Well, I’m not really the biggest fan of "Justice League". In fact, I haven’t really cared much about who else is there in the DC Universe previously, other than "Batman" and "Superman". But I gave this a shot, having liked glimpses of Ben Affleck’s "Batman", Cavill’s "Superman" and the new "Wonder Woman" in recent films.
THE MAIN CAST
Amy Adams. Lois Lane
Gal Gadot. Wonder Woman
Henry Cavill. Superman
Ben Affleck. Batman
Ezra Miller. The Flash
Jason Momoa. The Aquaman
Ray Fisher. Victor Stone
Jeremy Irons. Alfred
Ciaran Hinds. Steppenwolf
THE BASIC PLOT
Batman is trying to put together a group to counter potential evil forces after the death of Superman. "Justice League". Wonder Woman lets him know that one of those evil forces, Steppenwolf is back with the objective of garnering "3 mother boxes" which put together, create a surge of energy. Steppenwolf wants to use this to enhance his power and also gain favour as a major baddie for those who have forgotten him. He also has a huge army of parademons to aide his destructive quest.
During the course of his search, Batman discovers "The Flash", a speedy character with some lightning abilities. "Victor Stone", who is a product of the cyborg assimilation of the remnants of an explosion with interesting powers associated with energy. "Aquaman", who is an aquatic superhero. But whilst doing all this, Batman also gets a tad sentimental about Superman being the real name this league could use as none of the others, including himself is a real symbol for the people. Batman wants to bring back Superman with the help of the mother box as their efforts to deal with Steppenwolf would anyway entail possession of the mother boxes.
An entertaining set of events ensue where the primary focus of the "Justice League" is to deprive Steppenwolf of the misuse of the mother boxes.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FILM
1) The story is very basic and doesn’t really come across as very special. But the characters keep it going by some good bit parts by themselves. Mostly it feels like a few characters working together at a time or them trying to achieve the objective individually in their own way. Like "Real Madrid" of old times. Sort of works!
2) It has high entertainment value. Zack Snyder seldom disappoints in the special effects in his films and this is no exception. There were many scenarios where it needed to be so and he delivers. He is after all, no stranger to directing superhero movies.
3) There aren’t too many humorous scenes and most of them come through "Batman" via his sudden witty or funny remarks and few through Wonder Woman’s awkward scenarios.
4) I think Ben Affleck’s batman is good too. May not have the highly intense suitability of Christian Bale. But sort of fits Affleck. Perhaps his "batman" character is only second to Christian Bale and Michael Keaton.
5) Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman is naively good, as in previous installments. Here, she is a bit of a lone lioness in lion pride. Sort of.
6) Steppenwolf, looks like a stereotypical villain with 2 big horns, just more glitzy and excessively coloured, as if someone has adorned him with some heavy coatings of paint.
7) It has some good timely dialogues.
a) Batman on being asked what was his superpower, mentions being rich was his real superpower.
b) Batman on being asked how did he get the house back from the bank, mentions that he simply bought the bank.
c) Aquaman actually mentions being alone makes him feel stronger, in contrary to popular belief, "Unity is strength."
We forget, there’s also a saying "Too many cooks spoil the broth". That’s why it’s better not to be too blind in any particular belief and just apply what is applicable and best to a given scenario.
8) Batman actually touched upon quite a few things I was thinking about, just a day before watching the film. :D Batman seems to be brooding at one point about how Superman was a real face. He had a life, fame, found love etc. And he wanted to bring him back to life.
I was just thinking yesterday that Batman never really has had any solid love interest either in the comics or films despite having the reputation of being the best detective, rich playboy etc with the exception of a very few, never really talked about.
9) Batman seems to be very good at eliminating the parademons in the film, who are like giant flying insects. Ultimately, a lot of the league members try to stop Steppenwolf. But batman shines in this regard, eventually turning the parademons on Steppenwolf.
All in all, an entertaining watch! I wasn’t really disappointed by any aspect, to be honest. I’d probably give it a 7.5 / 10. I would certainly recommend this to DC superhero enthusiasts and also just to any random superhero film lover.