Justice League is another film in the DC franchise that is about Batman’s (played by Ben Affleck) efforts to form a team of superheros to stop Steppenwolf, an alien harbinger of destruction. He has appeared on earth to colonize it for his world, taking advantage of the death of Superman. The film features The Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Cyborg, who must work together to stop Steppenwolf before he destroys Earth.
While I enjoy superhero films, I felt this one was mediocre. I was happy to not have to spend my money on it due a promotion at school. For starters, Aquaman was not a compelling character. He just seemed like a party boy avoiding responsibility and who was Mr. Fanservice because of the excessive moments without his shirt on, no doubt just a reason to show off his muscles. The Flash I felt was simply comic relief. I understand that a hero focusing on a group of heroes cannot spend too much time on one character but the characters seemed very much shallowly developed.
Perhaps this is over consciousness on my part, but the dearth of diversity – racially or physically – got to me. Pretty much all the Amazons were white and slim. The camera also could not help but show their chiseled stomachs and legs. There was only one black woman and she was again, thin. In terms of diversity, the film did a poor job. I also felt a bit of a cringe when I learned Cyborg had gone to college on a football scholarship. Now, there is nothing wrong with having earned a athletic scholarship, but it does feed into the stereotype of black men being good for their athletic ability. Why could he not have gone to college on an art scholarship, or something not based primarily on physical capabilities? Also I think the director’s attempt to be feminist failed in regards to Wonder Woman.
Batman tells Wonder Woman she should be the one to lead the Justice League, even though she was reluctant to join. I could not help but see Batman as the true leader. Wonder Woman only gave commands in the battle; this was after having been reluctant to take charge of the team. It was Batman who organized the league in the first place, and put much of his effort and energy in convincing largely reluctant superheroes to help save the world. All in all, it was not a terrible film, but it lacked substance and I would not spend my money to see it if I were you.