What happens when a movie makes some people cheer[1] with delight, and others ask for an end[2] to the franchise? Justice League drew some very diametrically opposite reactions within the Gadgets 360 team, which got us wondering whether it really deserves the terrible 41 percent rating[3] on Rotten Tomatoes. Our own review wasn't particularly positive[4] either, but as we've argued in the past, critics and the audience seldom agree[5] on what works for them.
But the divide between a fan and a critic isn't as sharp this time around. Our review used the words "rushed", "by the numbers", and "mind-numbing" to describe the film, and they certainly apply. But beyond that, Justice League is also a film that has the potential to be amazing. With the success of Wonder Woman (and more generally, of Marvel's cinematic universe[6]) there's been a mandate to lighten up the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), the Warner Bros. shared superhero universe. And while it doesn't always work - consider Suicide Squad[7], and then repress the memory again - in the case of Justice League, it's definitely made a difference.
Some of the better lines - particularly the ones given to Ezra Miller's Flash - were already shown in the trailers, and there's more where that comes from. The overall tone of the movie is lighter and weirder than Batman v Superman[8], which is what this film is a direct follow-up to.
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition - Should You Care?[9]
As was the case with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice[10], with Justice League too, a lot has been left behind on the cutting room floor....