Justice League

I finally got to see Justice League. I couldn’t get out to see it upon its release and in some ways I think that distance did me good. A lot went on behind the scenes in the making of this movie. I try to ignore those things because what matters is the finished film. In the case of this film though it was hard. Director Zack Snyder (Man of Steel, Dawn of Justice) and writer Joss Whedon (Avengers, Buffy) had to come together through circumstances neither could have foreseen and finish the film. The result is mixed, overall it’s a decent movie that does it’s classic characters and the talent – from Zack, to Joss and the cast and crew – proud.

The plot follows on from the events of Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Superman is gone, Batman feels guilty and there’s a world ending threat looming that’s about to kick off. Batman and Wonder Woman must unite Earth’s greatest warriors – The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg AKA the Justice League to save the world.

During the first act I was worried. Some scenes felt a bit thrown together for the sake of quickly establishing characters we hadn’t got to know yet and the need to bring everyone together. Thankfully as the film moves into the second and third acts the film begins to really come into it’s own. Feeling clear in tone, confident in it’s execution and by the time the credits rolled delivering a solid big screen debut for DC’s most famous super hero team.

The cast is very good. Affleck is a great Batman and it saddens me to think he could be done with the role after this movie. Gal Gadot shines as Wonder Woman and Henry Cavill does good with what he’s given to do. The big draws for comic fans in this movie are the new additions. Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher are all great additions to the DCEU. Don’t forget this is the first proper time we’ve got to spend with Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash. It’s a credit to each of them they’re alble to leave their marks despite having to share the billing with DC’s most inconic heroes.

Zack Snyder always delivers on action and visuals. The action is great in Justice League. It’s not easy working out big fight scenes and who gets their chance to shine and when but Snyder makes sure each of the League gets their moments to stand out. All of the action is well shot and clear. My favourite action scenes being the last act smackdown, those featuring Connie Nielsen’s Queen Hippolyta (what a character!) and a small but welcome one of Batman being Batman. I love Batman and I love the look of Gotham City so anytime spent on either is a plus.

I was surprised the fim’s score didn’t resonate more with me, one thing the DC movies have done a great job at is the character musical themes. I was under the impression this featured both Batman and Superman’s classic themes but the way they’re used in the movie you have to listen to pick them up.

Justice League is a solid movie. As a cap to Man of Steel and Dawn of Justice it works. It brings light to a series that some have issue with for being too dark. As the begining of a new series of Justice League movies it does it’s job. In a good way. It’s not without flaws but it’s fun and as a debut for DC’s finest it’s a welcome addition to the DCEU.

Roll on Aquaman, Wonder Woman II and hopefully a Affleck led solo Batman movie.

 

 

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Justice League Comic-Con trailer

The new trailer for Justice League is the first to be released since Warner Brothers announced that writer/director Joss Whedon had come on board to help complete the film after Zack Snyder stepped away from the production. If there is a shift in tone from the first trailer I can’t say I see it. If anything the re-shoots I would guess are being done in such a way as to present Zack’s original vision while adding more character specific moments, which Whedon can accomplish in his sleep. I’m not one of those people who thinks Justice League will all of a sudden become a Joss Whedon movie. If anything I hope it ends up being an example of how creatives can collaborate to deliver a great picture. The stakes seem high enough in this new trailer that would warrant the aid of the Justice League and we get our first real look at the films villain Steppenwolf who looks appropriately villain like.

I think it all looks epic as hell. I’m rooting for the DC movieverse. The more success for both Marvel and DC the more great risks will be taken on bringing properties to the screen.

Justice League hits screens November.

WB unites the Justice League with brand new trailer

This movie looks STACKED! There is a lot going on in this teaser with an abundance of characters and action set pieces. Here is where I sit on the film, first up I hope it delivers and it’s at least decent. Yeah it would be great to get an amazing movie but I don’t want to even get my hopes up that high. Just let it be good. One or two of the backgrounds look a bit fake and the CGI on Cyborg isn’t as good as I thought it may be. Yet there’s plenty of time to fix those things and look even if the film does come out and it has some less than great CGI work who cares as long as the rest of the movie delivers right?

For me the standouts are Aquaman and funnily enough Cyborg. All the scenes with those two looked great (some CGI aside). These are the two I am least familiar with out of the Justice League and I look forward to seeing both of these guys get some exploration over the course of the movie. Amber Heard as Mera, the Queen of Atlantis no less, also gets to cameo in this trailer and while I expect she’ll have a small role I still look forward to seeing what she does in the movie.

This is a solid teaser trailer that is hopefully giving us just a glimpse of the fun times ahead when the movie hits screens this November.

Justice League Comic Con Teaser

Comic Con fans were spoilt yesterday. Not only did they get a Wonder Woman trailer but Warner Brothers/DC gave ’em a exclusive first look at footage (it is more of a footage tease than an actual teaser trailer) of Justice League! Considering the film is still shooting I think the footage on display is impressive. We get a good look at the tone (fun), a hint of the threat and some new characters such as Aquaman, Flash and Cyborg! The film is still over a year away but I look forward to another teaser trailer maybe later this year. I liked the interaction between the characters. It’s nice to see Batman a bit more mellow-ish and able to crack a smile.

Out of the DC movies to date (the post Nolan era) I have only seen Man of Steel ( I liked it in case you are wondering!) and I have to say I am rooting for ’em. I love Marvel too. You can like everything! It is just Marvel are ALWAYS good. It’s bit boring now. No not boring. Those films are great! I think you know what I mean though. Marvel are very SAFE. Which is boss but some serious competition is always a good thing and I hope the DC movie universe manages to be just that moving forward.