JUSTICE LEAGUE

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JUSTICE LEAGUE movie poster
Following the death of Superman/Clark Kent (Henry Cavill), chaos ensues. Batman/Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) seeks help from Wonder Woman/Diana Prince (Gal Gadot), The Flash/Barry Allen (Ezra Miller), Aquaman/Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) and Cyborg/Victor Stone (Ray Fisher). Centuries-old villain Steppenwolf (the voice of Ciarán Hinds) has returned to Earth looking to combine three hidden and guarded boxes of energy that will turn the planet into his world. The superheroes unite to save humanity.

Plenty of action and an abundance of passable CGI effects make this a fast-paced matinee epic. The DC lineup is well-represented here, along with a few surprises to please the fans. The dark-edged style of director Zack Snyder ("Man of Steel") is certainly present, but he left this project after
a death in the family. Co-writer Joss Whedon ("The Avengers") finished the film, adding a lighter touch with his signature brand of humor. The combined effort works well - too many cooks don't spoil the broth this time around. Ezra Miller's The Flash provides the funnier moments as he energetically tries to fit in with a series of one-liners. Jason Momoa's Aquaman has a hilarious moment of truth thanks to a certain Lasso. Most of the movie is serious and the star-studded cast, led by Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot, is up to the task. Ciarán Hinds' Steppenwolf is a nasty villain who was born to be wild. Amy Adams returns as Lois Lane and Diane Lane is back as Martha Kent, who must deal with the loss of her son and the family farm's foreclosure. The terrific ensemble also includes, among others, J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon, Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth and Billy Crudup as The Flash's father Henry Allen. Danny Elfman delivers another brilliant score that features shades of his "Batman" music. With the success of this year's "Wonder Woman" and now this fantasy treat, DC is giving Marvel some worthy competition at the box office - complete with twists, cameos and scenes through the end of the credits. "Justice League" is super-charged fun! (4 CAMS)


Rated PG-13 (sequences of sci-fi violence and action)
Running Time: 120 minutes

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