After watching the final trailer for Justice League 4 times 10 times and counting, it’s time to dissect the thrilling tease as well as the shockingly poignant opening.
Fans have been clamoring for a direct sequel to Man of Steel, ever since the first movie was released and I imagine many were delighted with the beautiful scene teased during the opening of the trailer. The music, combined with the visuals, was the perfect way to bring Superman, or rather Clark Kent, into the fold without spoiling how and why he returns. DC have been rather cautious with trailers for this release after backlash from the Doomsday reveal in the BVS trailer. Many people have suggested that this scene is part of Whedon’s reshoots or that at the very least, the colour scheme has been changed.
However, due to thematic and even visual callbacks to Man of Steel, I feel this is certainly evidence that Snyder’s Vision for the League lives.
Though, later on in the trailer, there is definitely evidence of Weldon’s wonderful witty dialogue, reminiscent of the contributions he has made to other blockbusters and of course, his own directorial efforts.
Does this latest trailer hint at a film that will resemble The Avengers? In my opinion, the film as it stands, seems to be a direct continuation of Batman V Superman with a brighter tone. There is still debate as to whether this was always the plan or a response to critical and audience reaction but that is largely irrelevant now. Planned or not, the shift in tone looks like it will work for the team dynamic of this movie.
Justice Will Be Served
First, the film looks fantastic and several scenes we have seen before have clearly been polished. There are cool reveals such as a scene where The Flash seemingly takes a misstep, traveling in the speed force, spectacular underwater action moments and Steppenwolf possibly transforming ancient warriors into his demons or obliterating them in a Lord of The Rings type opening prologue.
Visually, the movie looks stunning with beautiful signature Zack Snyder slow motion scenes and awesome in your face imagery. Though certain scenes appear to have been reworked to add more color. In the first trailer, a scene depicted Aquaman skewering two demons. Now a similar scene takes place under the blood red sky that was nowhere to be found in our first glimpse of the movie. As such, it’s possible that this background has been added to give the movie vibrancy.
I have seen comments suggesting that this background will be glaring and perhaps even irritating, distracting from the action in the forefront. To me it looks tremendous but I can understand this criticism.
At the moment the movie feels eclectic which is perhaps the positive alternate for describing it as a 'clusterfrick.' It will be interesting to see whether the contrast in tones and visuals mesh together.
Concerns?
Where is the Man of Steel? There are a number of options here. Superman is there throughout most of the movie but the trailers have been cut to hide his presence. For instance, the scene where the trio appears to be standing outside the Hall of Justice could be zoomed in with Superman and perhaps even another hero on each side. Or alternatively it’s possible Superman has a small yet significant role to play.
Geoff Johns has promised that Justice League has some of the best Superman moments. However great moments can still be fleeting. We could be looking at an extended cameo, similar to Spiderman in Civil War, which incidentally still managed to completely steal the show.
Another figure mainly missing from the trailer is the villain Steppenwolf. We are only given glances of what could turn out to be a physically powerful, yet undercooked villain in another comic book movie.
That said, there’s a good chance that both are an answer to the request from many fans that these trailers no longer spoil key plot points or reveals. If that’s the case, WB and DC are making bold choices with their marketing that will hopefully pay off.
Let’s Hope They’re Not Too Late
As a fan of every film in the DCEU thus far, I have never had a doubt that I will love Justice League. Though, it’s impossible to not recognize and even share some of the concerns of the fandom right now. Wonder Woman steered the franchise in the right direction for most fans and Justice League could continue that trend. If this trailer is representative of the final product, we could be in for a real treat.
I shall definitely be there for the midnight opening. How about you?