If DC, then Zack Snyder's Justice League

Okay, so I'm a geek. And proudly so. As a millennial greatly influenced by my father's love for Star Wars, my childhood comprised of endless reruns of the original trilogy, the occasional prequels (but not Revenge of the Sith; never that), followed by the discovery of Stargate SG-1 and delving into its glorious 10-season run, before branching into spin-offs. Much later, I expanded my vistas with Marvel, DC and more recently, Star Trek (Captain Sisko is keeping me thoroughly entertained, now that Deep Space 9 passed its shaky start and is well into the sixth season).

However, I'm not an expert. Not even close. Yes, I watched all the movies and really loved some of them, but I didn't:

1. Read a comic/graphic novel or book set in any of the universes listed above;
2. Participate in more than one Eastern European Comic-Con (two if you count the one I attended solely for getting a picture with Jason Momoa, before his Aquaman days. Back then he was just Kal Drogo or Ronon Dex. Yep, did that and have the proof);
3. Quote long winded sentences from each of them, unlike some of my friends (here's to you, Raf!)

My real expertise lies with Harry Potter, where I can spar with the best of them. The story of the Boy Who Lived started me on my bookworm path, instilling a love of reading unmatched by many others. There are quite a few things that can be said about my Potterhead-ness (is that even a word? Doubtful). But I digress. You didn't click on my article to see this guy, right?

Sorry, gal. I meant this guy:

Well, not exactly what I had in mind, but copyright is copyright.

So I can't and won't claim expertise on DC, for example. But I did see all the movies and my boyfriend has recently cajoled me into watching a few animated series with him (He's the real expert on DC. In fact, he's probably reading a Batman graphic novel right now).

What makes this article stand apart from the many brilliant works that tackle the comparison between the live action movies and the animated series, film vs comic-book or the zillionth other possible topics is my fresh, girl next door outlook. Un unbiased, open arms perspective of someone that simply enjoys great narratives, complex characters, unexpected twists and turns, true epicness and lots of feels. As mentioned before, for me it's not Star Wars or Star Trek, DC or Marvel. All are pieces of a beautiful, interconnected tapestry. In a time of disunion, I embrace all franchises, without discrimination (let them come to mama).

So, are you ready do embark with me on this chronicle of a fan next door? Good for you, you wonderful person you! Warning: mild spoilers ahead!

ZACH SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE

Enjoyed the ride? Come on, you can't deny that was pretty epic.

Synopsis

Like the theatrical release, Zack Snyder's Justice League follows the Justice League—Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman (Henry Cavill), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), and the Flash (Ezra Miller)—as they attempt to save the world from the looming catastrophic threat of Darkseid (Ray Porter), via his thorned minion Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds), and their army of Parademons, for starters.

But you probably know that already. Here's what particularly struck a cord in this reiteration released by HBO Max four years after Warner Bros' theatrical release (fun fact, both are owned by Warner Media).

1. The fact that the movie actually came out was miraculous in itself

I'm a dreamer, can't deny it. And when faced with something so wonderful as a fandom actually speaking in the same voice and forcing the hand of a big studio like Warner Bros to let the director they snubbed finally have a go at the film he envisioned... Well, that makes me soar above the clouds, like an overstuffed flamingo. It did take four years after Joss Whedon's Justice League and toooons of posts on Social Media, online petitions and the like, but it's finally here. The fans have spoken.

Power to the people, strength in numbers, believing in a cause, regardless of how hopeless it seems (the latter being a theme throughout the actual movie as well)... It's just awe inspiring and I'm certain it will have an impact on the film industry long from now.

#releasethesnydercut

2. Steppenwolf vs The Amazons

Mother boxes are sources of endless destructive (and regenerative energy) that, when combined into a "Unity" can destroy a world. Steppenwolf arrives at the Amazons' home of Themyscira to take possession of the Mother Box under their protection, one of the three on Earth. Amazons, being the wonderful, brave warriors that they are, won't go down without a fight. And so, a major battle ensues, that had me at the edge of my armchair, squinting through heavy tears to see what happens next. I don't wanna spoil it for you, but the action is superb, the score spot on (Tom Holkenborg, of the Mad Max Fury Road, 300 fame) and the intensity is gripping. It's beyond impressive to see the Amazons fight almost insurmountable odds and give it their absolute best. A vivid picture of the legends that my mother used to read to me when I was a child. Their conviction, courage, resilience, sacrifice... And that dramatic game of Tag they played with the Mother Box, while desperately to elude Steppenwolf... Chills.

Even my tough boyfriend had misty eyes when it was over (he said it was an effect of blinking less often than normal in his rush not to lose a moment, but I remain unconvinced).

#longlivetheamazons

3. Mythology and flashbacks of old

As hinted above, I'm big on mythology. Absolutely adored all the tales of Greco-Roman deities that crossed my way as a child. I won a trivia contest in school, was Hera in a highschool play, you name it. So when flashbacks from an Ancient epic battle hit, I was almost shrieking. Zeus throwing his lightning, Ares wreaking havoc, Antlanteans, Amazons, humans and even a Green Lantern fighting bravely side by side to defeat a common foe (you probably guessed who, it's a no brainer)...

I was actually fan-girling hard and cheering them on like crazy, thoroughly touched by this almost Return of the King scene unfolding before me. It was virtually impossible to stay still. DC's roots with myths and legends were never clearer than with Snyder's cut and for me, this wins major points. Idea aside, the execution shined. It wasn't corny, it wasn't cheesy, it wasn't unnecessarily boastful, it was just PERFECT.

4. Snyder's vision

After four years and 70 milion extra, Snyder was finally able to share to the world his vision of the Justice League. And you can see he takes all this superhero stuff seriously. He's not playing make believe, there's unity (pun not intended), a consistency throughout the film, and serious heft to it. Everything seems to have a reason and is not just placed there for shock value or for entertainment. Small note - even a virtually nube like my got excited when a familiar face from a red planet appeared on screen. Don't wanna give more away, but it's very touching.

Regarding tone, what's very important for me is that it wasn't artificially funny. Gone are the awkward moments of levity infused in the theatrical release. Whedon had tried to pimp it out like a bad cosmetic surgeon, effectively turning it into just another confused plastic replica. It doesn't work like that. A movie isn't Frankenstein's monster, crudely constructed by a mismatched set of parts. It needs to stay true. And in Snyder's cut, it does. And heck, the man even ended the movie in a huge cliffhanger, despite knowing at that point that there wouldn't be a sequel. Just because that was his vision for Justice League.

Ultimately, I think this feature film is Snyder's unapologetic fan boy grand opus. You can really feel an underling tenderness for this world, for the entire DC universe.

5. Message of hope

Although being pretty dark, the movie's prevalent message is one of hope. Hope in Superman's ability to keep the darkness at bay and in his resurrection, hope in banding together and fighting as one - putting all differences and past grievances aside... Just hope. As a side note, this was beautifully articulated in one of my favorite scenes, in which Clark is hearing encouraging words from his two dads: Jor-El (Russell Crowe) and Pa Kent (Kevin Costner), while walking through a Kryptonian scout ship.

6. It was never boring

Despite running for a whopping four hours, it was never boring. I was so committed to the storyline, so completely absorbed in the action that it felt like I've lived in an alternative universe for half a night. Even my bladder was uncharacteristically complacent. Added grand battles aside, every major character received a backstory that made me care deeply for his fate, keeping me glued for the whole ride.

My personal opinion aside, the movie was actually well received, with a Stream it thumbs up from Decider, and a 73% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, to name a couple.https://decider.com/2021/03/18/zack-snyders-justice-league-on-hbo-max-stream-it-or-skip-it/

Conclusion

Entertaining, gripping, intense and highly impressive, Zack Snyder's Justice League was an absolute treat even for a fan-next-door. After the initial haze had lifted, I desperately searched for news of a not to be found sequel, but maybe it was meant to be this way. After all, how many times can you tempt fate and win? :)

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Dear reader, thank you so much for sticking with me until the conclusion of my very first article (Vocal or otherwise). If you liked it, go ahead and give it a heart, share or even a tip; whichever seems right to you, you beautiful soul you!