DC Comics’ Justice League, a direct sequel to Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, reverse
engineers what Marvel has successfully done in its methodical building of a
superhero film universe. The result is a generally satisfying adventure while
serving as three mini-origin stories wrapped into one film with a lean running time of two
hours.
As
the world mourns the death of Superman (Henry Cavill) amid an emboldened
criminal threat, a powerful demonic being, Steppenwolf, reemerges vowing
revenge on humanity. As Batman (Ben
Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) find themselves overmatched by the evil
warrior’s army, they must recruit a team of superhumans which includes a
youthful Flash, a hip Aquaman, and a cynical Cyborg. But can the team win
without Superman?
There are some
exciting scenes when the team is assembled with each hero well represented, and they have some nice interplay
and contrast, and work together in battle.
Gadot continues to impress; Wonder
Woman fans will be satisfied by her prominent role.
Ezra Miller makes an endearing Flash here (even when compared to
TV’s The Flash). The rest of the cast
lends good support including Amy Adams, J. K. Simmons, and Jeremy Irons.
Director
Zack Snyder (who did not complete filming) continues to show an eye for action
and visuals, but he still desperately needs to balance his serious tone with
more humor particularly with a team of heroes as Marvel has mastered in The Avengers. That film’s
writer/director, Joss Whedon, contributes his touch here in a couple of scenes,
and a few more such moments would have helped.
Another issue is the villain is nothing unique with CGI that seems to
overwhelm the action.
Better than Dawn of Justice but not as good as Wonder Woman, hopefully it’s the start
of something special for DC Comics,
and one can hope for additional members to the Justice League in the future.
Green Lantern, anyone?
*** of **** stars
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