Spoiler Free
The latest bunch of super heroes get together for a blockbuster epic, but the question is, was it any good?
Let’s cut to the chase, yes, it is good, and for the first time, Warner’s have a film to give Marvel Studios a run for their money.
After the fandom splitting Batman VS Superman, it must have been a risk getting this project off the ground
On top of that we had a reluctant Ben Affleck as Batman, a tragedy that cost the production it’s director, reshoots galore and a studio that insisted that the film be no more than 2 hours long.
It looked bleak to say the least, and to be honest, the film does have it’s problems. There is so much to get through that there is a slight case of excessive exposition right through the first two reels. We have to get to know the new characters of Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg, while also being introduced to the big villain Steppenwolf and his motivations, and we also have to reunite with Batman, Wonder Woman, Alfred, Lois Lane and numerous other DC universe tropes. There’s a lot to get through, and I imagine cinema goers with only a passing knowledge of pop culture, may spend a lot of their time scratching their heads and wondering who’s who. The abundance of CGI is also disappointing, I would have preferred a more solid looking Steppenwolf instead of a completely CGI creation.
However, the longtime fans are greatly rewarded. There are numerous Easter eggs to watch for, and many nods to the comic books that spawned these characters in the first place. For those currently invested in DC comics, there are even sign posts to the Doomsday Clock event happening at the end of November, and I was so gob smacked that I can only put them down to sheer coincidence. Surely they wouldn’t be so meta in the cinematic universe to reference current comic book happenings? Or would they?
As for the story, well stuff happens, and it’s all very exciting, but the real heart of this film takes place in the smaller moments between the set pieces. Joss Whedon was brought in after the departure of Zack Snyder, and it’s easy to see his influence. There are great instances of humor, previously lacking in the DC universe, and all the leads have become more likable and endearing, even Batman looks like he’s enjoying himself. The new additions of Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg are all nicely handled, mostly. Flash seems to be following a similar path to his TV incarnation, but more nerdy, Aquaman is a cool surfer dude with attitude and Cyborg spends a lot of time looking things up. He’s the weakest of the line up to be honest, but I suppose when cuts in run time get made, some things get lost. He’s like a big walking talking Amazon Echo, but I’m sure the directors cut, which is probably already happening, will flesh him out a bit, no pun intended.
The production will have it’s detractors, but if you have a passing interest in this sort of thing you should really go and see it for yourself. If you are fan that has lost faith in DC, just go with an open mind. There are some scenes that will bring a tear to the eye of the most hardened fan, even if you don’t like the overall project, oh and before I forget, there are 2 post credit sequences that are worth waiting for, stay in your seat, don’t miss them, they will have your Twitter feed buzzing for a long time to come.
