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You are here: Home / Film / Justice League: Finding Hope in the Darkness

Justice League: Finding Hope in the Darkness

November 17, 2017 by Arnaldo Reyes 25 Comments

Justice League is one of the most anticipated movies of the year, but not because you get a DC team-up film. The anticipation comes because most people were wondering, “Will they finally get these characters right?” That, of course, was the big question going in–so much so that Rotten Tomatoes delayed their Tomatometer for the film because they claimed they wanted to debut a new show and get more in-depth. In reality, they received heat from the studios, complaining that they were ruining the box office numbers (umm, bad films do that–not a Tomatometer). The DCEU has only one good film in its four-film roster, and that one came out earlier this year. They hitched their wagon to Zach Snyder to create this universe; the problem has been that Snyder wanted to make it in his own vision and that doesn’t always work with established characters.

So, with all that said, is Justice League a good film? Well, it’s not bad, but it isn’t great. It is a generically okay film that is hurt by its short run time and average plot. Everything felt rushed and incomplete, so it was hard to actually believe that the team came together so flawlessly. Outside of an argument over an unethical (it really was if you think of it) decision, there was no real tension of strangers who are flawed coming together. However, when the film took its time to slow down (I will assume those were the Whedon reshoots), it gave us a glimpse of what a fleshed out story could give us. Action-wise, it’s nothing new we haven’t seen from Snyder. I do have some problems with the CGI and some other things that will be discussed in a future spoiler-filled podcast.

Ben Affleck is probably on his way out of playing Batman, but I will say that he is a good Bruce Wayne and an above average Batman. He moves slow for the Dark Knight, but then again, he’s portraying a much older and seasoned character, so that could be the reason. What he nails a little is the strategist Batman who is a reluctant leader. Even with a team, he thinks about himself as a solo act, all the while pushing team members to discover themselves.

Gal Gadot is the showstopper once again. Her Wonder Woman is most definitely a beacon of light. She’s the first character in the DCEU that was nailed perfectly first time through. In this film we see her grow as a heroine and see how great she really is. There is one complaint I have…but I won’t spoil it here.

Ezra Miller is the bright humor that the DCEU has been lacking. Besides the flaws in CGI (when they slow down, his running looks very abnormal at times) Flash was well done. If you grew up watching Justice League the Animated Series, Miller personifies this version of Flash.

Jason Mamoa as Aquaman was just meh. In an attempt to make Aquaman look cool and badass, he surprisingly came out very flat. I really didn’t think he meshed well and when he was off-screen, I didn’t miss him.

Ray Fisher as Victor Stone/Cyborg was an interesting character. He and Flash were my two favorites (besides WW, of course), only because they showed the most growth. Even though mostly cybernetic, the human element in him shined and he grew to be the hero of the story.

Ciaran Hinds, as Steppenwolf, was your generic bad guy. Like almost all of Marvel’s villains, he is forgettable. We’ve actually seen him and his story arc before…in Guardians of the Galaxy baddy Ronan the Accuser. They are literally the same character bent on doing the same thing, albeit for different reasons.

As I said above, when Justice League slowed down and gave us meaningful moments, the theme of the film shined: basically, just get over it! It’s a bit harsh to say it like that, but it is a hard truth. We can’t avoid hurt and pain and loss in this world and in our lives. However, we can’t let those things control our present and future. In the midst of all the darkness, we have to search for that glimmer of light, grab it, and let our strength be renewed. Hope isn’t found in a person. It is an ever flowing river that can guide us to be better, do better, and love better. Love and Hope snuffs out darkness, and in the world we live in, Justice League does get that right.

Justice League is definitely better than the 40% rating the Tomatometer shows. I give it a 6/10. It could and should be epic, but it falls short in time, story, and villain but makes up for it in message and some of the characters.

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Filed Under: Film, Reviews Tagged With: Aquaman, Batman, Cyborg, DC Comics, DCEU, Flash, Justice League, Superman, Wonder Woman

About Arnaldo Reyes

Dad, geek

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Xtha RobinXtha Robin says

    November 18, 2017 at 9:14 am

    Flop

    Reply
    • Mitchell DeweyMitchell Dewey says

      November 18, 2017 at 4:32 pm

      Nah

      Reply
    • Xtha RobinXtha Robin says

      November 18, 2017 at 7:39 pm

      Yea

      Reply
    • Xtha RobinXtha Robin says

      November 18, 2017 at 7:39 pm

      Reply
  2. Bradley EstBradley Est says

    November 18, 2017 at 11:06 am

    They already got Batman Superman and Wonder Woman right. Flash has been done on TV and was amazing in JL. Aquaman is a whole new level of badass but you also see a different side of him lmao. Cyborg was near perfect for his character.

    I don’t get these posts.

    Flop? How it was amazing I loved it. Winner for me and many millions of fans. Not a fan. Flop on out of our way we don’t need to have your bullshit in our lives.

    Reply
  3. Mitchell DeweyMitchell Dewey says

    November 18, 2017 at 4:31 pm

    It was good had issues but nothing too terrible

    Reply
  4. Enrique HawkinsEnrique Hawkins says

    November 18, 2017 at 4:59 pm

    Flop

    Reply
  5. Enrique HawkinsEnrique Hawkins says

    November 18, 2017 at 4:59 pm

    Flop

    Reply
  6. Spencer Meatman GuillorySpencer Meatman Guillory says

    November 18, 2017 at 10:01 pm

    Trash

    Reply
  7. Tyrell GreyTyrell Grey says

    November 18, 2017 at 10:08 pm

    The best DCEU since Wonder Woman

    Reply
  8. Chris Utley says

    November 19, 2017 at 8:51 am

    In the call to “Just get over it,” I prefer Paul’s verbiage: “Forgetting those things which are behind and pressing forth towards what’s in front of me.” THAT was all over this film.

    I liked it very much. Whedon obviously trimmed Snyder’s “fat” from this movie and it shows. If they give him the sequel, it oughta be fun. 7.5 out of 10 to me.

    Reply
    • Arnaldo Reyes says

      November 20, 2017 at 9:46 am

      If only Batman delivered that message as eloquently as Paul did. He basically told them to get over it while he himself also had to get over it. 😉

      Reply
  9. Brandon HayesBrandon Hayes says

    November 19, 2017 at 10:58 pm

    This movie was great!!! I don’t understand the negativity!! So much bias and ignorance. This movie was great!

    Reply
    • Arnaldo Reyes says

      November 20, 2017 at 9:48 am

      I would agree that most of the negativity isn’t deserved. The RT score is definitely wrong. I wouldn’t go as far as calling the movie great, but each person has their own take and that’s OK. To me, the flaws in the film made it just good, which for characters this big isn’t good enough. But I’m glad you enjoyed and I think if Whedon takes over for JL2 it will be much greater.

      Reply
  10. Steve NortonSteve Norton says

    November 20, 2017 at 6:24 am

    I’m so conflicted on this one. It wasn’t what I expected–and that was to it’s credit, I think. I actually think it will improve with multiple views.

    Reply
  11. Gelson Ra VillanGelson Ra Villan says

    November 20, 2017 at 9:16 am

    Didnt this fat batman wanted to killed superman cus the government said so?
    Thats like working for trump
    ; )
    HaHa HAHA HaHa HAHA

    Reply
    • Drake WasserDrake Wasser says

      November 20, 2017 at 5:37 pm

      What?

      Reply
    • Ty MclaurinTy Mclaurin says

      November 21, 2017 at 7:07 am

      Huh

      Reply
    • Gelson Ra VillanGelson Ra Villan says

      November 21, 2017 at 10:09 am

      Batman vs superman.The government(el presidente) wanted fatty Affleck to take down superman cus he was ‘out of control’ (been an anarchist)?
      Thats like working for trump
      ; )

      HaHa HAHA HaHa

      Reply
  12. Jinx Juanito RiveraJinx Juanito Rivera says

    November 20, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    The guy that plays the flash is a fag in real life

    Reply
    • Bradley EstBradley Est says

      November 21, 2017 at 9:23 am

      Like you?

      Reply
    • Jinx Juanito RiveraJinx Juanito Rivera says

      November 21, 2017 at 2:01 pm

      Lol sorry…. what’s the politically correct way to call you & your lover homosexual Bradley Est? Lmao Brad the fag sticking up for his lover, good way for him to finally put a ring on it

      Reply
    • Bradley EstBradley Est says

      November 21, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      I wasn’t insulting you. Just makes sense you are gay by the way you post. I read a study once and it I believe holds truth here.

      Do what you want man. If he is gay good for him I don’t see the point in even bringing it up but for you its a focus point… why is that?

      Did you see the movie or is his gayness stopping you… were you sexually assaulted by a man at one point or do you have feelings for men that you keep tucked away. . I don’t know but something is up.

      Reply
    • Jinx Juanito RiveraJinx Juanito Rivera says

      November 21, 2017 at 4:44 pm

      Lmfao nice trick homie but that shit only works on guys in the closet! You are obviously gay trying to see how I’d react to it! You just talkin tough because you know we’ll never meet! Everybody knows white guys are one foot in & one foot out already anyway! The way the world is now if you gay be gay, you’d probably look better as a woman dude! Me on my end, left, right, left, right…. stomp until you’re unconscious! Now go ahead & talk shit in your sleep, fuck off Elton John!

      Reply
  13. Ty MclaurinTy Mclaurin says

    November 21, 2017 at 7:08 am

    What’s screenfish

    Reply

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