Film Review: Up Up & Away for ‘Justice League’ From DC Comics

Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 15, 2017 - 7:13am

CHICAGO – In the America of truth, justice and comic book movies, the DC brand – featuring hero icons Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman – has lagged behind their rivals at Marvel Studios. “Justice League” fills that gap admirably, after the slam-bam summer of Wonder Woman.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

The plot is what makes this first go around with the Justice League that much more palatable. It’s about getting that league together, with a trio of the heroes – the Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg – somewhat reluctantly pulled in. Ben Affleck as The Batman is the glue in this teaming, using his wealth resources (his super power, “I’m rich”) to both gather the team and defeat an ancient alien menace. The villain is what makes the film go a bit computer generated porn-ish, but it’s not as bad as other comic book films of late. It’s the personalities that guide the action, and the script allows for some flexibility and character development, which always makes any story better.

Bruce Wayne (Affleck) gets wind of an otherworldly invasion while patrolling as The Batman. It’s an evil that is affirmed by Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) and Arthur Curry/Aquaman (Jason Momoa). An ultimate power is being gathered by a world destroyer named Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds) and the elements of that power is why Bruce Wayne is gathering the heroic forces.

Bruce also hears of a phenomenon in Central City named Barry Allen (Ezra Miller), Also Known As The Flash. He has supersonic speed, and has just begun his career. Meanwhile, Diana is recruiting Cyborg (Ray Fisher), a tortured bionic man who needs guidance. With the quintet of heroes finally brought together, the only puzzle piece missing to crush Steppenwolf is the deceased Superman (Henry Cavill). Miracles can happen when the Justice League is formed.

”Justice League” opens everywhere on November 17th, in IMAX and regular screenings. See local listings for IMAX theaters and show times. Featuring Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill, Ezra MIller, Jason Momoa, Diane Lane, Amy Adams, Jeremy Irons, J.K. Simmons and Claran Hinds. Written by Chris Terrio and Joss Whedon. Directed by Zach Snyder. Rated “PG-13”