Justice League

Critics are panning it to the point that it's only 39% on RottenTomatoes as I write this.  Director Zach Snyder left when it was nearly done, and Joss Whedon stepped in to finish it.  It continued the look and dark feel of Batman v. Superman.  This movie has a lot going against it.

It is also a hot mess in many ways, from worse CGI than a movie of this magnitude should have, to achingly bad lines appearing at key moments, to the obviously tacked-on bits that Whedon included to make the film more fun and to give us more Gal Gadot.

I still enjoyed it.  In fact, I generally had a good time watching it, though I couldn't help but groan at some of the more painful bits. 

The reasons I enjoyed it are many.  I'm a sucker for superhero movies.  The heroes are fun even when they're dopey.  Batman and Superman and Wonder Woman are cultural icons with staying power for a reason.  Even when two of the three show few emotions beyond contempt and determination, we still have Gal Gadot's always charming and inspiring Wonder Woman.  The story moves right along.  The battle scenes are not as hectic as in its predecessor.  Most of the small bits of human drama are at least competently done by cast and directors alike.

Is it as good as Thor: Ragnarok?  Absolutely not.  Should Zach Snyder get to do another film in the DC universe?  Absolutely not. 

If you're in the mood for a superhero movie, though, you'll have at least a decent time with it, and, I have to admit, I'm almost always in the mood for a superhero movie. 

Thoughts on re-watching Batman v. Superman

Tonight, a group of us watched the extended cut of Batman v. Superman in 4K, HDR format on a great 4K, HDR TV. 

I liked the movie more the first time than most others did, and I liked this version more than the original.  It's a little bit more coherent and flows more smoothly, despite being over three hours long.

Watching it in this format on a great TV was entirely a better viewing experience than seeing it in the theater.  There, it was frequently so dark and muddy as to be unpleasant to watch; this time, it was always crisp and clear, even in the darkest scenes.

The way the movie treats its two protagonists remains its greatest weakness.  You can almost never like them, and that's a shame, particularly with Superman.

Gal Gadot is still the best part of the film.  The screen lights up every time she's on it. 

No movie needs as many endings as this one has. 

On balance, I recommend this version over the original, particularly if you can watch the high-def version on a TV capable of showing everything in the source material.

Justice League is at 37% on RottenTomatoes

and I'm still going to see it.  I can't resist it.  I loved the JLA in comics when I was a kid, Gal Gadot is irresistible as Wonder Woman, and I'm generally a sucker for superhero movies.

I'll report back after I've seen it.

My next two band names

Funky Freckle, a retro-disco band

Oyster Goblet, a group that blends sea shanties with goth riffs

What a double bill!

Holden vs. the peanut butter jar

Holden may be old--well, he is old--but that doesn't mean he's not willing to go one-on-one with a peanut butter jar.

He starts slowly, not aiming for the bottom quite yet.

Click an image to see a larger version.

After a while, though, he extends his tongue downward for the final treasure.

Everyone needs a few Holden pics now and again.

Yup, today's travel was special

Up at 4:45 a.m. after a little over three hours of sleep.

RDU screwed up the TSA pre-check line again thanks to having only one drug-sniffing dog.  Nothing says fun like extra time in the security line.

The plane to Cincinnati was late. 

The cabbie at the airport had no smartphone, an ancient GPS system, and didn't know how to find our destination.

The plane out of Cincinnati was late.

We hit the terminal in Atlanta with 25 minutes to go before our plane was due to take off--and we had to hike to the train, ride the train two stops, and then hike to our gate.  Amazingly, we made it.

The plane out of Atlanta was late in departing--but arrived early.

Business travel life is the party life.

I'll start catching up on Wednesday

Maybe Tuesday, if I'm lucky, but not tonight, and not tomorrow.  The reasons are fatigue and the fact that I have to get up at 4:45 a.m. to start an important business trip.

If you don't know me well, suffice to say that 4:45 a.m. is a frequent bedtime of mine, but it's not a time I get up.

Sorry about the delays.