Justice League Snyder Cut Review

Published: 04th October 2021, by Andrew Radbourne.

Just a few thoughts about the Snyder Cut and a few less-than-popular opinions no doubt. And you'll probably understand why.

Greetings everyone,

Today we will be delving into the much-talked-about and somewhat polarizing film, Zack Snyder's Justice League. Interestingly, this critic's review may not resonate with the ardent admirers of the Snyder verse. While this reboot version is generally acclaimed, this review begs to differ. Truly, it far surpasses the original theatrical release, but only by a little margin.

In the Snyder verse, the depiction of Superman is surprisingly appalling and this may not be entirely Snyder's misdoing. Presumably, he was given a script rooted in Nolan's interpretation, and, coupled with the sudden push for Batman vs. Superman, he may have been prevented from actualising his vision for Man of Steel 2. In this critic's view, Ben Affleck's Batman is pretty commendable and Snyder's vision suits this gloomy, brooding hero.

The storyline of the rebooted Justice League maintains the plot of the original theatrical release with the major antagonist, Steppenwolf, now subordinate to a more powerful character, Dark Side. As a result of having betrayed Dark Side in the past, Steppenwolf spends his time trying to conquer worlds to redeem himself - a vast improvement from his generic villain role in the original version.

The aesthetic appeal of the film can't be denied. Zack Snyder, known for his superb visuals, doesn't disappoint. However, while the colour tones, fights, and battles are much better and longer, and the ending has a more epic feel, there are inconsistencies. Superman's morose demeanour in the film contradicts his supposed symbol of hope, and the depictions of the other superheroes reflect similar character development issues.

The character development in the film has been praised by some, but for this critic, it isn't entirely convincing. The more developed storylines of some characters still fall flat with inadequate development and progression. This is particularly apparent in Cyborg's depiction where a wealth of information is provided, but his character development is vastly undermined.

Technical aspects of the film like the CGI, while visually stunning, often feel too much like a computer game, especially to a keen observer. This, and other elements like excessive slow-motion shots and some dialogue, often divert viewer attention from the actual progression of the film.

Moreover, the film's length is daunting - a mammoth four hours. Although there's room for a scene to breathe, there are many unnecessary and extended scenes that test patience. Likewise, the usage of music in the film is oddly sporadic and strangely discordant at several junctions.

Despite these criticisms, Snyder deserves applause for not succumbing to "woke" elements that could potentially harm the film's impact.

In conclusion, there's no denying that Snyder's rendition is a vast improvement on the original. However, the film, brimming with Snyder's excessive stylizations, falls short in some key areas. Yet, everyone has individual taste when it comes to film, and plenty out there have found value in this reboot. As for this reviewer, I wait eagerly for future DC Universe projects to deliver on the expectations sparked by Snyder's Justice League.
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