Just when you thought it was safe to be away from the comic book films, Hollywood has got to give us, at least, one more in the form of "Justice League". If one superhero bores you, not to worry--this has many of them rolled up into one film. Not sure why this wasn't released in the summer--it being the season set aside for this fare, but I suspect the post production process was so involved, that this release date was the best they could do.
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's (Henry Cavill) selfless act, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince (Gal Gadot), to face an even greater enemy, Steppenwolf (voice of Ciaran Hinds). Together, Batman (Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gadot) work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes--Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher) and The Flash (Ezra Miller)--it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
Others to round out the cast are Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Jeremy Irons as Alfred, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Connie Nielsen as Queen Hippolyta, J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon, Joe Morton as Silas Stone, dad of Cyborg/Victor Stone and Amber Heard as Mera.
This was directed the action king of many films based on comic books, Zack Snyder ("Dawn of the Dead" '04, "300" '06, "Watchmen" '09, "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole" '10, "Sucker Punch" '11, "Man of Steel" '13, "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" '16) plus videos and shorts. One of the downsides to staying in one's comfort zone is that so many of the films made can appear similar in their staging, pacing and development, and this is where Snyder could be looked upon. But although this can be a problem, he still directs films that are action-packed, in-your-face entertaining productions. If you like his style, "The Last Photograph" is in pre-production. It was written by Chris Terrio ("Argo" '12, "Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice" '16) and Joss Whedon ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer" '92, "Toy Story" '95, "Alien: Resurrection" '97, "Titan A.E." 2000, "Serenity" '05, "The Cabin in the Woods" '12, "The Avengers" '12, "Much Ado About Nothing" '12, "In Your Eyes" '14, "Avengers: Age of Ultron" '15) plus TV based a story by Terrio and Snyder which is based on the DC Comics. Even with the experience here, especially Whedon, there was a bit of choppiness. I believe there was so much going on that it came across confusing and unclear in spots. The upside is that with all the characters in this coupled with the enormity of the production, I'm surprised it wasn't more choppy than it was. Hopefully "Justice League: Part Two" which has been announced will be a better vehicle to convey all these superheroes is the light that will truly enhance them. And, of course, one of the stars is that of the visual effects predominantly designed by MPC (Moving Picture Company), Weta Digital and Double Negative which were seamlessly created.
If you need your comic book film fix, this will be the film for you, but even if you're not, it is still entertaining and action-packed that will leave you with a fulfilled feeling that has you yearning for more. This being as grandiose as it is, a 3D, 4DX or IMAX format will give you an even more impact. This is the quintessential popcorn film.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 120mins.
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