The verdict is out, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is considerably better than the 2017 original. Shame it took nearly four years to come up with a more coherent formula that resuscitated the DCEU; nevertheless, the Snyder cut is a welcome delight, especially for fans of DC clamoring for his version.
Why the need for the Snyder cut though? Because only about half of 2017’s original film was his vision. The other half was taken care of by Avengers director Joss Whedon who stepped in after Snyder had to drop the project due to personal issues. Turns out, the new version is better, at least according to the critics and the audience. What are some significant changes that helped improve the movie?
10 Steppenwolf’s Introduction
The original Justice League suffered from having a shorter runtime, meaning it had to drop some exposition. That notably made the main villain, Steppenwolf, seem more like a generic faceless mute monster whose only instinct is to kill. Thanks to a few lines of dialogue and Apokolips’ version of Skype calls (Steppenwolf’s homeworld), Steppenwolf has some added dimensions to him.
Steppenwolf’s motivations are revealed and he becomes a bit more relatable as a villain in the Snyder cut; he’s someone who only yearns to rectify his errors and please his god and master. Zack Snyder‘s Justice League went the extra mile to make Steppenwolf less of a cookie-cutter villain.
9 Darkseid & Granny Goodness’ Presence
Speaking of Steppenwolf’s boss, DCEU finally stopped paying it safe and unveiled their big baddie, Darkseid. Although the reveal is less meditative or grand than how the MCU handled Thanos, Darkseid being there sets up some big plans for the future.
Darkseid does come across as somewhat bland, especially for those used to the MCU’s quirky villains, but alongside him (to the right) seems to be Granny Goodness and the rest of the Apokolips retinue. If anything, Granny Goodness and her Furies or elite troops are more interesting than Darkseid. If treated well, the next movie involving the Justice League might well become a contender for the MCU.
8 Darker Tone
It’s Zack Snyder so viewers should expect tons of green screen backgrounds and over-implemented film filters. The Snyder cut is literally darker than the original, particularly when it comes to the film’s third act.
Furthermore, some of the jokes were cut or toned down. The Snyder cut’s general atmosphere is also gloomier, marked by people who don’t smile and increased mourning for Superman’s death. It is, however, more consistent with its themes compared to the original release, therefore making it more watchable.
7 More Violent
In addition to being darker both in atmosphere and composition, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is also notably more violent. There’s more blood used on set whether CGI or props, especially in the final battle against Steppenwolf.
Decapitations, open wounds, and dismemberments are shown more clearly. Moreover, more deaths are displayed even on the human side of the casualties.
6 More Exposition For Other Characters
This is something that can be credited to the 4-hour runtime (the original was only half as long) but still, it is easier to get invested in the characters in the Snyder cut. The two characters in the original who got the shortest end of the stick, Cyborg and The Flash, finally get their due in the 2021 version.
They have more screentime and dialogue. It’s not just action shots of them either. There are now more scenes about the metahumans’ families and their struggles with their pasts. Aquaman and Wonder Woman also get their much-needed team-building dialogue.
5 Cyborg’s Role
Thanks to the increased exposition and introduction for Cyborg, his role just became a lot more important. The Snyder cut explained better how and why Cyborg can access and tinker with the Mother Boxes.
Cyborg is essentially the most advanced supercomputer on Earth and probably in the DCEU. In the original movie, he takes a backseat to Superman when it comes to being the most important team player, but that’s not the case in the Snyder cut; he is the most crucial member of the Justice League.
4 The Flash’s Role
The Flash also receives plenty of love in the Snyder Cut, as his significance is upgraded a whole lot. Now he can travel through time by going faster than light, letting him reverse his injuries and turn the tide of battle.
This is also one of the reasons why The Flash is considered more powerful than Superman in the comic books. He can literally change the whole timeline if he wanted. The Flash getting his cosmic treadmill upgrade creates tons of opportunities for the DCEU now, putting them in the same level as MCU and their multiverse/timeline shenanigans.
3 Superman’s Role
Surprisingly enough, Superman’s role is downgraded a bit since even with just him, the Earth would lose to Darkseid and Steppenwolf. In Snyder’s version, Superman is but a mere muscle and not the messiah of the team; Cyborg and The Flash are the secret weapons of the League.
The original movie pretty much invalidated the need for a League; they only needed Superman to send Steppenwolf back to Apokolips. Now with Darkseid and everyone in Apokolips in the picture, Superman needs the League more than ever.
2 Revised Finale
The final battle underwent the biggest changes between the films. It was revised both stylistically and narratively to fit Darkseid and his invasion force in Apokolips more appropriately. In addition, Cyborg and the Flash’s activities were given more importance.
In fact, in the final act, Aquaman, Batman, and Wonder Woman contribute the least. Back in the original film, Steppenwolf’s defeat serves as the conclusion. In Zack Snyder’s Justice League, it is only the beginning because of Darkseid looming large on the horizon.
1 More Cliffhangers And Teasers
While on the topic of horizons, the Snyder cut’s ending is jampacked with Easter Eggs and branching opportunities for future titles. A rogue Injustice-esque Superman is heavily implied, the Joker is present, and even Deathstroke makes an appearance.
Those are probably still tentative ventures but one certain future appearance would be Martian Manhunter, who presented himself to the League and to Batman. Regardless, it appears that the DCEU is going to have a busy decade ahead, poised to take the crown from the MCU after this comeback and second chance.
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