Justice League Parent Guide

“Superman is Dead”. So read the headlines of newspapers seen lying about a city that isn’t looking very well after weathering a battle between the Man of Steel (Henry Cavill) and an alien invader from his home planet. Making matters worse, Batman (Ben Affleck), representing the desires of the citizens of Gotham and Metropolis, fell into the mindset that the world would be better off without the help of Kryptonians. In the end, the Dark Knight got his wish while witnessing Superman’s ultimate sacrifice to save the planet.

Since the credits rolled on Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the Caped Crusader has softened, even if he still isn’t sure of his deceased colleague’s motives. However, the time for mourning quickly concludes when yet another antagonist shows up on the blue planet.

Following the comic genre template, an extended backstory sequence explains Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds). He is this episode’s villain, and one who initiated a huge battle on Earth many years ago. Fortunately he was sent packing, but neglected to take his baggage with him: three glowing “Mother Boxes” that, if placed together, will destroy the world… maybe even the universe. With Superman gone, Steppenwolf sees a perfect opportunity to return and get the matched set of objects that look more like a heater we Canadians might use to keep our office warm in winter rather than something we should hazmat suit up for.

Steppenwolf (sorry to single out Canadians again… but is anyone else humming Born to Be Wild?) opens a temporary office in an abandoned Russian nuclear power plant that has all the makings of Chernobyl. From there he discovers one of the boxes is stashed on the island of Themyscira, also the home of Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot). His violent visit, joined by a swarm of CGI flying somethings, motivates WW aka Diana Prince to team up with Batman to send the prehistoric predator on his way once more.

The pair also recruit to their cause Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher) and The Flash (Ezra Miller). Yet, even with all this might, they seem to be coming up a little short of “super” heroes. Ahem… no spoilers here.

Teen audiences wanting to see these DC Comic conquerors duke it out will possibly enjoy the many battle sequences of these titans squashing, stabbing and blasting Steppenwolf’s hive of man-sized bugs. Other than a character getting covered in green slime, presumably the fluid of life within the CGI insects, there is little other blood or gore. Profanities are limited, but do include a scene featuring a string of strong, partially bleeped, expletives.

Perhaps the most disappointing issue with this film is a subtle decision in the wardrobe department. Wonder Woman is already the singular member of the Justice League troop to be stuck going to work in awkward swimwear, yet someone determined that she and all other “Amazon Women” needed to show more skin than they did in the Wonder Woman movie from earlier this year.

To make the most of the costume modifications, we see repeated shots of her backside that show more skin than necessary. It’s a creative choice that contrasts against the otherwise positive role model she represents. One can’t help but assume the first movie’s female director may have had better ambitions for the character than this title’s pair of male helmsmen. (I should note that this film’s original director, Zack Snyder, had a tragic family emergency, causing him to hand off his project to Joss Whedon. While others recognize the change in wardrobe, there is no indication as to who made the decision.)

As frustrating as these sexist choices are, Justice League does offer commendable views on the importance of hope and recognizing we are all responsible for creating better outcomes in our world. It’s a little less drab and dark than its preceding story too—particularly with the inclusion of The Flash, who provides welcome comedic quips. Overall, it’s a reasonably good choice for teens who haven’t already burned out on the reams of similar movies seen over the past few years. However, parents may want to take this opportunity to illustrate the entrainment industry’s incessant need to continually define women as “eye candy”.

About author

Rod Gustafson

Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. His efforts also include writing and researching media in all its forms and observing how it effects society and culture. He and his wife Donna have four children.