Zack Snyder's Justice League

It has been a really long time since I saw the theatrical release of Justice League and, while I don't remember everything about it, I do remember that I enjoyed it a lot more than other die-hard DCEU fans.  I liked the character arcs of both Batman and Wonder Woman as they grapple with their leadership roles within the group dynamic and I liked the fact that it takes all of the heroes, who mostly think of themselves as loners and misfits, working together to defeat the villain.  I wasn't one of the fans who clamored for the so-called "Snyder Cut" of this movie but, now that I have watched it, I am so glad that it exists because it is far superior to the theatrical release!  The core structure of the story remains the same.  Bruce Wayne/ Batman (Ben Affleck) joins with Diana Prince/ Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) in recruiting other metahumans, Arthur Curry/ Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Barry Allen/ The Flash (Ezra Miller), and Victor Stone/ Cyborg (Ray Fisher), to fight against the threat of Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds), a god who is trying to unite three Mother Boxes to enslave the world.  When one attempt to stop Steppenwolf fails, they decide to use one of the Mother Boxes to resurrect Clark Kent/ Superman (Henry Cavill) which forces an epic showdown.  Snyder's version improves the story by providing some much needed mythology and worldbuilding with the introduction of the character Darkseid (Ray Porter) and a more detailed explanation of how the Mother Boxes came to be on Earth in the possession of Humans, Amazons, and Atlanteans (in some thrilling battle sequences).  Steppenwolf's motivation for unifying the Mother Boxes is explored more fully within the context of his relationship to Darkseid.  The inclusion of Cyborg's backstory is also a huge improvement to the narrative because his character arc, particularly his journey to self-acceptance, serves as a metaphor for the entire Justice League and I loved his role in defeating the Unity.  I have always really appreciated the darker and grittier tone of the DCEU and the portrayal of Superman in Snyder's version is more in keeping with his character arc from Man of Steel and Batman v Superman (I especially liked the black suit).  The Flash, who is a little bit less goofy and is given a more prominent (and timeline changing) role in the final battle, also has a more authentic portrayal.  I liked the look and feel of the final battle in Snyder's version much more without the color saturation, stylized action sequences, and silly banter of the original and I liked the outcome much more (this ending teases a sequel with Darkseid and an epilogue further teases a "Knightmare" scenario with Deathstroke, Mera, the Flash, Cyborg, Batman, and the Joker as well as the introduction of the Martian Manhunter which may or may not happen).  This is the version of Justice League I didn't know I needed!  I loved it and I'm glad the fans were successful in lobbying for its release!