Four years ago, Justice League was released, but not in the way that original director Zack Snyder intended.
Suffering from unwanted changes, Zack Snyder stepped down post-production following the death of his daughter, with Warner Bros hiring Joss Whedon to finish the film. The 2017 Joss Whedon touched iteration, as we are all aware, was not well received and even jeopardised the future existence of the DC Extended Universe. After much campaigning by fans to release the ‘Snyder Cut’, it seems thanks to HBO Max, DC, WarnerMedia and the very loud and constant passionate campaigning from fans, director Zack Snyder finally gets to finish what he started.
I can say without a doubt that this director’s cut version of Justice League is the superior one. Gone are the uncomfortable up-skirt shots of Wonder Woman, among other things that were clearly the directorial choices of Joss Whedon. What we have instead is an incredibly detailed and thorough film, which not only fleshes out the relationships and chemistry between these superheroes, but also provides decent backstories for many of the Justice League members who don’t currently have their own movies; Ben Affleck’s Batman/Bruce Wayne is actually likable, Ezra Miller is hilariously fun as Barry Allen/The Flash and Ray Fisher’s story arc as Victor Stone/Cyborg is a deep emotional rollercoaster. Alongside an incredible score by Tom Holkenborg, otherwise known as Junkie XL, Zack Synder’s Justice League is mesmerising.
It’s not all perfect however, as while the 4 hour and 2-minute feature doesn’t feel long, with the narrative told in 6 parts (7, if you count the epilogue), there are a few lingering shots here and there that outstay their welcome. More predominantly, the final moments of the film which set up a sequel that will never happen. I personally wasn’t keen for this story direction, but it doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen anyway. I also thoroughly loathed Amber Heard’s accent during her miniscule scenes as Mera, but this is a minor thing. As a viewer and as a fan, I have very little to complain about. It really makes you wonder how many other bad movies out there could have been brilliant if not for the changes made of many scenes being left on the cutting room floor.
For the most part, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is actually a real treat. I had the pleasure of watching this film on the big screen in IMAX and was literally held on the edge of my seat. I laughed, I cried, I cheered and had my jaw drop on multiple occasions. So, put away your memories of the 2017 version of Justice League. This is the REAL one and is by far one of Zack Snyder’s best achievements to date. Not only does it strengthen the power of the DC Extended Universe and gives Snyder the closure that he deserves, but the film is a whole lot of fun, and despite its minor flaws, we are so incredibly lucky to finally see it in all its dynamic glory.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is available in Australia exclusively on Binge and will be available on March 18th from 6pm (Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time).
Kek