The new, 4+ hour, director’s cut of JUSTICE LEAGUE is finally available on HBO MAX. It is titled ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ but to be honest it doesn’t seem like too many others would claim it anyway. I for one actually appreciated this installment. I am a hard sell when it comes to DC, preferring to Marvel at my super heroes, but this one had some very cool elements.
Basically what we have here is the original Justice League from 2017 with a whole lot of stuff added back in. We get a lot more backstory for each character plus a broader understanding of Steppenwolf and his need for the mommy boxes. Four hours sounds like a lot but for a streaming option it is no different than a 4-part limited series. If you want to watch it in pieces go for it. I admit there are a lot of what feels like extended music videos as we watch the characters move slowly through the rain pondering the doom headed their way. But the soundtrack works so well with the imagery that I found it to be moving instead of frustrating.
The premise is the same as before with Batman trying to get the band back together in order to save Earth and to keep a vow he made to a now dead Superman. Aquaman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and Cyborg finally decide to join Batman when they see the destruction that is coming. It is a dark story and unlike the MCU there isn’t a lot of laughing and smiling in the DC world. Batman tries to be funny but no one ever gets it. Like the Dark Knight trilogy this one is, well, dark.
This film is getting so much hate from fans and critics and sure I get it. There is a lot here. Much of it feels unnecessary. If you are wanting a seamless in and out superhero film you will be frustrated. If you want to watch this as one man’s desire to go deep into the world of DC and let us have huge doses of its characters; it makes more sense. Snyder obviously has a vision for this franchise and is doing everything he can to bring it to life. Other than the first Wonder Woman film and maybe the Aquaman origin flick all other DC films have failed horribly. Zack is a fantastic film maker and knows how to create visually stunning films. This one is no exception.
My opinion may be rare and scoffed at by many, but I stand by it. You don’t have to love it to appreciate its accomplishments. It is like an album by your favorite band. On first listen you are angry and can’t believe how much they let you down. But as you listen to each track more and more you start to get it. It often becomes your favorite album ever. You finally realize what a brilliant effort it was. Now, I am not saying this will be that for you. Nor is it for me. But I will say that there is a lot here to digest and maybe one time is not enough. Rewatch it. Maybe in segments. Engage with the scenes instead of looking at your watch or phone wondering when it will be over. It may surprise you.
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