Justice League: DC's Heroes Unite

"People said the Age of Heroes would never come again" - Diana Prince.

Last night, alongside my girlfriend, my brother and a group of our close friends, all of us sat down to take in what proved to be a superhero cinematic masterpiece. In spite of the poor reception it has received in professional circles, Warner Bros. Pictures latest epic Justice League, far surpassed all expectations.

Many people who are lifelong DC Comics readers and devoted fans of all their other media will find this movie to be in many cases, exactly what they wanted. Others will not enjoy it as much, and that's okay, these sorts of productions can't please everyone.

    

With two directors attached to it (Zach Snyder and Joss Whedon), what is served up is a movie that is neither serious nor silly, dark nor light. Instead it is a balanced piece, equal parts serious with lots of action and equal parts humorous with excellent dialogue between League members. These two men working to bring this vision to life, instead did something far more.

This, the first ever live-action Justice League movie, evoked memories of the Bruce Timm cartoons that aired on Cartoon Network during the 2000s. Which is to say, it took itself seriously, but not so much that it didn't forget that not everyone on the team has to be dour all the time. There is room for humor and banter, especially with newcomers playing the roles of Flash, Cyborg and Aquaman.

Flash (Ezra Miller) is a very comedic character, but can be serious when there is need. This fits more or less with how Barry Allen's tenure as the Flash has always been, a man who can bring smiles to people's faces but when the chips are down, he steps up. People get a Barry Allen who is still fresh to the hero game. Aside from stopping small crimes (mostly by pushing people over like in Suicide Squad), this is that stepping up point for Barry. In stepping up, he moves past any doubts or fears he had about himself, and shows what the true mettle of a hero is.

Speaking of mettle, its time to talk about the metal man himself, Cyborg. Victor Stone (Ray Fisher) is a complex figure. Blessed or cursed with new life and powers that he doesn't fully understand, Victor goes through a very serious crisis of self, of where he fits into the world now and what his purpose is. It takes wise words from Diana/Wonder Woman for him to see that even with being more machine, its not the technology that makes a hero, but the person behind it.

The final newcomer and member of the League is the Sovereign of the Seven Seas, Aquaman. Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) is man of two worlds. For him, its not a struggle about his place, but what he wants to do with himself, being half human and half Atlantean. Like Cyborg and Flash however, he makes the choice to step up and stand alongside the rest of the team and save the world. In doing so, the brash loner attitude fades away, in its place is the warrior fighting with friends for a greater good.

Every great superhero movie needs a grand villain, a powerful threat to save the day from. Appearing for the first time ever in movies, is Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds). Without giving away any of his role in the plot, here is his basic comic book background. Created by Jack Kirby and appearing in New Gods #7 (1972), Steppenwolf hails from the planet Apokolips. As head of the world's military forces, he is also uncle to its absolute ruler, Darkseid. His purpose on Earth in the film is that is of a mission from his master and nephew, and that's all to be said on that and not give away any spoilers. 

Even with it being a comic book movie, there is a great theme prevalent throughout the script. Like Diana's quote about the Age of Heroes, this story is about heroes. It takes more then just one man or woman to make a difference in this case, it takes people standing up and coming into the sun. Too long had the world gone without a light to provide hope in dark times. The Justice League coming together provides that light, that beacon. This story does a lot not only in terms of introducing the three newcomers as other charter League teammates, it also is a bigger springboard for DC to introduce the world to its vast and fantastic array of super characters.

Altogether, Justice League set out with a goal. To tell the tale of DC Comics premier team banding together on the big screen. With fabulous return performances from Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot and Henry Cavill, they are truly a sight to behold. There is also a storied and great support cast, with the likes of Connie Nielsen (Queen Hippolyta), Joe Morton (Silas Stone), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Jeremy Irons (Alfred Pennyworth), JK Simmons (Commissioner Gordon), Amber Heard (Mera), Diane Lane (Martha Kent) and Billy Crudup (Henry Allen). 

Not too mention Easter Eggs galore. To comic book fans and hardcore DC lovers, this is a picture chock full of them. It as if every other scene or sequence has a nod to something relating to the comics, the heroes or the DC Universe at large. For a complete (or near complete) list of all the Easter Eggs and references, click here to go to Den of Geek. 

As for the soundtrack, it was...super. With master music meister Danny Elfman at the helm, it was never going to fail. Beautiful and powerful orchestrations, the kind of music that made Superman and Batman celebrated DC movies in their time. There are three distinct nods to classic superhero tracks scattered throughout the movie. Keep those ears open and see if they jump out. 

If there was ever a time for a movie about heroes bringing hope to come out, its now. Every day the world at large seems like a dark place. Things constantly are on the brink of plunging into chaos at any moment. Even with it being a fictional tale, this was a much needed and welcome film. It not only underscores the classic hero concept, it shows what sort of difference can be made when people make a stand for truth and justice. That's a massive takeaway, especially in a world where superpowers don't exist and figures like Superman or Wonder Woman can't come racing from the sky to right wrongs. Justice League gets a whooping 5 out of 5 stars for plot, cast, strong themes, music and visuals and most of all, for at long last giving nerds and fans everywhere the great DC blockbuster they've always craved. 

Thor: Ragnarok - The End...And Beginning

"I choose to run towards my problems, and not away from them. Because that's what heroes do." - Thor.

Last week I, alongside my girlfriend, brother and a group of our friends, sat down for a real treat. We took in a showing of the latest superhero spectacular from Marvel Studios, Thor: Ragnarok. Third film in the line of Thor movies and the 17th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this was a very different film from its previous counterparts. Not only did it have Thor take up a new character aspects different from his usual demeanor, it was also very heavy on comedy instead of lots of action.

Directed by Taika Waititi, this was a very fun movie to watch. Particularly because of the comedy that was more prevalent then in other Marvel films, but also because of its casting and script and special effects. Taika took a story that could have been serious and instead made it one that also elicited laughs from the audience. 

Chris Hemsworth is always a delight to watch as Thor. Embodying all the swagger and arrogance of the Thunder God, this time around he also brought out some of the more serious nature of the character. Thor really steps up to the plate in this movie, not just in the sense of saving the world, but also in terms of taking even more responsibility then he had in the past. Faced with insurmountable odds and without his usual method of dealing with a problem (RIP Mjolnir), he uses his mind and his abilities, not just as the Thunder God but also humility and desire to make things right. There is some major character growth throughout the movie for Thor, so that by the end Marvel-lovers see what kind of hero is truly under the hair and power. He is a hero, willing to do whatever it takes to see that things are put right. 

Returning to the character of Bruce Banner after 3 years, Mark Ruffalo did a smashing job. Like putting on an old coat or getting back on a bicycle, he gives people a Bruce Banner who has been locked inside the Hulk's rage and anger for two years. Back in reality, there's a lot of shock over missing so much, and then suddenly being thrust into a conflict that is of catastrophic proportions. Nevertheless, it is all taken in stride and Banner/Hulk is back in the fight again. There's a lot of great improvisation between Ruffalo and Hemsworth, which makes for fantastic back and forth. 

Tessa Thompson nailed it as Valkyrie. One of the great warrior women of Asgard's elite, this is a figure who has been running from her problems all her life. Shame, afraid to face down the evil of that once nearly dominated all life. Face to face with Thor and the possibility of redemption (after some soul searching and goading), she stands and fights again for Asgard and for life. May her character return for future Marvel Cinematic movies, and perhaps even get her own spin-off adventures. There is a lot of great potential, both with Valkyrie within the confines of being in more Marvel teamups, and also having her own superhero film adventures. 

Cate Blanchett was truly terrifying as Hela. Despite being a one-movie villain, her impact as a nemesis felt even found resounding then that of say Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). The reasons for who she is (Goddess of Death) and for being the way she is, are more personal and deep then some of the usual superhero movie villains. Elder child of  Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and scored by him for being too power-mad, she is locked away for all eternity, released at last by the death of the All-Father. And with that release comes fury, rage and the desire to claim the throne of Asgard for her very own. This makes for a powerful performance with many great scenes and fabulous dialogue. Casting Cate in this role was a great decision, one worthy of an Oscar. 

It's not a Thor movie without Tom Hiddleston as Loki. There wouldn't be any sly villainy or clever witty remarks to toss at Chris without Tom. He experiences some growth as well. While it may not be as soul-wrenching powerful as Thor finally taking up the kingship of Asgard, its still deep. With high stakes at play this time around, the resentment he's always felt towards his brother finally is stripped away in some very choice words and acting between Chris and Tom. While these two brothers may not always get along, Loki may finally see how much Thor always cared for him, even when it seemed like he didn't.

For a superhero plot about the end of Asgard, there is lots of moments designed to make people laugh. But there is also a lot of seriousness underneath the funny. There's the big overarching element of Hela taking over Asgard and Ragnarok, the end of all things coming. Further inside that, is the story of Thor. Favorite son of Odin, God of Thunder, Prince of Asgard, Avenger. Thor eschewed the responsibilities of the throne for a life of adventure and daring do. Now, he must face up to all the things he pushed aside, and while ruling still means that there is adventure, it also means he has to stop running from the problem of feeling like he could never be the king Odin was.

That really says a lot for his character, and it can be seen in parallel with figures history. George Washington, after the end of the American Revolution, was ready for a quiet life of being the gentleman farmer. Living out his days with Martha at Mount Vernon. While he may not have wanted to be President, he still rose to the occasion and became the first in a long line of Presidents, and helped set the precedent for a peaceful transition of office. Another example is that of King George IV (rewatch 'The King's Speech' or early episodes of 'The Crown' to remember him). He never even truly wanted the throne of England, but in the end he accepted it. In doing so, he lead his people through some of the darkest days the nation ever saw during WWII.

The point behind these previous paragraphs, is that history and fiction alike are filled with reluctant leaders. People who do not wish to rule, but ruler-ship is handed to them no matter what. How they handle that responsibility and the duties that come with it, therein lies the true marks of what it takes to be a leader.

Other things about this movie that were great include the special effects and the additional members of the cast. Every Marvel Cinematic piece has eye-popping visuals that just blow minds and stun people. With Thor going way out to outer space, that means a whole new playing field for graphic designers and visual artists etc. Other members of the cast that did a bang-up job include Jeff Goldblum (Grandmaster), Karl Urban (Skurge) and with a fun and great extended cameo, Benedict Cumberbatch (Dr. Strange).

Thor: Ragnarok was many things. It was serious, funny, well cast, well written and very enjoyable to watch. Another stone in the bridge building up to Avengers: Infinity Wars, this not only broadens the scope of things for Marvel more, it also showed what can happen when a superhero movie doesn't try to take itself so seriously, and still can be good. It get's a five out of five stars with the hopes that for any further solo Thor films, they are just as solid as this one.