What The Critics Are Saying About The Justice League Snyder Cut
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Zack Snyder's Justice League will finally arrive on HBO Max on March 18 in all its four-hour glory. Fans of the DCEU and Zack Snyder himself have been campaigning for years to see the Snyder Cut of the 2017 film, which was absolutely obliterated by moviegoers and critics alike. Justice League currently holds a 40% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a score that actually seems high considering all the vitriol it's engendered. Regardless, the version of the film that Joss Whedon brought to screen seems destined to be reduced to a footnote in the greater DCEU, with the definitive Zack Snyder's Justice League poised to replace it in the official canon. That's what the early critical responses seem to suggest, at least.
Now that critics have gotten their hands on the Snyder Cut, they've taken to social media to give their thoughts on the film without giving any spoilers. If the tweets from these critics are any indication of what we can expect, Zack Snyder's Justice League shouldn't have a hard time surpassing that 40% mark. In fact, it looks like the film is one of 2021's best science fiction movies.
Zack Snyder's Justice League is everything 2017's Justice League isn't
The current response to Zack Snyder's Justice League is glowing. Critics overwhelmingly agree that the film surpasses its predecessor in every respect, saying it's the well-rounded movie that Joss Whedon just wasn't able to produce.
Sean O'Connell of CinemaBlend shared a lengthy response to his Twitter feed, letting his followers know that the Snyder Cut is the greatest film in the DCEU thus far. "This is the EPIC version of the movie you thought you were getting in 2017. It's a fantastic continuation of the story started in MAN OF STEEL, but also a thorough extension of the mythology of these beloved characters," he wrote. After noting the performances of Batman (Ben Affleck) and The Flash (Ezra Miller) among many other compliments, O'Connell made sure to note that the movie is not perfect, citing too many slow-motion sequences, which are a favorite of Zack Snyder.
Rotten Tomatoes certified critic Fico Cangiano had nothing but positive things to say about the film on Twitter, which is revving up fans even more. "#ZackSnydersJusticeLeague is truly epic. Superior to the 2017 version in every way. Amazing action and score. Every character shines and story arcs follow through from MOS and BvS. Can't believe this exists. Incredibly satisfied and so, so worth the wait." Cangiano is just one critic in a long line of them that is praising each member of the Justice League, and how the movie respects their personal stories.
Critics agree all six Justice League superheroes get the respect they deserve
One of the biggest issues many fans and critics had with 2017's Justice League was how some of the newer on-screen heroes like Cyborg and The Flash didn't get their moments to shine, and were relegated to mere supporting roles, propping up the bigger and more famous characters: Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman. Apparently, Snyder has rectified that particular injustice.
"The movie is EPIC. The characters just matter more. They have purpose and emotion. The villains are intimidating. Cinematography is beautiful. It's EXCITING," Brandon Davis of the Phase Zero podcast tweeted. "It's hard to believe anyone thought this story should be canned."
Critic Scott Menzel also promised fans the rich character development they could expect on the four-hour journey. "Snyder's Justice League is one of the best superhero movies ever made. The long awaited cut lives up to the hype & feels unlike anything we've seen in this universe before. Each character is fully realized & gets their moment to shine & kick some a**," he tweeted. Menzel went on to address that shockingly high run time, though he says it's nothing to worry about. The Rotten Tomatoes certified critic noted that the four hours "flies by," a sentiment echoed by dozens of other reviewers across the web.
Zack Snyder's Justice League further vindicates Zack Snyder's gritty vision for the DCEU
It's pretty much the general consensus that 2017's Justice League was doomed the moment Joss Whedon got his hands on it. Even in the light most generous to Whedon, the two directors who each have substantial comic book pedigree also have entirely different approaches to adapting these kinds of stories. While that suggests that the emphasis on Whedon's anti-Midas touch might be a bit overstated, this criticism is likely to get even more oxygen now that Snyder has walked the walk, executing on his original vision.
"The #SnyderCut is a master class in what a difference a filmmaker makes. Joss Whedon DID do a hack job on #ZackSnyder's vision and it IS heartbreaking – and fascinating – to see. The film is a true #JusticeLeague story and Snyder's best film to date," Grace Randolph tweeted.
Critics can't seem to say enough good things about Ray Fisher's performance as Cyborg, and it looks like we're going to get more backstory on the character and a deep dive into his persona. Whedon and Fisher had issues on set, in a controversy that came to light last year. Fortunately, Zack Snyder's Justice League will now let fans see the character as he was truly intended.
"Two reasons to watch: The action climax is much better and Cyborg gets the deserved spotlight," Scott Mendelson of Forbes tweeted. Mendelson went on to express that he thought the movie was just too long, seemingly one of the only issues that could be found among hundreds of critic responses online.
Fans will have their say on the movie when it arrives this Thursday on HBO Max.