What I’m watching: ‘Justice League’ is fun escapism

This is what I have been watching.

In theatres: Justice League

One of the most distressing parts of media coverage about films today is the relentless reporting of box office results. If a film does not perform as expected on its opening weekend, it’s considered some sort of failure, although the ultimate profitability of a production usually can not really be determined without revenue from overseas release, DVD and Blu-ray sales, on-demand results, etc.

“Justice League” has not performed at the level that was predicted for it so now the buzz is that it is a disappointment. the movie was not a disappointment to me, thought. I enjoyed it and will probably buy it once it’s on Blu-ray.

The fanboy press has long sought to pit the success of the movies based on Marvel characters (Captain America, Iron Man, The Avengers, etc.) and Marvel’s decision to interlock the narratives of these films, as much as they contractually can, to the films featuring DC characters (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, etc.) and its approach to the characters.

Frankly, all I care about is if a film stands on its own providing the story and message for which it was intended and for me “Justice League” delivered what I hoped it would. I guess in the spirit of full disclosure I’ve been a DC fan since about the age of five when I saw my first Batman comic book.

The film is about a guilty Batman/Bruce Wayne who realized it is his responsibility for trying to save the planet from an inter-dimensional threat that’s is on the way. He knows he can’t save it alone and recruits others with powers to assist him – Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg. Thanks to the additional script and direction by Joss Whedon, the film is lighter in tone and much more enjoyable than the frequently leaden “Man of Steel” and “Batman V Superman”.

The humor as well as the reimagining of Aquaman – Jason Momoa steals almost every scene in which he is featured – makes the film truly enjoyable.

Are there problems? Sure. I didn’t like a strictly CGI villain. Are some of the character back-stories a tad under-developed? Yes. I would have liked to have seen more screen time on The Flash and Aquaman.

The performances satisfied with Gal Gadot still a revelation as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman and Ben Affleck as a tired, middle-aged Batman who is rallying himself for the next chapter in his career.

I also enjoyed the fact that composer Danny Elfman wove his own Batman theme – written for the Tim Burton films – along with John Williams theme for the Christopher Reeve “Superman” films into this film’s score. That was a very nice touch for an old fanboy such as myself.

Ignore the box office sales reports. “Justice League” is well worth the visit to the big screen.

Original article at The Reminder