Zack Snyder's Justice League

Zack Snyder's Justice League, otherwise known as the 'Snyder Cut' is a 2021 superhero film based on the DC Comics team, the Justice League. This uniquely extended director's cut is a re-edited version of the original 2017 film that was taken over by Joss Whedon following Snyder's departure due to a family tragedy. The star-studded cast features many familiar faces from the DC Extended Universe including Henry Cavill as Superman, Ben Affleck as Batman, and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, elevating the movie's impact through their compelling performances.

The plot for Zack Snyder's Justice League remains consistent with the 2017 film in its core principle, however the execution, character development, and narrative pacing are starkly different. In the wake of Superman's demise at the hands of Doomsday during Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Bruce Wayne, fueled by his renewed faith in humanity, is left to deal with his remorse and guilt. Bruce, recognizing an impending assault on Earth, takes it upon himself —with the indispensable help of Diana Prince (Wonder Woman)— to assemble a team comprised of individuals with exceptional abilities to counter the impending doom.

The narrative expands to shed light on the unique origins and individual struggles of Aquaman (Jason Momoa), The Flash (Ezra Miller), and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) as they are brought under the league's wing. As they come together to form the Justice League, these disparate warriors must learn to put aside their differences, confront their personal demons, and rally as a cohesive unit to rebut the forces threatening their world.

While the plot might sound akin to the theatrical version, it is the treatment of these plot points where Zack Snyder's version deviates. With a runtime of over four hours, Snyder utilizes the additional time to explore vital character arcs that were initially overlooked. The narrative trajectory of these characters goes beyond their mere transformation into superheroes. It dives into their vagaries, vulnerabilities, personal tragedies, and, in turn, their motivation to save the world.

Additionally, the film offers a darker, more serious tone compared to its predecessor. The use of sophisticated CGI, exquisitely crafted action sequences, carefully executed emotional beats, meticulous attention to visual details, and innovative cinematography give the film a grandeur that was amiss in the previous iteration. The atmosphere of impending doom mixed with a glimmer of hope is well-captured and remains through the entirety of the film.

Each actor exudes their character's persona convincingly. Henry Cavill's Superman offers a darker, more conflicted version of the Man of Steel. Ben Affleck shines as a guilt-ridden, aged Batman, and Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman encapsulates strength and compassion. Notably, Ray Fisher stands out in this iteration with an extended storyline that delves into the existential crisis of his character, Cyborg, amalgamating him with the core of the plot.

Ben Affleck's Batman/Bruce Wayne is portrayed as having matured and evolved due to his experiences and failures, developing a highly resonant arc that gives him a profound sense of purpose. Meanwhile, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman balances warrior strength with tenderness – a cohesive, well-rounded portrayal influenced by her extended solo screen time in her eponymous movies.

From a visual standpoint, Snyder's opulent, distinctive style is on full display. The film has a distinctive colour grading, and the action scenes are styled in bold, dynamic, and slow-motion sequences, amplifying emotional beats and lending the movie a grander visual scale. His decision to present the movie in a 4:3 aspect ratio might seem unorthodox for a mainstream superhero movie, but it undeniably adds to the scope and detail of the high-impact action sequences.

Composed by Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL), the music underpins the intensity of the narrative, harmonizing perfectly with the high stakes at play. From the seethingly exciting action beats to the quieter emotional moments, the score amplifies the raw intensity and emotional depth that runs through the film.

In its totality, Zack Snyder's Justice League is a grand spectacle teeming with emotionally driven narratives, intricate character arcs, carefully constructed action sequences, and making for an epic journey that makes the most of its ambitious scale. For fans of DC and those deeply involved in the characters' mythology, the film serves as a remarkable culmination of Zack Snyder's vision for the Justice League, beautifully realizing potential that was hinted at, but not fully realized, in the original release.