(There are spoilers throughout this review)
In the wake of Superman’s death, the ancient villain
Steppenwolf returns to Earth, intending to use three Mother Boxes to transform
the earth into a desolate place. Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Flash eagerly
join forces to save the world, and are later joined by Cyborg and Aquaman. When
it is apparent that their combined efforts will not be enough to defeat
Steppenwolf, they consider a frightening solution – they must use the chaotic
power of the Mother Boxes to resurrect Superman.
Superman is reborn, and his
powers do return immediately, but he does not remember who he is. To be effective
for the forces of good, Superman must first remember who he is.
The Adoption
Connection
One character visits his father in prison; his father
expresses, “I want you to stop coming to see me; I am a drag on your life.”
This deeply hurts his young adult son, who continues to try to vindicate and
impress his father.
Aquaman does not know his mother. Another character tells
him that she knew her; Aquaman replies, “That makes one of us. Mom left me
without a second thought.” The other character replies that his mother “left
you to save your life,” and then says that because he is related to her, he
must fulfill the role his mother once filled.
Strong Points
Superman expresses a good sentiment, “Hope, like car keys,
is easy to lose, but if you dig around, it’s usually close by.”
Superman does eventually remember who he is when he is
greeted by Lois Lane. His mother also finds him and tearfully embraces him.
Cyborg had questioned whether his life was worth living,
after it had been badly altered due to an explosion. He ultimately realizes, “I
really like being alive.”
Challenges
Some frightening monsters, violence (a character appears to
have his robotic leg ripped off,) and an attempt by a terrorist group to plunge
the world “into the dark ages” could scare some viewers. The resurrection of Superman,
and a scene in which two heroes dig up his coffin, could be uncomfortable for
some, and it could be triggering for viewers with issues of unresolved loss.
Aquaman says that he was abandoned by his mother; this is
left unresolved.
A character’s father is kidnapped.
Recommendations
Justice League captures that hope is real, and that life is
worth living even after loss or trauma. Some frightening aspects might make it
a bad choice for young or sensitive viewers, and certain aspects of the story
could brush up against issues of abandonment (Aquaman briefly says that his
mother abandoned him) or loss (Superman’s casket is dug up). This film could be
good for teenagers who won’t be bothered by the scenes mentioned in the
Challenges section, and seems best suited to ages 13 and up.
Parents could use
the film as a springboard into conversations about hope and healing from loss
and hardship – Superman’s childhood house has been sold, Batman has lost his
parents and lives a relatively isolated life, The Flash’s father is in prison
and he has few friends, Aquaman was abandoned as a child, Wonder Woman lives
far from her family, and Cyborg’s body has been badly damaged – yet in spite of
these losses and pains, each character joins with the others to work together
effectively for good.
Questions for
Discussion
Which character had the hardest loss? How did they recover
from it?
Why did the Flash join the team?
Which character do you think is the bravest?
How have the experiences you’ve faced in your life shaped
you? What strengths do you have?
If you could have any super power, what would it be? What powers
do you already have?
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