Snyder Cup and kinematic differences
Visually, I’d say Snyder’s editing is on par with the quality of the film’s universe. Still, it plays to Snyder’s aesthetic, so I didn’t think it was bad. The total change in color palette and hues created a different atmosphere in the film. I think the cinematography has gotten much better, the shots and scenes are staged differently. From a CGI perspective, the biggest improvement would be the rendering of Steppenwolf. He looks much better here in his shining armor and in the display of his formidable and brute strength.
The time spent on character and world development is by far the biggest difference. This is where Snyder’s version of Justice League proves to be much better than the theatrical version. While all characters in the league get extra time, this is much more noticeable with two characters: Cyborg and Steppenwolf. Steppenwolf in particular becomes a Justice League-worthy antagonist, with plenty of nuance and character. Furthermore, his story lays the groundwork for the creation of Darkseid and the threat of Apokolips. Meanwhile, Cyborg gets a lot more airtime, giving us more insight into his impact and personal struggles. His scenes make the Justice League’s struggles feel especially genuine and personal.
The additional footage gives the story more fluidity and consistent development with the other characters. The core of Affleck’s Batman character emerges in a raw and compelling way. This is in contrast to the almost comic desperation he exhibits in Whedon’s version. Miller’s Flash and Momoa’s Aquaman have more time together and with the other members of the League. He presents them as more charming and nuanced characters.
In particular, the additional scenes of Aquaman and Wonder Woman are excellent for expanding on the world and the story of their struggle to save the world. Lois also has many more meaningful scenes that make her more than just a tool to trigger Superman’s flashbacks. And of course Superman returns in an epic, heroic, hopeful return that does not disappoint.
Will it go to court?
Throughout the film there were many scenes that made me cry and gave me goosebumps on several occasions. He’s not normally such an emotionally expressive character, but these scenes are much deeper than Whedon’s version of the film. It’s a much more sober film, though it retains elements of dry humor. The story and characters of the film drew me in and time passed quickly, as I barely felt the 4 hours pass. The extra time allowed the characters to come alive and their struggles and challenges to become more meaningful.
Watching Zack Snyder’s Justice League, you can’t help but draw comparisons to Marvel’s masterpieces. The unique Cinematic Universe is highly regarded in the industry, and that’s certainly true of its sister films Infinity Wars and Endgame. But if this version of Justice League is successfully released alongside a healthy development of the DC Cinematic Universe, it could seriously challenge that distinction.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League movie comes out today on HBO GO.
Trust your management
If this version of Justice League were successfully released, along with healthy development of the DC Cinematic Universe, they could seriously make a difference.
Yes. Good.
A significantly expanded type of development
Good story integrity
A greater emotional impact
Wrong prosecutor.
Few significant visual improvements outside of Steppenwolf.
Not enough Wonder Woman/Gal Gadot.
94
A film that could claim to show a quality image on the side of endless war and endgame.
