The Synder Cut is eventually released

**Review contains spoilers for Batman v Superman**

In 2017, Warner Bros released Joss Whedon’s Justice League to a myriad of unfavourable reviews. The movie was an apparent nail in the coffin of the DCEU, and despite other movies such as Aquaman and Shazam that were linked to a wider universe, the emphasis on crossovers was dialled down. In the dark recesses of fandom, there brewed rumours of The Snyder Cut: the original Justice League director’s vision of the superhero team-up. With little to go on but hearsay, reports that didn’t outright dismiss its existence claimed it was incomplete and would cost tens of millions to be finished. Still, the story wouldn’t die and Snyder himself would regularly tease fans on social media with snippets of what he would have done had he been able. Cast members began tweeting #ReleasetheSnyderCut, but despite the support, it still seemed a lost cause. Then, in 2020, Warner Bros announced that the additional production would commence with plans to release for the home market. At nearly four hours long, Zack Snyder’s Justice League looked to right the wrongs of its past and restore the director’s vision.

The plot is essentially the same as the 2017 version. Superman (Henry Cavill) is dead, murdered at the hands of Doomsday. Batman (Ben Affleck) heeds Lex Luthor’s (Jesse Eisenberg) warning that Earth is ripe for the picking now that its most powerful protector is no more. While he struggles to form an alliance, Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds) is preparing the world for destruction in the hopes to get back in his master’s good books.

What we get in Snyder’s film is a lot more backstory to the same characters along with additional plot points that flesh the movie out. This works wonderfully as it gives depth to characters such as Cyborg (Ray Fisher) and Steppenwolf that is sadly absent the first time around. With Steppenwolf, it allows Hinds to flex his acting prowess and apply his thespian touch to the villain, a trait that often works well with comic book movie villains. Visually, the character looks more menacing and is less cartoonish in his presentation.

With little introduction last time, a huge chunk of the script is dedicated to Cyborg. A lesser-known character, he brings an emotional dynamic to his arc as a man struggling with his unnatural second life as a synthetic machine. Much of his character development was removed in the theatrical release while The Snyder Cut vindicates his importance to the plot.

Although it’s unlikely to win over any new fans, those that enjoyed Snyder’s previous films will relish seeing the cast back together. For all the faults of the DCEU, the casting has been excellent, and they shine once again. This will likely be the last time Ben Affleck suits up which is a shame as it still feels we’re only scratching the surface of his Batman. Gal Gadot isn’t going anywhere as Wonder Woman, and here she shines once again as the Amazonian. A notable highlight in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, her solo movie was well-received, large in part to her performance.

The special effects are inconsistent in terms of quality as the film sometimes look like it’s been made for the TV you’re watching it on. It’s not too distracting due to the strength of the story and the acting however, the CGI will likely be judged more harshly should it be shown in the IMAX.

Yes, it can be self-indulgent at times and it’s unlikely going to convince anyone that Snyder is a genius if they don’t already think that. What it does do is offer redemption: for the director, the cast and anyone involved that felt their work was butchered with the theatrical cut. Whether it could live up to the hype of its near-mythical status doesn’t matter. In many ways, it just had to be better than what we got in 2017. In that instance, it passes with flying colours. On top of that, it’s an exciting and fun movie with many layers to appease those looking for a deeper meaning It’s dark but not overly brooding while delivering an intensity that isn’t overbearing to the point of being dull.

Considering its runtime, the movie is well-paced and flies by, although it does feel like the last ten minutes have been tacked on to offer some fan service and tease a sequel that is far from certain. Warner Bros have had a haphazard roadmap with the DC properties, but with their approach of producing films that exist independently of one another, there could still be room for Snyder to complete his vision of the DCEU. Whether that happens, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a grandiose entry to the genre that packs an emotional punch in its drama while still managing to find some laughs along the way. Love it or loathe it, it exists and that can no longer be disputed.