There may be lots of flaws, but certainly not the disappointment we all dreaded. Fun characters, exciting set-pieces and a lighter tone. Very enjoyable!

Rating: 7/10 (20 November 2017)

Comic book plots occasionally have a tendency to be slightly complex and convoluted - not in this film though. On the contrary, the plot here is so simplistic to the point where it isn't really important at all. The Mother Boxes are extreme McGuffins and when you think back on the film, the story isn't really what jumps out at you. In fact, more than that, the story is forgettable and just a bit dull. There are no twists or surprises or any fear or suspense at all. On top of this, there's a very confused structure, where in the first half it's as though the film can't decide whether it's about the world coping after Superman's death or if it's about Steppenwolf's plan to conquer the world. It all feels a bit mixed up and results in some scenes seeming out of place and boring in comparison, slowing down the pace of the film. It also feels as though the story was very light and we miss a middle. With a decent start and end, the middle does tend to waffle a bit; though there's a fun fight scene, there's not much else, resulting in a bit of a rush towards the finale. This is a shame as the middle section could really help us get to know the characters and give them room to grow – as well as improving the plot and giving it a chance to develop.
As light and dull as the story is though, the fun rarely comes from its plot; the best parts without doubt lie in its action and characters. The former, however, lacks potency because there's no threat at all within the story. Yes, the fight scenes and set pieces are amazing; there's a variety of action, well-choreographed fights and a kinetic energy (especially when all characters are working together) that brings an exciting energy to the film and is a joy to watch. However there's rarely a feeling of doom when the only vulnerable characters in any danger are a rather obscure and irrelevant Russian family as token civilians who are easily saved – no one else is ever in any peril and so the stakes really don't seem particularly high.
Still despite this, it really is difficult to care when the action looks this good. As with each and every Zack Snyder film, though he doesn't often make good movies, you can always count on them excelling in the eye-candy department and Justice League is no exception – this is certainly a film that deserves the full IMAX 3D experience. With impressive CGI, thrilling action set pieces and wonderful costume design (particularly for Aquaman) this is an absolute treat for the eyes and there's lots to enjoy just in aesthetics. Sadly though, it's not all good news; there are frequent scenes where the use of green screen is painfully obvious, standing out amongst all the other good CGI; and it looks like the recent controversy surrounding the more scantily clad Amazonian warriors had a right to come up – these costumes are ridiculous and nigh-on pornographic. It's a shame that while Wonder Woman took one step forward with regards to sexual equality, Justice League took two steps back.
Still the highlight of the film is certainly the characters. All of them mix well, their interactions together being a high point and each of them remaining unique and interesting with their own brand of comedy. I can't help but wonder how much of the lighter tone and comedic moments were down to Snyder or Whedon who completed directing Newcomers hold their own and can easily stand next to current favourite Wonder Woman. Momoa brings a comedic version of ultra- masculinity to Aquaman which fits really well and Miller's Barry Allen is certainly the comic relief that was needed in the DCEU, fully personifying all the comic book enthusiasts in the cinema and easily encouraging a whole audience to laugh. Gadot continues being perfect as Wonder Woman, bringing so much more than her beauty to the role, but being an inspirational character that stands out. Affleck seems to be more comfortable as Batman than in his previous outings and certainly shows promise. Amy Adams as Lois Lane and J.K. Simmons as Lieutenant Gordon are criminally underused considering their talents, yet despite brief appearances they make the most of their screen-time. The only weak link in the cast is Henry Cavill who still can't hold a torch to Christopher Reeve. Too dry and wooden with only a couple of facial expressions, it's a shame we've yet to see Superman develop a personality; in comparison to his fellow teammates this stands out as a stark contrast. If anything, his appearance made little difference to the story and perhaps the story would have been the same (or maybe better) without him
The other weak link of the film is certainly Steppenwolf, the villain. With very little character or personality, Steppenwolf here just appears as a random, generic bad guy threatening to conquer the world. His 'evil plan' is dull and simple, easily thwarted and is of very interest. Considering the roster of characters DC have at their disposal it seems strange and disappointing to have chosen this to be the Justice League's first threat.
Despite their recent wobbly track-record, fortunately the first live-action film of Justice League is not the disappointment so many dreaded. Leaps and bounds ahead of the first three films but certainly not as excellent as Wonder Woman, Justice League suffers from a lacklustre plot, iffy structure and painfully generic, boring villain (not to mention the Amazon costume controversy). However, luckily we have great actors playing lovable characters, wonderfully exciting and kinetic action set-pieces and a more light-hearted tone with comedic moments that gives the whole film a unique personality. Though not all critics may like this film, this is certainly a crowd-pleaser and, at last, it feels like DC are on the right track.