The Justice League social media embargo has been lifted, so we finally have access to the critics’ initial thoughts on the movie. Most of them agree that it's a good, if not great, movie.
Warner Bros. had originally set the review and social media embargo to remain in effect until barely two days prior to Justice League's release, prompting concern that the studio lacked confidence in the movie. Then, the rumors that we would see the first set of Twitter reactions yesterday proved inaccurate. The rumors that the embargo would lift today turned out to be spot on.
The first reactions to the upcoming DC superhero extravaganza are in, and it feels safe to assume that we won’t be witnessing another Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice or Suicide Squad. Most of the critics seem to have enjoyed Justice League, but it might be wise to avoid thinking that Justice League will best Wonder Woman’s Rotten Tomatoes approval rating.
Based on the critics’ reactions, it appears that the superheroes are quite remarkable and the movie offers plenty of humor. But like the majority of superhero movies, this one lacks an impressive supervillain. Other reviews point out that there are issues with the narrative.
Check out our round-up below!
#JusticeLeague was good and very fun. It's going to be popular w/audiences, not only fans, but mainstream viewers and families.
"” Mark Hughes (@markhughesfilms) November 10, 2017
#JusticeLeague is going to finally convince some #DCEU fans that fun and humor aren't bad words.
"” Mark Hughes (@markhughesfilms) November 10, 2017
If you liked previous #DCEU films, you'll probably like #JusticeLeague. If you didn't like BvS or SS, you'll probably like Justice League.
"” Mark Hughes (@markhughesfilms) November 10, 2017
#JusticeLeague is a fun, bumpy ride that succeeds in character, but fails in narrative. It's a mixed bag of execution that's saved by the actors, who rise above the shortcomings to deliver an engaging, funny and hopeful, yet flawed, entry to the DCEU. @joblocom
"” Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) November 10, 2017
The flaws rest mainly on the rapid-fire pace, lack of suspense, and a villain that fails on every level to be scary, formidable, or memorable. Thankfully, the League does not fall in that category. #JusticeLeague @joblocom
"” Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) November 10, 2017
There are plenty of Easter Eggs and some genuinely cool sequences, and the Whedon banter is a benefit to the character interactions. Whatever you dislike, you'll still love the League. #JusticeLeague @joblocom
"” Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) November 10, 2017
And yes, stay in your seats to the post and end credits (Yes, there are two). Don't let anyone spoil them for you beforehand. #JusticeLeague @joblocom
"” Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) November 10, 2017
The good: #JusticeLeague is my favorite DCEU movie. It will make you love its heroes and want to see them team up again. pic.twitter.com/mU2khvwUPD
"” Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) November 10, 2017
The bad: #JusticeLeague rushes through a lot and its main story/lore and villain are rather stripped down and forgettable.
"” Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) November 10, 2017
The future: #JusticeLeague feels like a new start to the age of heroes and succeeds as a launch platform in that, even though some of its newer characters very much would have benefited from origin stories beforehand.
"” Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) November 10, 2017
Every character in #JusticeLeague gets a scene-stealing moment, but I think Cyborg is the most intriguing overall, and who I want to see the most again.
"” Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) November 10, 2017
Bottom line: JUSTICE LEAGUE is awesome!
ZACK SNYDER's film is filled with so many moments that had me geeking out and crying nerd tears. When an action scene/hero moment hits, the film is firing on all cylinders.
Still love Affleck's BATMAN. My fav Batman actor since Keaton. pic.twitter.com/YKZTbVJL7D
"” Kevin McCarthy (@KevinMcCarthyTV) November 10, 2017
As with BvS, I did have certain issues, but they weren't big enough to ruin my overall experience. I'll expand more when I do my full review.
Loved EZRA MILLER and JASON MOMOA.
I love that each character has equally amazing hero moments. Well-balanced. Simple. Fun. pic.twitter.com/ahOaLhrh6x
"” Kevin McCarthy (@KevinMcCarthyTV) November 10, 2017
JUSTICE LEAGUE is ZACK SNYDER's movie. With the exception of MAYBE ONE scene, the movie didn't feel like it jumped in tone from Snyder to Whedon. I've seen it 2x.
To be clear, JUSTICE LEAGUE is DIRECTED BY ZACK SNYDER. Snyder's presence is felt throughout ENTIRE film.
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"” Kevin McCarthy (@KevinMcCarthyTV) November 10, 2017
So saw @justiceleaguewb all I can say is…Can't wait to see it again & can't wait to see all these characters in their standalone films too! Fav scenes include a #lassoa and #dostoyefsky you'll know it when you see it? Yup. I'm #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/VLBjKGtPfc
"” SmithLord (@TiffanysTweets) November 10, 2017
Here it goes"¦#JusticeLeague is super thin and has some very weak CG, but it's got heart and a positive vibe that works. Overall, I had a pretty good time and am looking forward to seeing more of these characters.
"” Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) November 10, 2017
#JusticeLeague is a fun blockbuster that is entertaining enough to overcome its flaws. The team works well together to deliver more than a few spectacular superhero moments worth seeing on the big screen.
Maybe not quite what some hoped, but definitely not what many feared.
"” Sean Gerber (@MrSeanGerber) November 10, 2017
So, Justice League…To quote Aquaman, I dig it. The Flash is a great addition, there are some fun character moments, and it gets its heroes right for the most part (one in particular). There are some definite issues, but film’s pretty satisfying. More next week! pic.twitter.com/i1qGGiSXJd
"” Brian Truitt (@briantruitt) November 10, 2017
General reaction; social embargo for JUSTICE LEAGUE is up. Initial thoughts: It's THE comic movie from DC/WB that you wanted! Everyone shines. Barry Allen/The Flash is the real MVP. Comedy. Drama. Action. Surprises. Yeah, go see it!
"” Jeff J. (@JeffJSays) November 10, 2017
Yes, I'm skeptical of DC. Yes, they deserved it. Yes, they overcame that and made a good comic flick.
"” Jeff J. (@JeffJSays) November 10, 2017
#JusticeLeague is good!
(And I can finally talk about it!)
Wonder Woman is wonderful, Aquaman is surprisingly cool, Flash is hilarious, Batman is drunk, the story is coherent, and it’s all surprisingly funny. It’s not perfect, but really enjoyable!
Full review to come! pic.twitter.com/YzgSL4FBOP
"” Mike Rougeau (@RogueCheddar) November 10, 2017
JUSTICE LEAGUE! It’s okay. Narratively it’s a mess, the stakes don’t work, and the villain isn’t great. HOWEVER, the heroes ARE great, it’s funny, and there’s some surprisingly effective character work. I didn’t love it, but there are enough good pieces to excite me for the future. pic.twitter.com/OY4ARJ5vDY
"” Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) November 10, 2017
People that have complained about DC movies being too dark are about to see the light. #JusticeLeague pic.twitter.com/eB1JoNJTvi
"” Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) November 10, 2017
I have a lot to say about Justice League, but will wait until it's released to really get into it. But two important things to know: Stay until the very end of the credits, and Jason Momoa (@PrideofGypsies) is awesome as Aquaman. pic.twitter.com/Pg6cKCZAEo
"” Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) November 10, 2017
#JusticeLeague is clunky and uneven as hell, but it also gets the characters right and has a lot of fun along the way. When it's over, DC's vision for these heroes going forward will make sense.
It's a very small but very vital step forward. I dug it. pic.twitter.com/FrWkhBe69v
"” Conner Schwerdtfeger (@ConnerWS) November 10, 2017
Weirdly enough, #JusticeLeague actually feels more like one of the animated DC films from recent years than any live-action DC film that we have seen thus far. How you take that will depend on your opinion of DC Animation. pic.twitter.com/0AzfMuagc9
"” Conner Schwerdtfeger (@ConnerWS) November 10, 2017
The bad: #JusticeLeague has one of the worst DC villains ever with Steppenwolf, and its effects have no right to be as terrible as they are.
"” Conner Schwerdtfeger (@ConnerWS) November 10, 2017
On the plus side: I honestly really liked everything else about it.
"” Conner Schwerdtfeger (@ConnerWS) November 10, 2017
There were moments in #JusticeLeague when I sat there and said, "Holy shit, they actually did it" to myself. And moments where I was all upset. It's a mixed bag trending toward a good movie.
"” Conner Schwerdtfeger (@ConnerWS) November 10, 2017
#JusticeLeague is fine. It’s more coherent and less idiosyncratic than Batman v Superman (which I loved, so make of that what you will), and tries very hard to lighten up on the gloom and doom of the DC universe. There are jokes and everything!
"” Angie J. Han (@ajhan) November 10, 2017
I saw #JusticeLeague! Here's what I thought. There are ton of things I'd change, but it comes down to this: I had a blast! I got to see the team together, and I had fun watching it. Ezra Miller steals the movie, and #WonderWoman was perfect! pic.twitter.com/rgCI9fUuTs
"” Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) November 10, 2017
SO I saw #JusticeLeague – twice. Still under embargo, but: This is a fun superhero flick. Funny, but still a hero adventure. Reminds me of a JL Unlimited ep. Likable interaction among recognizable heroes. There is a villain problem (no worse than Marvel’s). – @aaronsagers
"” Aaron Sagers (@aaronsagers) November 10, 2017
And yeah, I really liked #Aquaman in this (didn’t expect to). Enjoyed Affleck’s #Batman. Of course Gal’s #WonderWoman is great, and Ezra’s #TheFlash is a winner. I’m a fan. And I like messages of hope. I’ll see it a third time #JusticeLeague
"” Aaron Sagers (@aaronsagers) November 10, 2017
Justice League is better than expected, but not a home run. The interaction between the team is a lot of fun. The film sends the DCEU in a hopeful direction in line with where the brand should be headed. Flash and Aquaman steal the show. Cyborg and villain are the weak links.
"” Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) November 10, 2017
Justice League is the DC team-up you’ve been waiting for. I had so much fun, from beginning to end. The expansion of the DC mythology will make fans go nuts. Superman, though!
"” Nate Brail (@NateBrail) November 10, 2017
Justice League does have its flaws, but the fun negated most of that for me. The cast was amazing. Favorite characters were Flash and Aquaman. The final post-credits scene will make you scream!
"” Nate Brail (@NateBrail) November 10, 2017
I loved Justice League.
"” Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) November 10, 2017
Justice League is not a perfect movie. It has story “flaws” and a simple CGI villain.
BUT, more importantly, it gets the heroes right. Every member of the League is fantastic, and it’s tough to choose a favorite.
It’s a ton a fun, start to finish.
"” Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) November 10, 2017
Justice League feels kind of like a re-launch of the DC world in live-action. You walk away wanting more of every hero, including Justice League 2 and standalone films.
"” Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) November 10, 2017
#JusticeLeague is better than BvS and #SuicideSquad – it’s lean, mean, and packed w/superhero action. I dug most of its lighter moments, and I think it has one of the best action sequences ever in a DCEU movie. And, of course, Wonder Woman steals the show. pic.twitter.com/rW3UjpBUMk
"” ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) November 10, 2017
I think if you are going to a #JusticeLeague movie to see all your favorite DC heroes rocking their skills and being the badasses you love, then you will get plenty of that. Lots of action. Lots of superheroes being superheroes.
"” ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) November 10, 2017
I am genuinely happy to report #JusticeLeague is a lot of fun. It’s not perfect, and has its problems, but does the job of making you care about these characters as a team by its end. It’s also VERY funny in lots of unexpected ways. pic.twitter.com/1AAjYgv16i
"” Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) November 10, 2017
#JusticeLeague is a blast from start to finish. Pure visual comic book fun pic.twitter.com/4d4eYB4p6a
"” Chris Sylvia (@sylvioso) November 10, 2017
It must be noted that these are just brief reactions and the full-review embargo is still in effect. There’s been no official confirmation, but it's likely that full-length reviews will also come earlier than expected.
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes – Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, and The Flash – it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
