Zack Snyder's Justice League
Parents say
Based on 15 reviews
Kids say
Based on 43 reviews
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Zack Snyder's Justice League
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Zack Snyder's Justice League is a darker, more somber cut than the original 2017 film, with more (gory) violence and stronger language. Unlike the theatrical release, Snyder's edit is slower and more character driven, with greater focus on the severity of the challenge that the band of superheroes faces. The film does celebrate teamwork and great courage, not only among the superheroes, but also regular people, who put their lives on the line to save others. The violence is ramped up and heightened, with far more death and destruction. There are countless battle sequences and explosions, with far more gore. Kids are threatened at gunpoint, innocent civilians are killed mercilessly, and there are corpses, skulls, burning bodies, and bloodshed. There's also a sinister villain in the form of Steppenwolf (voiced by Ciarán Hinds), who could prove too scary for younger viewers. Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) remains a strong role model, emphasized when she stops a huge terrorist attack and gives advice to the children she saves. She also defends her family and friends back at home when they're referred to as "puny." The language here is stronger than in the original film, with "f--k" said fully -- including by Batman (Ben Affleck) -- rather than bleeped out like before. There's one graphic sexual reference, when a character describes a "reach around" when provoking another. Due to the darker tone and increased violence, this version is better suited for older fans.
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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
- Studio: HBO Max
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Superheroes, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Teamwork
- Run time: 242 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: violence and some language
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Justice League
All-star superhero adventure is uneven but entertaining.
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The Dark Knight
Excellent sequel much darker, more violent than the first.
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Avengers: Endgame
Intense but satisfying finale is an epic gift to MCU fans.
For kids who love superheroes
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