Justice League
DC fans had been waiting for this one for decades, and 2017 finally delivered the goods – Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg united on the big screen for the first time in November’s Justice League. Unfortunately, much like the rest of the DCEU, it was met with a hugely mixed reception.
A big problem with the film is that, for a movie buff, it was impossible to watch without thinking about the behind-the-scenes turmoil, as it was so plainly writ large on screen (e.g. the Whedon-helmed reshoots clashing with Snyder’s footage, the abridged runtime, Henry Cavill’s bizarre upper lip). Everyone agreed that Justice League needed more time to be polished. Well, everyone except the WB execs who wanted their bonuses early.
All that said, the central team dynamics and the sheer thrill of seeing the Justice League together on a cinema screen makes it a hugely enjoyable experience, with the newcomers to the franchise proving very promising. Thanks to the emphasis on hope and rebirth, JL is easily the most grin-inducing DCEU entry so far. Though we’d still really like to see that extended cut.