Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
DC adventure is darker, longer, more violent than original.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Where to Watch
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Zack Snyder's Justice League
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Based on 53 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a significant improvement over its predecessor, featuring deeper character development and a more coherent plot. While praised for its epic scope and engaging storytelling, many note its lengthy runtime and darker themes with violence and language that suggest it's better suited for mature viewers, typically ages 12 and up.
- better than original
- lengthy runtime
- strong language
- intense violence
- character development
- suitable for older kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE is set a few years after the death of Superman (Henry Cavill), at a time the world needs him most, as a threat emerges that could spell the end of mankind as we know it. Batman (Ben Affleck) teams up with Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) knowing that in order to defeat the enemy at hand, they're going to need new recruits. And so he sets off on a bid to build a formidable team of superheroes, alongside Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), and The Flash (Ezra Miller).
Is It Any Good?
Often referred to as the "Synder Cut," this superhero adventure is a far more accomplished feature than the original 2017 version. The pacing of Zack Snyder's Justice League, though slow-burning, feels like it's telling more of a complete story, and this results in a more watchable, engaging, and polished production. Where the original had moments of levity, seemingly inclined to move away from the somber, darker tone of the DC Universe -- as it tried to prove it had more adventure and lightness, similar to Marvel's superhero universe -- this new cut doesn't care for making the same point. Instead, Snyder's version is more true of his cinematic language as a director, and thrives in its dour and gritty atmosphere.
The character development is much more rounded. There's more of a sense for each of the respective superhero's backstory, and in turn we care for them more as they become engulfed in conflict, which helps create more of an emotional investment in the closing stages. But we have to work hard to get to that stage, as for all of the good on show, this movie really struggles to justify its four hour runtime, as tedium inevitably kicks in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between Zack Snyder's Justice League and the 2017 original. What were the key differences? Which did you prefer and why? Why do you think this version was made?
The film is far more violent than the original. What did you make of these sequences? Were they a little over the top for a blockbuster like this, or did they work well with the movie's darker tone? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it feel gratuitous when used, or did it serve the story? How did it feel hearing a character like Batman swear?
The superheroes are naturally role models, but was there one in particular who inspired you? If so, why? What character strengths did they show? How important was teamwork and courage to the group of superheroes succeeding?
What did you think of the four hour runtime? Have you seen a movie this long before? Did you think it needed to be so long?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 18, 2021
- Cast : Ben Affleck , Gal Gadot , Henry Cavill
- Director : Zack Snyder
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : HBO Max
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 242 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and some language
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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