This film was a long time in the making. Ten years ago, it was slated to be made with a different cast, but shelved in 2007. And getting this one together had its set backs. It doesn’t hold together well and here’s why.
Director Zack Snyder and his wife, Producer Deborah Snyder, were to take the helm for this one, but pulled out after the sudden death of their daughter. Joss Whedon took on the task of director but Snyder’s vision wasn’t entirely out of the mix. Snyder is still listed as Director and Whedon is credited with the screenplay along with Chris Terrio (Batman vs. Superman, Argo). We think having two different field generals listed and involved in different ways caused the film to suffer.
This film should still have a big weekend because of the fans and followers who want to see their favorite superheroes come together to fight the bad guys. Batman is the one who wants to get the league together to keep Superman’s legacy alive. There is Batman (Ben Affleck with a ridiculous whisper of a voice), Wonder Woman (Gorgeous Gal Gadot who seems confused by what Wonder Woman is supposed to be doing), The Flash (Ezra Miller, Fantastic Beasts 2, as the one who adds the most fun humor to the mix), Aquaman, (Jason Momoa, engaging adding brute strength and more humor) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher in a cool looking costume but also seeming confused about his skills and mission). Both Momoa and Fisher were in Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Wonder Woman (aka Diana) is one tough lady who keeps coming back for more. At one point she has some kind of revelation that it’s time for her to lead, but hasn’t she been doing that already?
There is plenty of video game type action on a super huge scale with constant explosions and battles lighting up the screen with lightning bolts flying everywhere. But this is computer generated heavy. It’s pretty cheesy in parts.The special effects are nothing that different or exciting. We saw it with Dolby sound and the sound department gets extra credit for putting enough bass in those explosions to create a massage effect in our reclining theater seats. Impressive.
Unfortunately, it’s battle after battle and they don’t make much sense. Not that they have to. Our superheroes are fighting Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds, Game of Thrones) with his deep voice and his ugly oversized, glowing head. His Parademons are flying insects that reminded us of the flying monkeys in The Wizard of Oz, only glowing and electrified. They’re just trying to destroy the planet and their method isn’t very exciting.
Jeremy Irons is fine as Batman’s right hand, Alfred. And Superman (Henry Cavill) comes back, too. I know, you thought he was dead. Wait till you see how they bring him back. And if there’s Superman, Lois Lane (Amy Adams) has to be nearby, too. She’s just not the hard driving reporter she used to be and it really gets sappy when she sees her super man. So does Diane Lane as Mom who is in for about a minute.
Some viewers may be preoccupied with Superman’s face. Cavill had a mustache fora new Missiion Impossible movie being shot coming out next year. Paramount would not let him shave it off for his scenes as Superman, so the moustache had to be erased in post production! Hairy situation!
Danny Elfman’s score is not one of his most noteworthy, but it was fun to hear Batman’s theme and Superman’s, too, when they made the scene.
Stay through the credits for two reasons. This film was originally going to be split into two films. That was scrapped and now a separate film with a new story is being tossed about. This is still one way to see so many of your favorite DC heroes in one film. Another one is on the way but we think this Justice League is minor.
Warner Bros. 2 hours PG-13
