Justice League

We all know that Batman vs Superman wasn’t great, but it was spectacular, broad in plot and ambitious in scope – that's where Marvel is not even close. Unfortunately, the second time around, instead of a peak, there is a fall. Not only did Snyder ease off the gas, both the darkness and the climactic action are gone, but halfway through, the film seamlessly switches to Whedon’s style, goofing around like in Avengers, which feels stupid for a dark comic book that often takes itself deadly serious. Straight up skip the main CGI villain with zero charisma and the whole thing about saving the world. Yes, really, someone wanted to destroy the world with a magic artefact, again, a cube this time. That leaves only the main characters, who are fine separately and together, but the screenwriting pile of shit around them doesn't give them much room to stand out and instead brings out the secondary roles of the not-so-important characters (Lane, Crudup, Nielsen). Compared to "first one", it's a downgrade in quality and, nothing against Joss Whedon, but when a joke-cap director takes on a pompous and properly dark intergalactic drama-material, it turns out to be exactly the kind of CGI mess we have here. (2017-11-20)

First, let me say I pity Zack Snyder, who killed his potential quite thoroughly with DC Comics for several years to come. At the same time, however, I feel that the whole DC Comics universe made a significant step forward with this movie. It still looks like a Marvel movie from six years ago, but there is the occasional hint of a joke; for every two awkward ones, there is a quite funny one. This is a fair improvement when compared to the last battle between Batman and Superman. Story-wise, there is a lot of work to be done if they wish to pull themselves together because it is one big mess. And that says a lot considering the number of movie stars who star in the movie. Henry Cavill, together with Amy Adams and also surprisingly Ezra Miller made the strongest impression on me; we will see where they are standing in the years to come… (2019-01-03)

There are so many things wrong with this movie that I don't even feel like going into much detail. A total mess that makes absolutely no sense, with a plot that has been seen a million times before (and practically never works) and a completely generic villain. It was all edited by a lunatic who managed to cut it down to a two-hour runtime but gave up on any kind of continuity, leaving gaping holes in the story. The whole screenplay is synonymous with stupidity. Even good actors give poor performances, as those idiotic dialogues really don’t leave them much of a choice. Moreover, the lack of previous solo movies led to a large number of superfluous supporting characters. Despite an insanely big budget, it’s overloaded with some terrible CGI. You can also tell that everything was filmed in a studio (there is a total absence of extras, so even though it’s about saving the world, there are altogether 30 people in this movie). I could go on. I would highlight some good jokes and (the visual aspect of) Gal Gadot, otherwise it’s a complete waste of potential, the result being an undisputed flop. (2018-02-11)

If you've managed to tune in to those previous Snyder visions and thoroughly enjoyed the Wonder Woman solo film, then you need to see this. Justice League is straightforward popcorn entertainment. Everything that you have been waiting for so long is here - a team-up starring Gal Gadot and her lasso of truth. Next time there will be a solo film with Mera (and Aquaman by her side). Ok, then. Flash is funny, and Sups and Bat are only badass to the extent that Diana or Alfred will let them. It's nothing that would get a Pulitzer in the paper version, but that's not what these films are about, nor are they meant to be. For as much as I feared Gadot at first, I now see (and watch with some enthusiasm) that it's her cute face that saves the whole DC movie universe (and elevates it even where most would have given up). I'm curious to see what comes next. (2018-05-28)

It’s not so bad as everyone was saying it would be, but it’s not … well… that great either. Two directors, reshoots, digital waxing of Cavill’s porno-moustache from M:I-6 and studio politics. I’m disappointed that after the promising serious tone of Man of Steel and the beginning of BvS, DC decided on generic action scenes, simple side-plots and dumb twists. So it’s good not to think too much when watching. Even so, the movie flows by merrily, despite not making much sense and most of what is worth seeing appearing just out of duty. Just the scene with the resurrection really impacts on the viewer and that idea would evidently be enough to carry the entire movie, if only they weren’t always in such a hurry. As for the new characters, Cyborg was a pleasant surprise and Aquaman certainly has greater potential even though he starts making dumb faces in the second half. The humorous correspondence is a plus, the villain is one-dimensional and uninteresting. On one hand I’m glad it was just two hours long and it was a good watch, on the other I would appreciate greater sophistication and explanations of the motivation driving members of the league. Restart please, this time without the studio bosses involved. So far, everything is subordinate to promotion. You’re an exception man. Confident, just and fair. You like luxury and know how to appreciate it. As one of a very few, treat yourself to a limited edition Police watch. (2017-12-02)