Susan Granger’s review of “Justice League” (Warner Bros.)
When William Shakespeare wrote, “It is a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing,” he could have been summarizing “Justice League.” Or, let’s put it this way: How is it that when you’re given everything, you come away with nothing?”
Picking up where last year’s “Batman vs. Superman” left off, the death of Superman (Henry Cavill) has left everyone morose, including Bruce Wayne/Batman (Ben Affleck). Of course, Lois Lane (Amy Adams) is bereft and Martha Kent (Diane Lane) is facing foreclosure on the family house and farm.
So it’s the perfect time for a villainous alien to re-appear: Steppenwolf (voiced by Ciaran Hinds), wielding a bodacious battle-axe. He’s searching for three Mother-boxes that, when united, will decimate Earth.
When he was here before, a union of Amazons, Atlanteans, Greek Gods, etc. forced him into retreat…but now he’s back, along with his satanic demons (creepy winged thingies) that feed on fear.
Reluctantly led by Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), the DC Comic Universe converges. From Iceland, there’s the tattooed malcontent, Arthur Curry/Aquaman (Jason Momoa). Nerdy, nervous Barry Allen/The Flash (Ezra Miller) can run really, really fast, and Victor Stone/Cyborg (Ray Fisher) is a science experiment – half-man/half-machine – whose powers are just emerging, much to his own surprise.
And wouldn’t you know it? Without explanation, Superman comes back to life, although he momentarily suffers some psychological issues, like not realizing who he is. Without wasting much time, he’s brought up-to-speed, declaring, “I’m back now, and I’m gonna make things right.”
Scripted by Chris Terrio and Joss Whedon and directed by Zach Snyder, it’s totally lacking in humor and fun, unless you’re amused by the repetition of an absurd “Pet Sematary” joke. Basically, it’s a 121-minute bore – except when Gal Gadot and Amy Adams are on the screen.
And, yes, there’s a mid-credit scene at the conclusion.
On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Justice League” is a nonsensical 4 – three points for Gal Gadot and one for trying.
