Miller), Arthur Curry/Aquaman (played by Jason Momoa), and Vincent Stone/Cyborg (played by Ray Fisher) to stand as the last line of defense against the evil monster Steppenwolff (voiced by Ciaran Hinds), an otherworldly emperor set to wipe out mankind. Meanwhile, the team along with Lois Lane (played by Amy Adams) and Martha Kent (played by Diane Lane) mourn the loss of Superman (played by Henry Cavill) who made an ultimate during the battle against Doomsday.
As exciting as it is, Justice League is perhaps not the saving hand for the DCEU in the fracture state it is following its previous entries, as 'Wonder Woman' already holds that title. Nonetheless, it feels quite refreshing to say that this rendition of the popular ensemble team of superheroes is not a hot mess. Director Zack Snyder breathes his trademark visual methodology in each frame while pumping excitement into the heart-racing action set pieces. And much like his previous project, CGI makes a dominating appearance, for both better and worse, and plays a major role in feasting the eyes with a sleek visual scope. Perhaps I should not forget the heavy use slow-mo sequences. But the flaws lying within recent entries in the cinematic universe lead audiences, especially fans to the impressing question how soundness of the plot. To say the least, there are some noteworthy flaws, but it is most certainly not messy. Occuping the first half-hour is the introduction of each character and establishing their arcs. Some are more stronger than others. While Wonder Woman is introduced an exhilarating sequence involving her thwarting a bank robbery, the rest of characters are restrained to expository scenes establishing their backstories without getting their time to shine long until the climatic sequence, which the film rushes into rather sloppily, when are they forced to band together against Steppenwolf who sits as arguably the weakest aspect of the narrative. As a villain, this CGI-constructed monster is rather generic and lacks a concrete background beyond desiring to wipe out the universe. What is his motivation? The answer is left out of our reach, and seemingly the heroes as well. Ciaran Hinds' voice performance is the best thing we get out of his baddie.
Building a solid team of heroes requires not only solid character arcs, which are sadly lacking in some, but the charisma of the cast members. Fortunately, Ben Affleck who introduced himself as Batman in the disappointing foray that was 'Batman V. Superman' remains appealing as ever as the dark cape crusador. Of course, he never quite holds the title of the show stealer as that is given to Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman who has already established herself as a warmly charismatic female hero in her stand-alone entry from last summer. She is gifted with the most memorable moments among the rest of the cast. Jason Momoa, playing the aquatic-type hero Aquaman, stands likable and holds a fair spirit in the role. His most memorable lies not within the actions sequences, but in a laugh- worthy expository sequence where he comes in contact with Wonder Woman's lasso of truth. Ray Fisher is fine as Cyborg who unfortunately falls victim to a weak backstory that places his appeal in severe constraints. Playing the speedy hero in a red lightning suit is Ezra Miller as the Flash, who tries to capture the comedic spirit of Tom Holland in 'Spiderman: Homecoming' by going gonzo with goofy one-liners that unfortunately wear out their welcome long before the film reaches it climax, not to mention his clammy dialogue. Finally, it is no spoiler that Superman make his return after the character was butchered with an unforeseen death in 'Batman V. Superman'. That is when Henry Cavill comes to the picture, and he is fine as ever. But don't expect too much screen time from him. The heroes make a fair chemistry, but their comedic muscles are rather dull as they try to sustain Joss Whedon's light- hearted approach while flowing through the slightly darker tone of Zack Snyder's direction that was remains in scenes outside of Whedon's reshot sequences. That is not to say that we do not get a few great Whedon-esque laughs.
Justice League most certainly does to reach the high bar established by 'Wonder Woman' nor does it mark a single turning point for the DC Cinematic Universe. But what is accomplishes, it offers a fun thrill ride to feast the hearts of comic book fans as well as everyone else craving for a sweet exercise in the superhero realm. As for the DCEU, the franchise is miles away from reaching the height of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, that is if it has a chance.
As exciting as it is, Justice League is perhaps not the saving hand for the DCEU in the fracture state it is following its previous entries, as 'Wonder Woman' already holds that title. Nonetheless, it feels quite refreshing to say that this rendition of the popular ensemble team of superheroes is not a hot mess. Director Zack Snyder breathes his trademark visual methodology in each frame while pumping excitement into the heart-racing action set pieces. And much like his previous project, CGI makes a dominating appearance, for both better and worse, and plays a major role in feasting the eyes with a sleek visual scope. Perhaps I should not forget the heavy use slow-mo sequences. But the flaws lying within recent entries in the cinematic universe lead audiences, especially fans to the impressing question how soundness of the plot. To say the least, there are some noteworthy flaws, but it is most certainly not messy. Occuping the first half-hour is the introduction of each character and establishing their arcs. Some are more stronger than others. While Wonder Woman is introduced an exhilarating sequence involving her thwarting a bank robbery, the rest of characters are restrained to expository scenes establishing their backstories without getting their time to shine long until the climatic sequence, which the film rushes into rather sloppily, when are they forced to band together against Steppenwolf who sits as arguably the weakest aspect of the narrative. As a villain, this CGI-constructed monster is rather generic and lacks a concrete background beyond desiring to wipe out the universe. What is his motivation? The answer is left out of our reach, and seemingly the heroes as well. Ciaran Hinds' voice performance is the best thing we get out of his baddie.
Building a solid team of heroes requires not only solid character arcs, which are sadly lacking in some, but the charisma of the cast members. Fortunately, Ben Affleck who introduced himself as Batman in the disappointing foray that was 'Batman V. Superman' remains appealing as ever as the dark cape crusador. Of course, he never quite holds the title of the show stealer as that is given to Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman who has already established herself as a warmly charismatic female hero in her stand-alone entry from last summer. She is gifted with the most memorable moments among the rest of the cast. Jason Momoa, playing the aquatic-type hero Aquaman, stands likable and holds a fair spirit in the role. His most memorable lies not within the actions sequences, but in a laugh- worthy expository sequence where he comes in contact with Wonder Woman's lasso of truth. Ray Fisher is fine as Cyborg who unfortunately falls victim to a weak backstory that places his appeal in severe constraints. Playing the speedy hero in a red lightning suit is Ezra Miller as the Flash, who tries to capture the comedic spirit of Tom Holland in 'Spiderman: Homecoming' by going gonzo with goofy one-liners that unfortunately wear out their welcome long before the film reaches it climax, not to mention his clammy dialogue. Finally, it is no spoiler that Superman make his return after the character was butchered with an unforeseen death in 'Batman V. Superman'. That is when Henry Cavill comes to the picture, and he is fine as ever. But don't expect too much screen time from him. The heroes make a fair chemistry, but their comedic muscles are rather dull as they try to sustain Joss Whedon's light- hearted approach while flowing through the slightly darker tone of Zack Snyder's direction that was remains in scenes outside of Whedon's reshot sequences. That is not to say that we do not get a few great Whedon-esque laughs.
Justice League most certainly does to reach the high bar established by 'Wonder Woman' nor does it mark a single turning point for the DC Cinematic Universe. But what is accomplishes, it offers a fun thrill ride to feast the hearts of comic book fans as well as everyone else craving for a sweet exercise in the superhero realm. As for the DCEU, the franchise is miles away from reaching the height of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, that is if it has a chance.