Justice League Movie Review (Now With 99% Less Spoilers!)

Apparently you can't save a movie alone either.

I wasn't sure if I was even a choice. For as long as I could remember I was watching Superman movies and playing with Super Friends action figures. Play time consisted of Superman, Batman, Aquaman and Wonder Woman. Under my godlike supervision, I directed the Justice League into victory until it was bath time.

For better or worse (leaning on worse from the general audiences), Zack Snyder has been able to direct the Justice League onto the silver screen for the very first time.  I'm one of the few that enjoyed Batman v Superman. Looking beyond the plot holes and confusingly odd character decisions, it is an attempt to create a Greek-esque tragedy out of DC characters. Mostly a swing and miss.

That leads us to Justice League or what I like to call Man of Steel III: The Search for Superman and More Money. It's hard to review the movie without mentioning the studio drama behind the scenes. Zack Synder was relieved of duties while the movie was in post prodcution with Joss Whedon coming on board to write and direct all-new scenes. As if that wasn't hard enough, he was also instructed to make a 2 hour cut. The result? An chopped-up, oddly paced movie that feels like a 2017 Eminem freestyle. 

As expected, most of the trouble resides in introducing the new characters.  Oddly written dialogue written as Cliffs Notes is used to explain where these new characters come from. Some of it works and some of it feels like nails to a chalkboard.  As a fan I didn't need these characters explained to me, but the average movie goers will be scratching their heads. Even the villain isn't given much of a set up. Its clear his backstory was cut to reach the 2 hour limit.

Have you ever watched an action movie for the umpteenth time and skipped chapters to get the good parts? Thats how Justice League feels, and its not necessarily a bad thing. The movie is quite enjoyable. The action (despite some shoddy CGI at times) feels necessary and the humor -- YES HUMOR -- is really well done.  The chemistry between these heroes are entertaining enough to make me want to see more of them with each returning character now true to their comic-book counterparts.  

I do wish WB had more patience as Justice League feels like a sequel to movies that weren't even made. With that said, I do believe the ship has been righted and feel good about the new DC films moving forward. Oh yeah, and stay until the very end.

Anyway, its bath time.

Keeping It Reel: Iron Man 2

A 32 oz. Coke...$4.50. A medium tub of popcorn...$5.50. Movie ticket...$11. Being able to show up to a midnight showing of Iron Man 2, dressed as Iron Man?....PRICELESS.

Yes, I did go to the midnight showing of Iron Man 2 last night/this morning, but no, I did not dress as Iron Man. Sadly, a few peers in my age group did. They waited in line, with Iron Man masks over their faces and blue glowing light protruding out of their chests.

I really enjoyed the first Iron Man movie. I thought Robert Downey, Jr. did a fantastic job, playing the rich, heavily flawed superhero. Needless to say, I was hyped up for the sequel.

I knew I was going to be bothered by this movie before it even began. I really dislike when actors are replaced in sequels. Sadly, Terrace Howard's character in the first Iron Man was replaced by Don Cheadle in Iron Man 2. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Don Cheadle. He is a terrific actor and actually does a fine job in this movie. I just get all OCD with continuity. It feels like its not the same character we were introduced to in the first movie, though we are forced to believe it is.

The movie, itself starts off a bit choppy and awkwardly paced. It feels a bit uncomfortable to watch as the movie starts off with a lacks\ of focus. That is soon forgotten once Sam Rockwell's character settles into the picture. He is the movie's scene stealer, which is quite an accomplishment when you're starring opposite Robert Downey, Jr.

I read somewhere that Mickey Rourke actually stayed in a Russian prison to prepare for his role in Iron Man 2. I think he's going to regret his decision to do that after watching the film. His character, Whiplash, is misused. This is mostly due to the fact that Iron Man 2 spends most of its time advertising its anticipated Avengers movie.

(For those of you that don't know Marvel is teaming up Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America and Thor for one blockbuster movie. All of whom, are discreetly mentioned through the film. You have to pay attention to small details to notice them, not to mention sticking around after the credits are done.)

As in most cases in comic book sequels, there's more action that its predecessor. The special effects are top notch as you would expect and the fighting scenes are filmed well. Getting to watch Scarlett Johansson kick ass in tight, black spandex is always good in my book.

There's going to be a few "WTF?" moments, but those mostly happen in the beginning and are easily forgivable and quickly forgotten. There are also some deep underlying themes that never really get to surface. Sacrificed for action I assume.

Is Iron Man 2 better than the first? No. Is Iron Man 2 worth the $11? Sure. Do I think the fan boys with the Iron Man masks and glowing chest pieces were happy when the movie finished? Definitely.