When Zack Snyder’s Justice League was finally released, it was not a re-edit but a total reimagining. Four hours long, the movie provided the fans with the cut they had been lobbying for, and it did so on many levels that the 2017 theatrical cut seemed like a rough draft. Here’s a breakdown of what this director’s cut does well, according to critic Quinn Marcus and the general reaction from fans and critics alike.
1. Character Development Takes Center Stage
Perhaps most notable is how much more well-developed the characters are. With the increased runtime, there is room for major character development, especially for Cyborg, who becomes the emotional core of the film. His origin is tragic and adds a human touch that was missing in the initial cut. The Flash also has more to do, and his jokes don’t ring as false this time through. His dynamic with Batman adds humor and depth to their scenes. As opposed to the 2017 version, where some of the characters felt like extras in their movie, the team is now an ensemble that has been developed.
2. Visual Effects Are Sharper—Though Still Imperfect
The CGI in Snyder’s cut is unequivocally better. Steppenwolf, for one, is helped by a full overhaul that makes him look more menacing. He no longer resembles a reject from a fantasy knock-off. That being said, all is not perfect. There are still times when the overdependence on CGI effects comes across slightly as artificial, and some of the sets lack the solidity you’d want. But generally, the visual presentation is much more coherent and immersive.
3. A Pulse-Pounding Score from Junkie XL
Tom Holkenborg, under his Junkie XL alias, injects fresh life into the tone of the film with a confident and lively score. The music provides much tension and propulsion, supporting pivotal points without overwhelming them. Some of the tracks—particularly those in the Amazonian sequences—sound somewhat out of place, but the soundtrack overall raises the movie’s emotional and cinematic influence. It’s a huge step up from the original cut’s more generic sound work.
4. A Triumph for Fan Campaigns and Creative Freedom
The mere existence of this cut is one of its strongest declarations. The Release The SnyderCut campaign, initially considered a long shot, ultimately provided Snyder an opportunity to see his vision through. This turn—fan protest to studio inclusion represents an uncommon moment in Hollywood where a fan campaign made an impact on a wide studio release. It’s a milestone for fans and filmmakers alike who pursue greater artistic control in big-budget filmmaking.
5. Epilogues and Cameos Add Depth (and Fan Service)
The movie’s extended epilogue and surprise guest appearances—like Martian Manhunter and Jared Leto’s Joker—also bring new depth for fans to delve into. While not every one of the reveals is land (Martian Manhunter’s is more of a shout-out than a story necessity, for example), these additional parts expand the universe of the story. The Nightmare sequence in particular provides a glimpse at the darker, alternate future many fans were eager to see and leaves room open for potential sequels.
6. A Team That Finally Feels Like a Team
One of the biggest complaints about the first cut was that the League members didn’t have that kind of chemistry. Not anymore. This time around, their banter is more relaxed, and their working together is more realistic. Whether they’re sharing a joke or offering a note of encouragement in hushed tones, the characters do seem to be on the same page, and they care about one another. It is that relatability that makes their victories (and defeats) so much more interesting.
7. Wonder Woman and Aquaman Get Their Edge Back
Wonder Woman, following a divisive showing in Wonder Woman 1984, gets back on track here. Her action scenes are fun, and she’s a presence again. The Amazons get more attention as well, though the choice of soundtrack in some scenes might raise an eyebrow. Aquaman gets a treatment that’s in keeping with his follow-up solo debut—cool, commanding, and more sophisticated than before. These characters are no longer relegated to the margins; they are front and center again.
8. A Watershed Moment for Director’s Cuts and the Genre
Most importantly, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a testament to the strength of allowing a director to see their vision through. Whether it’s worth calling the DCEU’s best film or not, there’s no doubting that it’s Snyder’s fullest and most self-assured work within the franchise. It shows that director-driven blockbusters have a home in the studio-dominated system of today, and that sometimes returning to the drawing board is worthwhile.
Zack Snyder’s cut of Justice League is more than just an extended version—it’s a revised, more considered film that honors its characters, its fans, and the narrative it aimed to deliver. Whether you’re a steadfast DC fan or simply interested in what a difference having some creative freedom makes, this film is well worth seeing.