Clocking in at over 20 minutes longer than The Ten Commandments and 14 minutes longer than Lawrence of Arabia is the much-prophesized Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Once believed to be nothing short of a pipedream, the mythological tale of the Snyder Cut is actually something that exists and is available on HBO Max. If you’ve followed the journey of the project since the beginning, those words probably still don’t seem real.
After the theatrical run of Batman v Superman didn’t lead to the complete runaway smash the studio had hoped for, the production of Justice League was already stressful enough with WB execs starting to doubt the vision of filmmaker Zack Snyder. When Snyder suffered a tragic loss in his family, the studio looked to Joss Whedon, the very filmmaker who brought the rivaling Marvel’s Avengers and its sequel Age of Ultron to life, to fill in for Snyder in order to complete post-production. The real story, however, is more complicated.
Essentially, Whedon was brought in to deliver a version of Snyder’s work that not only had to introduce multiple new characters with the plan of setting up new solo films and establish a wider cinematic universe, but was to be no longer than 2 hours, have a much lighter tone akin to the recent slate of Marvel films, and essentially course correct the future of the DC slate. As was the case with BVS, the theatrical version of Justice League was not nearly what Snyder had envisioned, granted, his directors cut of BVS got a home media release and was only 30 minutes longer. That cut of the film proved to be a much more cohesive vision, whereas the theatrical version of Justice League — dubbed by many online as “Josstice League”, came and went with little fanfare.
The cut featured two distinctively clashing tones, Snyder’s operatic, more gritty sensibilities, versus Whedon’s sardonic cartoony side, a lack of character depth, a laughable villain with horrendous CGI, even a now-notorious case of a CGI upper lip, and with less than 8 months until the release date. The film failed to gross enough money to back make its ballooned budget, and any hope for Snyder’s vision had quickly dissipated.
After the DC brand distanced itself from interconnected stories after the mega successes of both Wonder Woman and Aquaman standalone films, and the Oscar-winning anomaly that is Joker, the studio has started to finally find its groove. In the years since, whispers of a mysterious Snyder cut, a film that retains Snyder’s initial vision of Justice League, had emerged over the internet, with Snyder himself hinting of its existence to fans over social media. Eventually, fans of Snyder’s films and DC characters came together to start the movement #ReleaseTheSnyderCut. Fans imploded over social media with the hashtag, endlessly calling for the film to be released. Flooding the mailboxes and social media accounts of those within the Warner Bros studio, buying billboards in Time Square, flying a plane with the hashtag at San Diego Comic Con and also raising over $500,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The movement was so vocal, on the anniversary of the theatrical cut’s release, #ReleaseTheSnyderCut was trending #1 on Twitter. The powers that be finally took notice and with the release of WarnerMedia’s streaming service, HBO Max, the greenlight was given for Snyder to complete his cut of the film the way he intended (with a newly-filmed scene as an added thanks to the fans).
We’ve seen plenty of director’s cuts over the decades. From Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now Redux, to Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven, even Snyder’s own Watchman greatly improved with its extended director’s cut. Zack Snyder’s Justice League is an entirely different film, however, from the Frankenstein that is the theatrical cut. So how exactly is the film? It’s quite good, actually.
Snyder’s Justice League is an operatic, fully-formed epic that views these classic comic book characters as living Gods. Despite its monstrous runtime at just over 4 hours, this thing surprisingly moves. The scope of Snyder’s vision is closer to the narrative of Watchmen than a traditional comic book film. It probably helps this film is presented in six chapters and an epilogue that makes the runtime feel as if you’re reading through a complete comic storyline. The 4 hours allows the film to breathe in this expansive story with all these characters moving in and out of the film.
Much of the core cast in given time to establish their characters and further develop. Ezra Miller’s Flash is no longer an awkward joke machine, but a well-rounded character with an arc and a natural sense of humor. Same goes for Ray Fisher’s Cyborg whose entire backstory and motivation is restored here. Fisher and Joe Morton, playing Cyborg’s father, imbue the film with a heart and soul that’s among the best character work in Snyder’s career. Cyborg’s tragic background is presented almost like Dr. Manhattan to this films Watchmen. Fisher gives a tender, nuanced performance that makes his Cyborg perhaps the best of all of Snyder’s operatic god-like heroes.
Affleck’s Batman is still the rich character promised in BVS, and no longer cracks sarcastic, out-of-place one liners. Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman is more fierce and her relationship with her Amazonian family is further explored. Jason Momoa’s Aquaman is given a more purposeful role to play and balances more nicely with the other members of the League. The character of Steppenwolf (voiced by Ciaran Hinds) is now an interesting villain and the addition of the classic villain Darkseid (menacingly voiced by Ray Porter) is a welcoming touch.
Snyder’s narrative influences steep from classic Hollywood epics from Ben-Hur to The Lord of the Rings. Uniquely presenting the film in a 4:3 aspect ratio, meant to be seen on giant IMAX screens, the look of the film gives off the massive scope in Snyder’s vision, while retaining an intimacy with its characters. Man of Steel and BVS both suffered from numbing third acts that sucked out the life in each film. Thankfully, Snyder’s spectacle is more clearly presented here than anything he’s recently made. The bombastic and rousing new score by Junkie XL gives the League their much-deserved anthem, opposing Danny Elfman’s previously cobbled-together mishmash.
Fans who are tapped into Snyder’s brand of cinema will salvage every minute of the 4 hours in his vision of Justice League; the epilogue, while most certainly dragging the films runtime out beyond reasonable length, will surely satisfy hardcore fans in particular. Even casual viewers should find themselves somewhat swept up in the mythology and character work. If the thought of a 4-hour cut of Zack Snyder’s Justice League makes you tremble, however, you’re probably not going to be dissuaded. Is there a cut of this film that would work as 3 hours, sure there is, but the point of the Snyder Cut is to see the filmmakers pure, unadulterated vision the way he intended and that’s what we get here. Those who tap into the films earnest central theme of unity and those who champion artistic integrity will surely find hope among Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
If you or someone you know has struggled with thoughts of suicide, know you are not alone. Please go to the website for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at https://afsp.org/ or call 800-273-8255
Good review, very much agreed!
I enjoyed this film much better than the last justice league. It may have been 4 hours long, but didn’t feel like while you’re into the film. I thought the cinematography was beautiful, especially the scenes where the water hits the pier or rises as Aquaman dives into the water. I also think Afleck did a great job as Batman and even looks the part in my opinion.
If film was released on VHS it would of been a three videocassettes. It’s a full vision of Zack Snyder Justice League and it delivers by going a darker tone. The animated films of DC go that route and it works well. Leave the kid stuff to Marvel and stick to grittier stories. I enjoyed added story arc with The Flash and Cyborg. I actually care for both of them and wanted them to succeed. There’s son much to say, but that well take four hours and thirty minutes type up. Overall, ZS Justice League is a step in the right direction for WB and DC.
Yeah. I kinda hate Snyder. I’ll pass. Thank you.
This movie sucks ass.
This was a great film. It’s amazing to see Zack Snyder’s true vision come to fruition. The characters were given so much more depth which lead to a deeper connection while watching the film. I can’t wait to watch it again. Great review and totally on point with how I felt watching!
Crazy how Warner Brothers thought any part of Zack Snyder’s vision was unwatchable. Just to turn around to make a version that was unwatchable. I hope they learned a lesson in all this (I’m sure they didn’t) Once you hire someone to do a job stay the hell out of their way and let them work.
Absolute Masterpiece!!! Visionary and Inspiring!!! If Zach Snyder had been aloud to follow through with his vision from day one, and this had been the original Theatrical release we would be talking about the DC Cinematic Universe instead of Marvel. So powerful and so moving. The movie makes you believe in hero’s again. This ranks up there with the best of the genre. From the Dark Night to Black Panther. This is a modern classic. Please Please Please. Make a Sequel. The DC Universe is BACK!!!
I have to disagree with this review. I found the film disjointed and felt disconnected from the characters and the narrative for much of the film. Nearly three quarters of the film felt like vignettes rather than scenes from a larger interconnected story. It felt like there were no stakes for the film or the characters. The expanded scenes of Cyborg and the Flash were great though. They as well as the e Tra scenes for all of the other characters did make them more solid, fleshed out characters. As much as I loved these scenes and the performances, they just weren’t enough for me to like the film overall. It just felt like Snyder knew he was going to get another chance at a DC film so he was putting as much of his vision of these characters into this one film even though WB most likely won’t use his character development from it moving forward for other DC films. It just felt self indulgent and bloated. While I may never watch it again, I would watch it again in a heart beat before ever watching Prometheus again.
This movie was nothing but slow-motion and the first hour in I already felt like I was watching a 4-hour movie. Zach Synder is a hack of a director and way overrated by geek culture.
As a fan boy, I was very very happy!
Look… I don’t care where you fall on the Snyder cut or the original… fact of the matter is Warner Bros let Aquaman litter in the ocean in both versions. The fact not one single person who makes decisions was like, “wait a second. Shouldn’t like, I don’t know, Aquaman maybe, like, NOT LITTER IN THE OCEAN!” truly boggles my mind. I mean seriously. If Captain Planet threw his garbage… well anywhere… people would say something. Also, I’m not sure Zach Snyder can count. He gave the guy a 4 pronged staff. That’s not a trident. No, that’s a fork. That’s a big fork. Also he’s talking about his five part trilogy… Now I’m no Biologist, but I’m pretty sure a trilogy is 3 parts buddy.
I think this movie is only 4 hours long cos every other scene is in slow motion
Weirdly I think Doom Patrol did a better job at capturing the pathos of Cyborg and his father and mother relationships.
I could watch 2 of the Oscar contender DVD’s stacked here.
I think I’m gonna be unhappy in 4 hours saying …. Yep, this was overhyped.
But …. I thought the same thing about The Joker and boy was I wrong.
Here’s to hoping.
Its cool you like the movie. Its still terrible. But I’m glad you had fun.
While I’m not a fan of super hero movies…with the exceptions of Batman and Venom…your reviews are great reads and second to none!
I should start with saying I grew up on Superman. I almost exclusively read Superman comics and read thousands of them. I think almost 40 boxes worth by my last count. I collect Superman (and Batman) merch and have a long history of watching every piece of DC content I can get. And to be frank, I do not like this take on Superman in the Snyderverse at all. I realize most people prefer Marvel these days or see traditional Superman as outdated or hokey. Not me. I’m not claiming any authority on Marvel movies or stories, but I do know Clark. I wish Zack Snyder would have read more. He makes it very obvious which stories and lore he draws from. Dark Knight Returns, The Death of Superman, any number of Darkseid stories across the comics or animated show (particularly the last few episodes). He’s knows Flashpoint and perhaps the Justice Lords or Injustice. These are mostly darker multiverse or alternate timeline stories. They’re good-ish stories, but it becomes clear the traditional stories don’t interest him and he is purposefully distancing him from them when it comes to Superman and to a lesser extent Batman as well. There is nothing inherently wrong with this apprroach. It’s just very much not what I want to see. I hated Man of Steel and thought BvS was a step in the right direction and Justice League another right step.
Even I admit this 4 hour version is good. It felt very Lord of the Rings, which I’m not a fan at all of, but since I care about the characters, I was able to power through. There are some fantastic character scenes here. The Flash interview. The Cyborg stuff. The Diana Tomb Raider scene. I even liked some of the Alfred interactions with the team. Martian Manhunter was great to see. J’onn is one of my favorite characters. Batman is better albeit a little clunky scene to scene. You can seen Afleck get over the joy of playing Batman. Steppenwolf is far better as a character and as a visual effect. I still dislike Snyder’s use of color where everything looks brown. I checked out the black and white version and I prefer looking at that color scheme and imaging it as brighter. The biggest positive I found was the music. The score throughout was sensational. I want to sped some time with these characters and just see them live their lives like we’ve seen Peter Parker do for so many movies. I want to see Clark show real love and affection and caring for humanity, not just fight bad guys and stand by stoic. I want so much more from these characters and this universe if it’s to stay. These Knightmare teases ado nothing for me without context. Just make the damn Knightmare movie and put these scenes there and move on I say. Then give us real stories about these characters.
I could be down for that even if Snyder directs. He is a brilliant technical director. Just brighten the color scheme and have someone else write. And give us movies about the heroes being themselves.
I am slowly working my way through Zack Snyder’s Justice League. It simply does not move as fast as you think it does. Did I watch 1 hour? Nope… only 40 minutes. And there’s the relentless, suffocating GRAY, and endless exposition, and boring villains, and slo-mo, and needle-drops… So far I am not impressed. But I will report more after I slog through the remaining 130 minutes. I think the part that gets me is the “this movie will be presented in 1:1.33 aspect ratio to preserve the ARTISTIC INTEGRITY of its creator.” Are you FREAKING kidding me? It’s a superhero movie, not Abel Gance’s Napoleon!!!
It’s endless, and it’s made by a person who thinks Ayn Rand is profound.
I thought the original version wasn’t horrible I thought it was a safe movie to make compared to the Avengers. This version was much better, explaining backstories, cameos by characters, etc. BUTTTTTTTTTTT, I do hope filmmakers don’t go for the four hour cut every time out. I believe studios just mess way too much with filmmakers visions of films good or bad. I know its an old reference but more and more it makes sense why John Carpenter got the hell out. Back to the original point did I like it more than first version, yes. Am I gonna go nutzoid like some internet people, no. I enjoyed it and that is all I ask from movies cause again I feel studios need to let directors and writers do their thing? Because we could get better viewing experiences like this new version of Justice League or the next Guardians of the Galaxy. But hey that is me my friend.