Justice League

The Justice Society of America popped up in the 1940s. They would be the first team of superheroes to appear in the world of comic books. 

There was no Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman or Cyborg. They did not appear with the Justice League of America until 1960. They first battled Starro - a giant alien starfish. (Cyborg did not become part of the team until 2011 during a DC comics reboot.)

There is no giant alien starfish found in Justice League. The movie had an early Digital release on Feb.13. The Blu-ray, DVD, 4K Ultra HD and 3D packs, are on March 13. 

Justice League is part of the DC Extended Universe. This includes Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman.

While Batman v Superman did slightly better at the worldwide box office of the DC movies, Wonder Woman received the higher marks among critics and audiences.   

LEAGUE

Justice League took in mixed reactions from viewers. It still managed $228 million in North America and $657 million worldwide. 

Zack Snyder returned to the director’s chair after Man of Steel and Batman v Superman - with some additional help from Joss Whedon. 

Superman (Henry Cavill) is missing in action. (If you are surprised what happens to Superman in this movie than you haven’t been paying attention to the previous movies.)     

Batman (Ben Affleck) feeling inspired, partners with Diana Prince (Gal Gadot.) They are aware of a new enemy named Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds) preparing to cause chaos. The two heroes set out to try and recruit a team before it is too late to save the world. Aquaman (Jason Momoa), The Flash (Exza Miller) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) are those special recruits.   

VERDICT

Would I buy this film? Yes.

Is it the best superhero movie? No.

Was it an entertaining one? Yes - at least it was for me. 

I have seen all of the DC Extended Universe films. I am one of those people to say Wonder Woman is the best of the bunch. I would put Justice League in the second-place slot. 

Sure, there are plenty of sloppy/obvious visual effects. The running time is surprisingly brisk at 120 minutes (with credits.) And with such a good cast and supporting players, some are easily pushed to the background. 

Although, I think each hero of the Justice League has a moment to shine and standout.  

Yet, the action is cool and the tone is lighter than past movies. There are a few chuckles. I think The Flash - played by Miller - is the scene stealer out of everybody. He’s awkward and funny. There’s a running joke about brunch, which I found amusing. Gadot also continues strongly from Wonder Woman.

And there is heart in Justice League. If you look close enough.

As always, stick it out through the credits.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

The standard DVD does not have Superman scenes.

The Return of Superman (2 minutes, 4 seconds)

- These are two, brief, scenes featuring Superman. They didn’t add much to the story if they were included in the film. 

Road to Justice (14 minutes and 10 seconds)   

- This is just a tour of the history of Justice League from the comic books to the cartoons like Super Friends. It is interesting since my knowledge of the comic books is quite slim from battling Starro to The New 52 reboot.  

Heart of Justice (11 minutes, 52 seconds)

- This is another closer look at the DC’s Trinity - Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman and how they are in the film.

Technology of Justice League (8 minutes, 14 seconds)

- This discusses the mechanics of the film from The Flying Fox and Knightcrawler which is used by Batman. To talk about the material found in The Flash’s suit.  

The New Heroes (12 minutes, 24 seconds)

- Ray Fisher (Cyborg) talks the history of his character and also The Flash and Aquaman.

Steppenwolf the Conqueror (3 minutes, 3 seconds)

- A look at Steppenwolf’s origin in the comic book world and how he is like in the movie. 

Scene Studies (15 minutes, 16 seconds) 

- Mostly a behind-the-scenes reel of specific scenes. From revisiting the Amazons, Wonder Woman’s rescue, Heroes Park and the Tunnel Battle.

- Suit Up: The Look of the League (10 minutes, 21 seconds)  

Interesting in innovation and evolution of the costume design? Michael Wilkinson explores the process behind the work for superhero design. 

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment