I saw Snyder's Expanded Justice League...

I predicted there would be another cinematic Justice League; I just didn't expect it would be a miniseries-length version of Kal-El's resurrection against Cairan Hinds' Steppenwolf and gurgling horde. But that's what we got and all at a four-hour running time. Talk about an ultimate, special-edition, director's cut! Whoa Nelly!

Of course, Chris Terrio's bracketing, Mother Box plot isn't much at all different at heart, but then nor was Zack Synder's expansion of Batman v Superman. It's the little things that count, and if they're worthy supplements, as they are here, they can make a world of embellishing difference. (I mean, that's why we read novelizations. It's to probe at length those inside passages and alternate corridors we but merely grazed. Revamped movie editions can perform the same way.)

On this basis, JL now houses Peter Guinness' DeSaad and Ray Porter's Darkseid, along with Jared Leto's Joker (and the latter not necessarily adversarial to Batman in his Knightmare/Killing Joke-nod relegation).We get more shots of Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman and Amber Heard's Mera, too, so visually the JL extension is far superior in the long-legs-and-curves department. I've no objections there. Hip, Hip, Hurrah!

Above all, the extended cut's tone is seamlessly Snyder's. This isn't to take anything away from Josh (Marvel's Avengers) Whedon, who saved the day with what he had to work with, thanks to a daunting deadline, but for continuity sake, the surreal, foreboding strand started in Batman v Superman was fueled for sequelization. Its haunting extrapolation feels warm and snug reinstalled. (To cement an ongoing, Wagner-ish sprawl, Tom Holkenborg's score replaces Danny Elfman's lively one.) 

What now exists is like an expanded Tolkien movie. One needed digest it all in one sitting, but could choose to nibble the content in portions. The chewier structure will give fans more to absorb over the long run and make the new JS the topic of superhero discussion for years to come. Damn good idea, really.

Reputedly, Snyder won't build a JL2. However, it goes to reason that his Watchmen-seque aroma will yet dominate Andy Muschietti's brewing Flashpoint (or whatever the Barry Allen vehicle might be called) since its themes are likely to be as parallel and cynical as its printed-source material, even if lightened here and there by Ezra Miller's mellow charm.  

And with all this considered, how can one argue that Synder's style is unworthy? Whether DC/WB wish to capitalize on it may be debatable, but that this jumbo JL has manifested speaks volumes. Its need to stoke the dark-crusader flames can't (and shouldn't) be undermined. In other words, if ever there was an atmospheric formula to exploit, this is it. 

So, what does it all really mean at the end of any can't-please-'em-all, superheroic day? No matter if they turn out short, long, dark or bright, mega-buck DC movies are here to stay. Zach Snyder's JL pretty much seals it.

I saw the Justice League...

Questions regarding "Justice League'"s critical outcome have been discussed, predicted and debated over the past few months. People have wondered if the film would be as polarizing as “Batman v Superman” or as charming as this summer’s leading blockbuster, “Wonder Woman?” Others have speculated on whether it would be dark and brooding in the Chris Nolan vein or light and/or soap-opera-ish like CW’s television shows. Directed by both Zack Snyder and Joss Whedon, “Justice League” turns out to be a union of nearly all these things and isn't in the least bit polarizing. Well, okay, that's just the sound of wishing thinking, but still...

When it comes to villainy, however, we're dealing with the straight-and-narrow again, thanks to Ciaran Hinds' chilling, Lucifer-like Steppenwolf (CGI-enhanced pursuer of world-conquering boxes), who intends (as if we couldn't guess) to dominate the world. We've witnessed his coming through Bruce Wayne's "Batman v Superman" premonitions, of course; and with this larger-than-life villain comes a horde of larger-than-live, locust-like demons. There are so many, in fact, that it would prove hard, if not impossible, for any superhero/metahuman alliance to overtake them; and yet our champions are ever determined to bring the invaders down. 

The cast is familiar and effective: Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman; Gal Gadot s Diana Prince/Wonder Woman; Erza Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash; Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/Aquaman; Ray Fisher as Victor Stone/Cyborg; and (yep, here it comes!) Henry Cavill as Kal-El/Clark Kent/Superman. I don't believe I'm spoiling anything by acknowledging the Man of Steel's return. Warner Brothers hasn't in the least tried to conceal the Kryptonian's Christ-like return. It's more a matter of exactly how he re-enters that counts, but I won't spoil that juicy tidbit here. (BTW: a number of supporting characters also return: Amy Adams as Lois Lane; Jeremy Irons Alfred Pennyworth; Diane Lane as Martha Kent; and Joe Morton as Silas Stone. They're joined by new members J.K. Simmons as Jim Gordon; Billy Crudup as Henry Allen; and Amber Heard as Mera.)

At any rate, all of the film's predominating, saw-it-coming/old-turf stuff doesn't make or break the story one iota. You see, “Justice League” isn’t merely another superhero teaming, but rather the story of sought redemption, particularly on Wayne’s part, but also a story of guilt, again on Wayne’s part (and in a precise Judus-based way, I might add). The script, penned by Chris "Batman v Superman" Terrio and "Marvel Avenger'"s Whedon, spews an almost religious zeal in its hope that Superman will gain his predestined, second coming and from there, help the league save the world from Steppenwolf's explosive, demonic possession.

Beyond the Biblical allegory, the film stresses the importance of individuality coupled with partnership. Oh, yeah, folks, one can still shine as an individual and help a greater cause without slipping into some Nazi-ish, conformist shade of gray. (Sorry, snowflakes, but that’s just the truth of the matter, but then those of your myopic ilk aren’t apt to view “Justice League”, even though you damn well should.) 

With these elements acknowledged, “Justice League” is, above all, a fun film. It still may be dark in its heart, but on the whole, it reflects its character mix. Batman is anguished and brooding; Wonder Woman, warmly glowing; Flash, a spree of crimson glee; Cyborg, shiny yet gritty; Aquaman, redesigned for sure, but when he bursts from out of the sea, soothing and calm. The styles of the two directors (though more an accident than a get-go intent) lends wonderful variance to the adventure, with some parts in tune with “Batman v Superman” and others reflecting the breeziness of most Avengers movies.  

The wavering styles also act as (if I may be so flag-wavingly bold) a reflection of the United States. I realize that may strike some as corny, but U.S. inhabitants are, in fact, part of a big melting pot, or make that a great, experimental salad, wherein each morsel holds a different flavor, but under the blanketing dressing, each tastes equally good. And “Justice League (of America)”, for all of its insinuated patriotic and religious seasoning, is exceptionally delicious. 

On another level, “Justice League” echoes an older and more admirable form of storytelling. The holier-than-thou, “social justice” writers of current DC and Marvel will surely degrade the film, since they've already taken contemptuous pride in dismissing all the fine attributes that once made their companies so inspiring. 

On the other hand, some "fans" will simply reject "Justice League" without even seeing it, assuming it's hip and cool to do so. A number of folks (mostly adolescents) will be too timid to give it a shot. Others will view it, but in the aftermath claim it's either too dark or light. Personally, I see the film as striking a swell balance, but enjoyed the experience mainly because I became involved with its heartfelt, human concerns. (Danny Elfman's score is also a blessing, considering that he incorporates traces of his Burton/Batman theme throughout. Ah, nostalgia!)

So, say what you will about good ol' "Justice League". Even persuade others to avoid it, if you want. No matter the result, it's here to stay and who knows? Maybe, by golly, if those dandy, post-credits sequences are any indication of the shape of things to come, it'll spawn a few sequels. Now, wouldn't that be somethin' to discuss, predict and debate?