Moustache Lockdown Streaming Survival Guide Part 21 | Zack Snyder's Justice League

Well it has finally arrived; the long awaited "Snyder Cut" is here in all its glory - that's right, all four hours of it. Which means we actually have an answer to one of life's great questions (for movie geeks and comic book fans, anyway); was it worth the wait?

As always, don't forget to check out our Moustache Lockdown Streaming Survival Guide in its glorious entirety, which you can find by clicking here.

After the death of Superman (Henry Cavill), Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) fears an invasion is imminent, one not of this Earth. So in order to prepare, he goes in search of the metahumans that Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) uncovered, in order to form a team that could defend the Earth from any threat. But will he be able to find them in time? Before an ancient evil reveals itself.

When I first saw the theatrical cut of Justice League back in 2017 my reaction was kind of 'meh', it's ok, had its moments, but it's nothing on the movies that went before it. However, with every subsequent viewing (yes I've watched it more than once) it became more and more underwhelming, the gap between it and the other DC movies grew and grew. Now, having finally seen the third instalment in what would have been Zack Snyder's epic DC story arc I have only one question; what the hell were the Warner Bros. executives thinking when they dropped this in favour of the mediocrity that is the theatrical cut? Granted we wouldn't have seen all of this in the cinema, although a four hour "Ultimate Edition" wouldn't have been beyond the realm of possibility. Without question, everything about the Snyder Cut is an improvement on what we saw in cinemas almost four years ago. In fact, it's hard to believe that two versions of the same movie can share so much and be so different! There are new scenes, extended scenes, alternate scenes, and some scenes that are rather more familiar. All of which combine to not only make a infinitely better movie, they deliver a plot that actually makes sense.

And it's not just the story that is drastically different and vastly improved. For one thing, the visuals are a whole lot better - one look at Darkseid is all it will take to see that. Gone is that awful colour palette - including the horrible red glow throughout the finale - and Steppenwolf has a whole new look. Yes the big bad henchman actually looks like he did in the hologram viewed by Lex Luthor in the Ultimate Edition of Batman v Superman, rather than the ridiculous cartoon character we saw in the Justice League theatrical cut. I actually quite like the way his armour moves, changes and adjusts depending on his mood or the current threat. Not only has his appearance changed, he's no longer just a one-note villain, he has a proper backstory, one that in some ways actually makes him relatable, and more dangerous. It's fair to say that Ciarián Hinds is voicing an entirely different Steppenwolf, and it shows in his performance. Instead of voicing that cartoon character, he delivers a sinister and compelling performance as a formidable foe.

But let’s not forget the heroes, for they have also benefited from the release of this drastically different movie, of whom Victor Stone AKA 'Cyborg' is the main benefactor. Watching this, you see just how much of his story, and Ray Fisher's fantastic performance was cut. In this version Cyborg goes from being the character that no one really cared about, to the character with the most fascinating arc. Everything that Victor went through, how he became Cyborg is there for us to see, and despite the fact that his character is mostly CGI, we are still able to appreciate the mental scars he carries with him. Ezra Miller’s 'Barry Allen' also benefits from a little more development, without as many awkward one-liners, although he is definitely still a major source of the humour. It's more about who he is and how he is around others, not to mention the effects his abilities have on his life, his mannerisms and his personality - it's all affected in some way by the speed-force. Even Aquaman's (Jason Momoa) back-story is more developed, and it retro-actively ties this story in better with his solo movie. Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) and Batman (Ben Affleck) see the least changes, however their alternate/modified scenes better suit their characters and their intentions. The same can be said of Superman (Henry Cavill), although he does get a couple of fun new scenes - including one with Jeremy Irons, who continues to make for a fantastic Alfred - and the black suit is finally let loose.

My biggest complaint (pretty much my only complaint) would have to be that Amy Adams and Diane Lane are given pretty much nothing to do apart from grieving Clark. Diane Lane does see an interesting twist put on one of her scenes, but apart from that she's hardly in the movie. Whereas Adams is seen doing basically the same thing as she was in the theatrical cut, only slightly differently. I know the movie sets up an important plotline surrounding her character, and she does have some touching scenes with Cavill, but she doesn't get to be Lois Lane. It just feels like she's wasted, especially when you consider the significant and engaging roles she played in both Man of Steel and BvS. I'm also sad to report that the Bat Tank that was teased in the trailer isn't put to good use, in fact the shot of it seen in the trailer is... well it.

Instead of being a very basic and mediocre, standalone superhero movie, Zack Snyder's Justice League is yet another epic branch in a much bigger story. And even though what you are seeing is very similar to what has come before, the stakes feel higher. It really draws you in, to the point where you barely notice the four hour run time. The presence of Darkseid and DeSaad certainly help with that. But it's also with the heroes too. Whereas before it felt like they were just going through the motions, now it's like they are really having to fight to save the world, especially in that final battle. Even the failures carry more weight. Both the Amazons and the Atlanteans put up way more of a fight to protect their Mother boxes - which also serve as more than just a trio of McGuffins - instead of merely writing them off, you'll find yourself properly invested in many of these characters. I'm pleased to say, however, that it's not all doom and gloom. The Snyder Cut is actually quite funny in places. Jokes that I assumed were added by Joss Whedon, as it turns out, weren't. The difference here is that it doesn't feel like someone is trying to make a Marvel movie in the DC Universe, it's actually quite organic, and in keeping with what has gone before it. 

The question is; where do we go from here? Will this go down in history as simply a triumph for the fans? One that points to a movie franchise that could have been. Or will this bring Snyder back to DC, so he can finish what he started with Man of Steel? I for one would love to see his intended sequels get made, even more so now that I have seen that epic "Knightmare" cliffhanger. Who knows? Maybe this was WB testing the waters, or maybe they are simply trying to put this #ReleaseTheSnyderCut thing to bed. I know which option I prefer! Either way I am very glad that I finally got to see Zack Snyder's Justice League.

Was it worth the wait? It absolutely was. Zack Snyder's Justice League is a far superior version of the movie that hit cinemas back in 2017. It's the gripping, high-stakes adventure that these characters deserve.

9.5/10

Zack Snyder's Justice League is available in the UK on Sky Movies and Now TV.

What did you think of Zack Snyder's Justice League? Leave a comment below or find us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also email us at moviemoustache@gmail.com.