I must admit, the lack of hype ahead of DC’s Justice League really surprised me.
Although Batman v Superman (BvS) and Suicide Squad flattered to deceive with critics (I remain one of the few that enjoyed BvS), the success of the excellent Wonder Woman felt like it breathed fresh life into the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
However, the buzz that often surrounds films of this type – any Avengers movie, for example – just seemed dialled down this time around.
Justice League, again directed by Zack Snyder (with a bit of screenplay from Joss Whedon) follows on directly from the above mentioned DCEU films, albeit a few months into the future.
As per BvS, we find the world in a pretty sorry state – and it seems that the God-like villain Steppenwolf (voiced by Ciaran Hinds) feels the time is right to end his exile and conquer the earth via dastardly means.
That forces Batman/Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman/Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) to build a team of gifted heroes to combat the imminent threat.
They reach out to and ultimately recruit Aquaman (Jason Momoa), The Flash (Ezra Miller) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher), who all have varying super-powers, for the upcoming battle – and seeing them all together is a big thrill.
Momoa’s Arthur Curry, who is actually very funny, can breathe underwater and is a native of the mythical Atlantis, while Miller’s geeky Barry Allen is the fastest man alive, but far from combat ready.
As for Fisher’s machine-like Victor Stone, well, his powers are seemingly endless and he actually plays a much bigger part than you’d expect.
The film does spend a lot of time introducing the three newbies, which works well but, sadly, makes a mockery of the ridiculously short (for a DCEU film) 1.40hrs running time.
The basic premise is that Steppenwolf is hunting three ‘Mother Boxes’, which he wants to reunite and use to destroy earth. The newly-formed Justice League must come together and stop him in what is no more than a run-of-the-mill superhero fare.
Saving Justice League from mediocrity are the main characters, especially Gadot’s Wonder Woman who is again the main event.
She serves as the team’s moral compass and essentially glues everything together with the same combination of charm and badassery on show in her film from earlier this year.
Affleck’s Batman is much more likeable this time around. I personally enjoyed his executioner-style take on the iconic character in BvS, but he’s realised that he must change here. His redemptive arc is an enjoyable one and his chemistry with Gadot is a highlight.
As for Miller, he’s a strong Flash. Often the comic relief, he steals many a scene and gets plenty of screen time.
Momoa’s Aquaman, who has his own film upcoming, has a curious backstory and I’m certainly invested in him now. He’s a great character that isn’t as in your face as the trailers suggest.
As for Cyborg, I did find the chracter a little jarring – through no fault of Fisher.
I’ll not elaborate too much, but – for me – he had too many answers for complex problems at this stage in his character’s development.
Steppenwolf, meanwhile, is another generic alien villain (and another one shot in motion capture). Sadly, his motives are unclear and he is largely forgettable.
It’s worth nothing that Superman’s (Henry Cavill) presence looms large here after his BvS demise. All I’ll say is that he, Lois Lane (Amy Adams) and Martha Kent (Diane Lane) do reprise their roles.
While the characters are fun, the generic plot ensures that Justice League has no real standout moments.
It is also criminally predictable in its use of one key character
However, Justice League does set the stage for (hopefully) better stories that this great set of characters can play a part in moving forward.
Voice Verdict: 7.5/10 (reviewed at Boston’s West End Cinema)
+ The team is great
+ Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman and Batman
– Generic story and villain
– Cyborg’s abilities
SHOWTIMES
Boston’s West End Cinema (Fri, Nov 24 to Thurs, Nov 30)
**BATTLE OF THE SEXES (12A)
6pm (daily), 8.40pm (daily)
**THE STAR (U)
10am (Sat/Sun), noon (Sat/Sun), 2pm (Sat), 4pm (not Sat/Sun)
**LISTY DO M3 (15)
8.30pm (not Tue)
JUSTICE LEAGUE (12A)
2D – 11.30am (Sat/Sun), 2.30pm (Sat/Sun), 8.30pm (daily)
3D – 5.30pm (not Tue)
DADDY’S HOME 2 (12A)
1pm (Sat/Sun/Wed), 3.30pm (daily), 6pm (daily), 8.45pm (daily)
PADDINGTON 2 (PG)
10am (Sat/Sun), 12.30pm (Sat/Sun), 3.15pm (Sat/Sun), 3.45pm (not Sat/Sun), 6pm (daily), 8.30pm (daily)
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12A)
4.45pm (Tues), 6pm (not Tues)
A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS (15)
3.45pm (daily)
THOR RAGNAROK (12A)
2D – 2.15pm (Sat/Sun)
KIDS’ CLUB
10.15am Sat/Sun – Olaf’s Frozen Adventure & Frozen (PG)
SILVER SCREEN
Wed 11.30am – Paddington 2 (PG)
SUBTITLED SHOWING
Tuesday 5.50pm – Justice League 2D (12A)
**FREE LIST SUSPENDED
