Zach Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Much has already been written about Zach Snyder’s Justice League, and the version released in 2017 by the studio, and most of which has been written by those perhaps far more eloquent in the matters than I am.
Much has also been written of the fan campaign to re-instate the Snyder Cut which, at it’s best, was a large group of passionate fans wishing to see the work of a filmmaker they loved, and rallying around to send support at a time when it was needed most.
At it’s worst, and, hopefully, it’s minority, was a vitriolic and problematic attack of trolls akin to that of a poorly behaved child, stampeding in a rage after being told no. The key difference is, that the child does not know any better; they haven’t learned yet. The “fans” do; or at least they should.
But that’s not what this is about; for pieces discussing the manner in which the Snyder Cut came about I’d recommend these pieces by NBC News, The Ringer and The Verge, respectively. No, this is just a wee review, of the film as it stands on it’s own; away from the noise and indeed separate from it’s previous incarnation. After all, a film should be viewed on it’s own merits, shouldn’t it? Anyway, onto the review.
With no expectations, or previous film to compare this with, Zach Snyder's Justice League is a true epic; and I don’t just mean in terms of the run-time. I mean epic in every sense of the word.
Languishing in every possible detail, it dives deep into the characters, the god-like mythology and the darkness of DC, with the pace akin to a long novel, which is perhaps it's greatest strength. Ironically, for a franchise that has arguably rushed to catch up with Marvel, without putting the time or effort in, to get to their superhero team up, this movie doesn’t rush at all. It invites you in, to settle down, and immerse yourself in a world of gods and heroes - and the correct way to make tea.
Of course, it does takes a number of detours - oftentimes in slow motion - and there are a few story beats and character moments that feel unearned; perhaps lifted from the comic books without necessarily having any legitimate reason to be there.
Overall though, it's a beautifully shot, darker take on a superhero epic, and one that makes me mourn for Zach Snyder's vision for the characters; a vision that I never really cared for in the first place, but one in which I now find myself wanting much more of.
Other opinions of course, are available, and are as equally valid as each other. For my money though, Zach Snyder really did the league justice; and it’s one I very much enjoyed.
