Justice League

Here was a pleasant surprise--I didn't hate Justice League, in fact I kind of liked it. Given the horror that was Batman vs. Superman, I wasn't expecting much, and since I have half a mind to catch Aquaman, I thought I'd better fill in the gap.

The key to a successful superhero movie is that it should be fun. It's all well and good to try to make these characters modern myths, but it's best to remember that superhero comics were written for children, and it's the child in us that should enjoy these films, not the graduate student in mythology. Marvel has consistently gotten this right, but the DC films, under the eye of Zack Snyder, have been lugubrious dirges. This one has a little more spark, a little more humor, and a little more wonder than others in the series.

Justice League picks up where Batman vs. Superman left off. Superman is dead, and Batman (Ben Affleck) realizes some terrible danger is coming and tries to recruit a team. He already has Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), and they track down Aquaman (Jason Momoa), the Flash (Ezra Miller) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher). It's ambitious to introduce three major characters, but each one is etched fairly well, especially Miller, who provides comic relief (indeed, what do you do with super-human speed?)

The bad guy is Steppenwolf, apparently not named for the novel or the band, who is voiced by Ciaran Hinds and is all CGI, looking like a monster out of Wagner. The back story is a bit murky, but suffice it to say he wants to destroy the world, so there's lots at stake. Eventually Affleck realizes they need Superman, so they dig him up.

That shouldn't be a spoiler to anyone, as the tease at the end of the last film was dirt moving on Superman's coffin. The odd thing is is that has nothing to do with his resurrection, a little mistake in continuity. But it's good to see Superman again.

I liked the action scenes--they seem to make physical sense--and the emphasis on teamwork and leadership works well. At one point the heroes are all lined up in a row in costume, and it reminded me of a kid playing with action figures. That's the spirit one should feel while watching these films.

There's a tease at the end for the return of Lex Luthor, and Gadot hints at more heroes being added (another try at Green Lantern? Green Arrow? Hawkman?) so I'll give it a shot.