Zack Snyder’s Justice League: A Thrilling Film That Features Snyder’s Uncompromised Vision

Quick thoughts: Zack Snyder’s Justice League is what happens when a director is able to release their fully realized vision. I like it a lot, and will watch it again. 

After years of speculation, wild theories and fans clamoring for “The Snyder Cut,” it’s a relief that Snyder’s four hour film has finally been released on HBO Max. It’s a wildly ambitious movie filled with slow-motion, moody songs, and some wonderfully realized shots that will undoubtedly make some beautiful GIFs. The nice thing is that it doesn’t feel like a four hour film as Snyder fills it to the brim with more character development and visually impressive action scenes that feel much more coherent than anything Joss Whedon included in the 2017 Justice League movie. It’s still incredibly polarizing, and it’s understandable why people wouldn’t be onboard with this super long movie that is 100% earnest in its delivery. Basically, if you like Snyder, or if you appreciate uncompromised visions, you will enjoy this movie. 

Zack Snyder’s Justice League focuses on what happens when powerful creatures attempt to take over the world after Superman dies, and leaves behind a vulnerable earth. The attackers are led by Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds), an axe-wielding titan who has a chip on his shoulder after he betrayed his bosses (Darkseid), and has become an attack dog who travels around the galaxy and conquers planets. HIs plan is to find three Mother Boxes (AKA MacGuffins), that if united, will give Darkseid enough power to conquer the galaxy with ease. 

In his way are Batman (Ben Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), The Flash (Ezra Miller), Aquaman Jason Momoa), and Cyborg (Ray Fisher). The squad was recruited by Batman and Wonder Woman, as they realize they’ll need a squad to combat what’s to come because they can’t do it on their own. Pretty quickly they realize they’re overmatched, as Steppenwolf and his Parademons are a well-oiled fighting force who hand it to them during their first battle. This leads them to bring back Superman from the dead, so he can put a super-beating on the jerky invading force. What happens next, I won’t spoil because there are some fun surprises and neat moments I don’t want to wreck. 

The best part about The Snyder Cut is that Cyborg, The Flash and Steppenwolf are given much more to do. It’s refreshing to watch Ray Fisher actually play a fleshed-out character after he barely registered in the 2017 film, and Barry Gordon (AKA The Flash) is much more than the plucky comic relief that contributes nothing to the actual story (but gets some jokes). Both characters have a welcome three-dimensions as they deal with working minimum wage jobs, learning their abilities and saving people from car crashes. Also, Steppenwolf is a much better villain this time around as he’s given a backstory and actual motive for murdering so many people. The former titan wants to be on the good side of Darkseid, and he goes about his murderous exploits like a monster determined to be the employee of the month. 
In the end, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is an exhilarating experience loaded with copious new footage and characters who are actually characters. It’s easy to understand why it isn’t for everyone, but if you can accept the earnest tone, and slow-motion, you might find yourself enjoying the epic movie.