Jeri Jacquin
In theatres Thursday from director Zack Snyder , DC
The world is still mourning the death of Superman/Clark Kent
(Henry Cavill) and Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) aka Batman knows there is
something coming. Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) aka Wonder Woman knows it too when
an ancient fire is lit that her people know she will recognize as a warning.
Coming is Steppenwolf (voiced by Ciaran Hinds) who is
looking for the three separated boxes that once put together create the
ultimate power of destruction. Knowing that Batman and Wonder Woman can not do
it by themselves, the enlist the help of a begrudging Arthur Curry aka Aquaman
(Jason Momoa), the eager to learn Barry Allen aka Flash (Ezra Miller) and
cyborg created Victor Stone (Ray Fisher).
The first box Steppenwolf took from the Amazons and the
second was taken from Aquaman’s people. That left the third box which was given
to humans to guard and the hunt is on.
It soon becomes clear that the group is going to have to dig
deeper than they could have ever imagined as Steppenwolf’s powers become
stronger and stronger. So strong that the group decides on an idea that is not
only dangerous but could have consequences that add to the destruction of the
human race.
The tough decisions are needed when the world looks to the
Justice League!
Affleck as Batman is dark in this film in that he obviously
feels a deep sense of responsibility for Superman. Knowing that he doesn’t have
time to deal with those emotions, he focuses what can happen if Steppenwolf
isn’t stopped. He puts on the straight tough face but Affleck has a way of
delivering little quips that I enjoyed.
Gadot as Wonder Woman is also dealing with the loss of
Superman with now adding the destruction of her people when Steppenwolf takes
the first cube. In JUSTICE LEAGUE she finally comes to many realizations about
who she is and her protectiveness of the group is strong.
Miller as Flash is a young man who clearly has spent too
much time alone. When he meets Batman, it takes a matter of seconds when Flash
jumps in wanting to be part of being a superhero. I loved his sense of humor
and a bit of innocence he has when realizing that being a superhero means
getting in the mix no matter how dangerous.
Fisher as Cyborg is the darkest of the characters as he
deals with being rebuilt by his well meaning father Silas (Joe Morton). Even
though he started out with these changes, the system he is now attached to
continues to grow and so does his knowledge about Steppenwolf. Fisher spends
most of his time closed off but with a little help from Arrow, that is a unique
new friendship that I enjoyed.
Momoa as Aquaman is clearly the eye candy of the film. Built
like you would expect him to be (come on – think Drago from Game of Thrones physique wise and triple
that!), he isn’t impressed by Batman or anyone else for that matter. When
Steppenwolf comes to his neck of the ocean he has a change of heart and joins
the group. His sense of humor comes out here and there and the audience loved
it.
Cavill as Superman has made his mark in the DC universe and,
like the two iconic actors who played the man of steel prior, will be
remembered for this work. Momentarily there is a dark side to Superman that was
interesting to see and Cavill can smile those pearly whites with the same
evilness as not.
There are also appearances by Amy Adams as Lois Lane who is as
straight forward as ever, Diane
Lane as Martha Kent, J.K. Simmons as Commissioner
Gordon, Billy Crudup as Henry Allen, David Thewis as Aries, Connie Nielsen as
Queen Hippolyta, Robin Wright as Antiope, Amber Heard as Mera, and Jeremy Irons
as Alfred.
JUSTICE LEAGUE brings heroes together for a two hour ride.
Batman and Wonder Woman lead the pack with the intro of Flash, Aquaman and
Cyborg and working together is the best the film has to offer. The downside is
there seems to be a weird disconnect in each of the characters storyline that
leaves me a little unsure.
It is as if there was more to the story that needed to be
told and shown but might have been left on the cutting room floor. I almost
felt the need to get out paper and pen with all the questions I had. Of course
the film had action and of course each super hero got to show the best of their
skills but I am also a story person.
I think those deep in the comic world will have no problem
with the film. Look, I get it; there is something amazingly special about
seeing comic books come to life so you don’t need a character outline. Of
course by doing that you leave the rest of the theatre audience trying to
figure out plot points that I think might just be important.
Coming in at two hours, you can also expect DC to throw in a
few surprises and it was enough to bring the audience yelling with excitement. JUSTICE
LEAGUE is a darker telling coming on the heels of the highly successful THOR
Ragnorok so it will be interesting to see which batch of heroes will win the
weekend.
In the end – you can’t save the world alone!
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