Movie Review: Zack Synder’s Justice League

Finally, some Justice for Justice League. 

Zack Snyder’s Justice League is proof that the Whedon version was an injustice when it comes to storytelling, character development, and the way that women's stories are told. And this is coming from someone skeptical about this new cut since the first one was a fluke.  Boy, was I wrong! The Whedon and Synder versions of Justice League are like day and night. One exemplifies what it means to tell a story full of hope, love, and teamwork … finally! And the other is a loose film with no backstory and teamwork that rightfully got Justice League fans mad and seeking for a Snyder Cut. I’ll say this once…but fans were right to ask for the Snyder Cut. They were right to trust their gut that there was more to the story of Justice League as a whole, more to Victor Stone’s story, more to the story of a Steppenwolf that looks so sleek and terrifying, while still somehow being compelling. They were right and we need to break down the finer details of why.

One of my biggest gripes with Whedon’s Justice League is the story arcs. They felt flimsy, out of touch, and didn’t give our heroes the nuance they deserved. It even made me look at characters like Wonder Woman and go, “That was it?!” Zack Snyder’s Justice League corrected that in more ways than one. Each character had their own time to shine and the background to match. And what we were left with is a rich story that exemplifies what it means to be a hero instead of some loosely put-together super friends. Particular respect needs to be given to Cyborg. What was done to his character in the Whedon version was practically criminal when you encounter Snyder’s version. He’s complex, has a big heart, and somehow turned into one of my favorite characters of the movie in general. And that’s without diving into the work they put into Lois’ character, the depth Aquaman got, and even what drove Steppenwolf to do what he did. Every character matters in Synder’s Justice League and it makes for a richer movie and experience because of it.

And finally, one of my biggest pains with the older Justice League was the soundtrack. Don’t get me wrong, I think that Sigrid did a wonderful job when it came to Everybody Knows. But that’s about where it ends and where the problems behind. Action scenes, drama scenes, emotional scenes, and funny scenes? No need for music. You can see what’s happening, so what’s the point of adding anything else? Wrong. Music is such a beautiful and driving force behind a feature film. And it could destroy a movie if they don’t know how to harness the power of an original soundtrack. Zack Snyder’s Justice League, on the other hand, knows what it’s doing when it comes to music. Those action scenes? Big sweeping scores. Those drama scenes? Complementary music elevates the storytelling. Those emotional scenes? Heart-wrenching movements that put you in the shoes of those that are currently suffering. Music makes Zack Snyder’s Justice League into an adventure worth following and being part of.

All in all, is it worth the 4-hour watch?! It’ll be worth it, I promise. Justice is served.