Post by OdanUrr on Mar 18, 2021 2:39:12 GMT
Let's cut right to the chase. Is it better? Yes, absolutely. While I still don't think introducing three new characters (Aquaman, Cyborg, Flash) in a Justice League movie was the right way to go, the movie's four-hour runtime fares better fleshing out part of their stories, giving the characters a little more depth and development (not an insane amount though, this is a movie not a miracle), and making every member of the Justice League feel like they meaningfully contributed to stopping Steppenwolf/Darkseid. Let's face it, Whedon's version of Justice League made it seem like everyone was useless until Superman came along and saved their butts. In Snyder's version of Justice League, Batman and Wonder Woman are way more badass, the Flash and Cyborg are instrumental in defeating Steppenwolf/Darkseid (no more Flash competing against Superman to save a handful of civilians), and Superman and Aquaman are mostly the same, although Superman benefits from an in increased screentime to show off his strength and red eyes. Superman, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman, in particular, have a fun ping-pong scene with Steppenwolf where Diana looks like she's enjoying herself as much as when they were fighting Doomsday. The movie has the time to feature a lengthier battle between Darkseid and the Amazons, Atlanteans, humans, and Greek Gods, in the past, and takes the time to better explain what the Mother Boxes are and how they work. As if that weren't enough, it also lays the groundwork for the Anti-Life Equation story and gives us another taste of what a Snyder's Injustice movie might look like, if it ever comes to pass.
What this movie doesn't do:
- It still doesn't get Batman right. In the movie he's portrayed as more of a team player and often without a clear and well thought-out plan. When he confronts a revived Superman he comes a little better prepared than in Whedon's cut, yes, but Lois' appearance was purely coincidental (I think in Whedon's cut it is suggested it was planned) and Batman still didn't bring any kryptonite as a Plan B or C. This Batman just hopes for the best.
- It still doesn't get The Flash quite right either. Ezra Miller's Flash is still trying too hard to appear funny or cute or clumsy or a combination of all three, what sadly undermines his more dramatic scenes (and there is one that I won't spoil). Having seen Grant Gustin's interpretation of The Flash I can't help but wonder how much better he would've been at conveying emotion during such a pivotal scene.
- It still doesn't make me care about Lois. I mean, I know Clark and Lois love each other because that's how it goes in the comics, but I never felt an ounce of chemistry between them. No, wait, on second thought, an ounce is too much, I should've said a gram.
- It doesn't have a memorable soundtrack. I can only recall one track, kinda, because of the scene it played in. Nothing else stood out.
However, if all you wanted was an upgraded version of Justice League, with more lore and character development, far better action (it's not even comparable), team dynamics and antagonists (yes, Steppenwolf comes across as more of a menace in this), Snyder's cut of Justice League is the best you're gonna get, although it's probably not the best version of this movie that could've been made. Still, I think it oscillates between a 7 or an 8 for me, if numbers are your thing, but I've only just finished watching it.
PS: Just wanted to share that one track I mentioned above. The best part starts at 01:31. Combine it with the visuals and it's great.