The 10 Greatest Slow-Motion Moments in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Ranked
Out of all the superhero films that emerged following the genre’s surge in 2008, none have sparked as much controversy as the one associated with Zack Snyder. Starting with Man of Steel in 2013, Snyder was assigned to establish the DC Extended Universe to compete with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and bring the iconic superhero squad, the Justice League, to life on the silver screen. However, due to studio interference and personal issues, Snyder departed from the franchise, and the 2017 movie Justice League was completed by Joss Whedon, which left both fans and critics disappointed.
2021 marked the year when Zack Snyder finally got to complete his version of the film, as Warner Bros. granted him the permission. This was known as “The Snyder Cut,” which showcased its intense, dark, and slow-motion style. Although a controversial fan group emerged with the intention of bringing this movie to fruition, Zack Snyder’s take on Justice League significantly improved upon the initial release. Regardless of one’s personal feelings towards “The Snyder Cut,” it highlights one of the director’s greatest talents – his ability to create slow and dramatic action scenes that accentuate key moments and make the characters appear truly powerful.
Oh Yeah
In the Justice League, it was Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Aquaman that really stole the show among the newcomers. His interpretation of the character as a tough, unrefined individual quickly made an impact. A memorable scene where he rescues a fisherman from a tidal wave and then abandons him at a bar to grab a drink and return to the sea, set the tone for Momoa’s performance. As he strolled along the pier, Momoa delivered a dramatic slow-motion walk towards the water, with the waves crashing violently around him. He took a swig from his bottle before diving into the ocean.
In this initial sequence, Momoa’s portrayal of Aquaman as a rugged biker was clearly set up, showcasing the unique energy he would bring to the group. Originally, a powerful rock song was used to emphasize Aquaman’s abilities, but Snyder opted for Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds’ ballad, “There is a Kingdom,” instead. This musical switch significantly altered the scene’s mood, painting Aquaman as a more sorrowful character. It subtly hinted at the “heavy is the head that wears the crown” concept, suggesting his struggle with the weight of his royal duties.
Snyder makes audiences feel the moment
Following Superman’s demise in the 2016 movie “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” I, along with many others, found it tough to accept this loss. Every day, I paid my respects at his monument, trying to find solace amidst my sorrow. The Snyder cut finds me there too, walking towards the monument and eventually standing before the shattered image of our fallen hero, a symbol of hope that will forever remain broken.
Although Lane doesn’t have a significant part in the Justice League movie, her scene encapsulates an overwhelming sense of sorrow that resonates with viewers. As Lane moves towards the monument, the camera offers a bird’s-eye perspective, highlighting her passage among flowers left by others, representing her struggle to reconcile the world’s perception of Superman and the man he truly was. The deliberate slow motion of this scene underscores the deep impact of Superman’s sacrifice in the previous film, emphasizing the emptiness and sadness that now pervade the world without him.
Barry Allen was a reluctant hero
Prior to causing unrest in Hawaii, Ezra Miller initially made their appearance as the Flash within the new DC universe, debuting prominently in Snyder’s adaptation of the movie. The character’s cinematic introduction depicts Barry Allen applying for a job, where he crosses paths with Iris West, his romantic interest from the comics. Captivated by each other, West is about to drive away when she gets hit by a truck. Time seems to freeze around them, and Barry swiftly intervenes to save her.
As I found myself in the midst of my first encounter with the Flash, the world around me seemed to freeze, giving me a glimpse into the life of the fastest man alive. The slow-motion effect allowed me to see the scene from Barry’s perspective, offering a fleeting moment where I could truly understand his super speed. This brilliantly executed sequence served as an outstanding introduction for the character, laying the groundwork for even more captivating moments throughout the film.
Superman slows down the Flash
Following Superman’s revival with the Mother Box, the League initially assumes they are under attack by the Last Son of Krypton. Unfortunately for them, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Cyborg fall quickly. In an attempt to save them, Barry Allen sprints around Superman. However, Barry soon discovers that Superman isn’t as slow as he thought – even when Barry is running at super speed – and manages to perceive him. The ensuing battle between Flash and Superman appears to be in slow motion, with Flash skillfully dodging Superman’s punches.
In this scene, Berry’s incredible speed was on full display, creating a mesmerizing slow-motion dance. This sequence demonstrated Barry’s struggles against Superman, highlighting the latter’s immense power compared to other characters. The use of slow motion wasn’t merely for aesthetic purposes but also effectively portrayed their initial encounter and served the narrative well.
Bullets are no match for an Amazon
Prior to the league’s gathering, Wonder Woman was embarking on solo expeditions across the globe. In a robbery at a London courthouse, a band of schoolchildren and staff were held captive until Wonder Woman made her entrance to rescue them. After subduing many of the robbers and disarming their bomb, the criminals retaliated by firing shots. In an instant, Wonder Woman’s remarkable speed allowed her to shield the innocents from the gunfire and guide them to safety.
In the film, Snyder effectively utilized slow-motion during Wonder Woman’s debut, imbuing the sequence with an epic feel and ensuring it would be a lasting impression. This deliberate pacing underscores Diana’s immense power and how she experiences combat with her heightened senses. The scene is vibrant, stylish, and convincingly demonstrates Wonder Woman’s formidable prowess within the team.
Justice League assemble
Following their successful revival of Superman, the team unified to confront Steppenwolf and thwart Darkseid’s invasion of Earth. The newly established alliance engaged in battle with Steppenwolf and his legion of Parademons, inflicting heavy losses on them and forcing Steppenwolf to retreat back to Apokolips without his head. With the villains vanquished and peace restored, for the first time ever, the Justice League stood united shoulder to shoulder, celebrating their triumph.
As a diehard fan, witnessing the Justice League assembled in their full glory was nothing short of breathtaking. The cinematic, slow-motion panorama of our heroes culminated years of anticipation and heartache, symbolizing the conclusion of Zack Snyder’s relentless quest to bring his vision to reality on the big screen. This moment, the first in a series of many, has etched itself indelibly into comic book movie lore – whether it evokes feelings of awe or controversy.
The last Kryptonian flies again
As a fan, I found myself in a state of concern when my team uncovered that Steppenwolf was after the Mother Boxes. It became crystal clear that we wouldn’t be able to triumph in the battle on our own. To save our world from impending doom, we made a desperate move to try and resurrect Superman using one of the Mother Boxes and the wreckage of Zod’s Kryptonian ship left behind in Man of Steel. In an incredible display of speed and power, Flash had to harness every ounce of his super-fast abilities to charge the Box at the precise instant it came into contact with Superman’s body, pushing himself beyond any limits he’d ever known before.
In a suspenseful slow-motion chase, The Flash tries to catch the box before it falls into the water, but fails at first. However, he manages to rewind time slightly and successfully catches the box. This moment, where Barry Allen’s abilities are showcased, is significant because it reveals the extent of his powers and hints at future events for the hero. Superman’s return from the dead serves as a pivotal point, demonstrating the full potential of his superpowers to both Barry and the viewers.
Barry learns how to save people
On our initial mission as a united force, my team and I crossed paths with Steppenwolf and a band of Parademons who had kidnapped a group of scientists in pursuit of the Mother Box. As a novice in combat situations, I must admit I felt a bit jittery about jumping into the fray. However, Batman’s words gave me the courage I needed to plunge into the battle and rescue the innocent victims while we engaged the bad guys. Once the scientists were safe, I found Wonder Woman being tossed around by Steppenwolf, losing her sword in the process. Using my superhuman speed, I subtly nudged the sword back towards her, ensuring it was within easy reach once more.
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but marvel at the breathtaking slow-motion scene where Flash swoops in to save Wonder Woman – an instant that transcends mere spectacle and marks the first time we’ve witnessed this dynamic duo unleashing their powers in harmony.
This scene is more than just a visual feast; it’s a masterclass in storytelling. The Flash’s gentle touch on Wonder Woman’s sword echoes Michelangelo’s iconic Creation of Adam, subtly suggesting that mankind has finally bridged the gap to the divine realm. Unlike Adam who didn’t quite reach God’s finger, Barry Allen’s touch on the sword symbolizes a powerful union between man and gods, but also signifies Barry’s own transformation into a hero worthy of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those who embody the divine.
The Justice League becomes a real team
Following Steppenwolf’s acquisition of the Mother Boxes to summon Darkseid to Earth, the squad positioned themselves for their last stand in Pazharnov, Russia, against his legion of Parademons. As all the heroes charged through the opposition, Batman entered the scene with flair and deployed the Batmobile to offer protection to the other heroes and obliterate Steppenwolf’s troops. While Batman battled his way through the army and surrounding structures, the team joined forces near the Batmobile, treating fans to an awe-inspiring slow-motion group shot of the League.
In this film, the sequence depicting the Batmobile’s actions stands out as not just the top action sequence but also an exceptional demonstration of the skillful use of slow motion to intensify a scene. Zack Snyder, although known for overusing slow motion, showcases here why it’s one of his signature techniques. The majority of this sequence is fast-paced, yet slow motion is strategically employed to highlight significant impacts or dramatic instances. This moment is both thrilling and intense, underscoring the power and impact of the Justice League.
Run Barry Run
In their desperate attempt to thwart Steppenwolf, the Justice League unfortunately fell short, which led to the Mother Box activating a Boom Tube, summoning Darkseid to Earth. This action resulted in an immense explosion that leveled the entire town. Yet, The Flash was positioned at the city’s edge and, upon witnessing the blast, he dived into the Speed Force to rescue everyone. Harnessing all his might, Barry Allowed them to escape before the explosion occurred, enabling the League to triumph and safeguard the world.
Barry Allen, also known as The Flash, demonstrating his full potential by entering the Speed Force, was a truly awe-inspiring moment in superhero cinema and showcased his heroic abilities. Initially portrayed as an immature prankster, Barry’s exploration of the Speed Force transformed him into a true hero, ready to risk everything for what he believes. This extraordinary sequence even won the film an Oscar in the fan-voted category for the Moment Worthy of a Standing Ovation.
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2025-05-31 00:23