Zack Snyder’s Justice League [2021]

After so many screw-ups by Warner Brothers, a lot of campaigning from fans and the actors themselves, we finally get to the Justice League, the way Zack Snyder wanted to do it. It’s completely different.

I’m not a fan of Joss Whedon‘s version and didn’t really like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. So naturally, I was a bit skeptical. Four hours later, I had mixed feelings. The movie is really long, and almost halfway, I needed a break. However, this is without a doubt the best of all the DCEU movies so far. While tying the plot closer to Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, it gave fans all what they asked for, and sometimes a bit too much.

Using the same main plotline, Snyder took the movie in a whole different direction: Cyborg and The Flash both have more significant roles. They are at the core of defeating Steppenwolf and not sidekicks. Even though Superman (who got his black suit), Batman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman all have their shining moments, they most definitely are not the center of the story. Not even the heart of it.

The good, the bad and the WTF

Four years later, we got to see Snyder’s vision with some extra twists and turns that were added recently. Altogether, it made this version a completely new movie. And believe me when I say, that’s mostly a good thing. We get to see more of everything. More screen time for every character, more background story for the newer heroes, and more character development and story arcs in general. Plus, I must admit that the visual effects and CGI are almost perfect. Steppenwolf doesn’t look like a walking turd anymore.

On the other hand, some highly publicized characters got an extremely limited treatment: A useless addition for the sake of fan servicing. And that ending! It’s like Snyder wanted to give WB the middle finger by concluding the long movie with a three-way ending that will leave the audience confused about is happening. I’m not asking for a happy conclusion, just make up your mind on how to tie up loose ends and prepare a sequel.

Should you watch it?

It’s way better than the theatrical version. However, it doesn’t feel worth the four hours runtime. It could have easily been one hour shorter if not more while still giving the characters and the story all the respect they deserve.

Where can I watch it?

You can stream Zack Snyder’s Justice League on HBO Max in USA and Crave in Canada.