Justice League

I finally got around to seeing Justice League this past weekend, and I will definitely say, it has been worth the wait! The movie is a fun ride, with some really good lessons along the way. Reviews have been overall mixed but positive for the movie, I avoided most of the trailers, wanting to go in with a clean slate and no real expectations. The result was great satisfaction and a few good takeaways from each league member; now let's get started!

Batman & Superman

To start off with Batman (Bruce Wayne) and Superman (Clark Kent), I have to talk about the Batman vs Superman (BVS) Dawn of Justice movie, so spoilers for BVS to follow. Many reviews for BVS were not great, but overall I personally liked the movie. Throughout the beginning of Justice League, we followup with Batman and what he has been doing since the end of BVS. Both he and Superman's stories in this movie teach us about redemption and forgiveness.

When we are first with Batman as Bruce Wayne, see that he deeply regrets his actions against Superman, and blames himself for his death. His main purpose throughout much of the Justice League movie is to seek a possibility at redemption with Superman. I am reminded of the verse in Colossians that says "In Christ I have redemption and my sins are forgiven." Bruce really struggles to find redemption in something throughout the movie, and he needs to rely on the help and guidance of his team to find it. I'll avoid giving away details of how Superman comes back to life since it's a decent part of the main plot for Justice League. The main idea is he's back (obviously, he's too valuable for DC to kill off lol) and as honorable and genuine of a man as he is, he really struggles with being able to forgive Batman for what he did. In the Bible, Luke 6 tells us that if we forgive others, we ourselves will be forgiven. This is one of the most difficult yet valuable lessons we as humans can learn.

Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman (or Princess Diana) is clearly the moral compass of the Justice League throughout the movie. She is mighty and powerful, but at the same time humble and kind, seeking to bring out the best in others. Much of her character traits remind me of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. Verse 17 says "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." This certainly describes the strength she has as an Amazon Warrior and the lifelong physical training she has received. Though she has all this power, Diana is not one to boast about her abilities. She recognizes the work and sacrifice that went into making her who she is today. Proverbs 31 also tells us in verse 26 that the virtuous woman "speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." One memorable quote from Wonder Woman in the movie is when she says: "You have to learn to move on" to another character. Now, this is a fairly simple concept, but that's not the point. Coming from her, we know she deeply believes this and struggled to get to a place herself where she now understands what it means to move on.

I'm not saying that Wonder Woman is the "perfect" and "virtuous" woman described in Proverbs 31 just that we can relate characteristics she has to those described in the bible. Every character and person has their own faults that they cab learn from. One fault that we get to see Wonder Woman grow in throughout the film is her views on leadership. If you saw the movie Wonder Woman that came out this past summer (if you haven't seen Wonder Woman DO IT, the movie is excellent) you know that she endured through the horrors of WWII, and experienced first hand what poor leadership is capable of. From this experience, she decided that she did not want to be a leader. At one point in Justice League, Diana says to Bruce "Leaders get people killed. So I follow, always." But, by the end of the movie, she recognizes the importance of someone taking leadership, specially in times of trial and is willing to do so herself.

Aquaman

At the beginning of the movie, Aquaman (Arthur Curry) is the definition of a man who just wants to fly solo. He says to Bruce when he is first approached by him to join the team "A strong man is strongest alone." To us (and even Bruce for that matter) we know that sounds crazy. But, that is what he believes. As Christians, we know from Proverbs 27:17 that "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Flying solo is not an ideal way to succeed, and Aquaman learns this when he sees just how incapable he can be when he fights alone. By the end of the movie, Arthur learns a valuable lesson in teamwork. His personal journey throughout the movie is almost a perfect representation of what Ecclesiastes 4 says: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow."

Cyborg 

Cyborg is not one of the first ones to come to mind when I think of the Justice League, so I was somewhat concerned when I found out he would be one of the main characters for the movie. Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. Cyborg definitely has his place on the team, and he for sure proves himself and earns it. At first though, when Wonder Woman approaches him to join the team, he sees himself as a hideous monster. He is desperate to be left alone, and can't stand the life he now has to live being mostly a machine. After some time though, Diana is able to help him see beauty and gain confidence in himself. Sometimes we as Christians are the same way. We can't see the things God has given us as "gifts" only a "curse". Just as 1 Corinthians 12 talks about, "there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them." Each physical trait and characteristic we are given is from God, and there is a purpose behind it. Like cyborg, we have to learn to use the gifts that are given to us.

Flash

The Flash (Barry Allen) was was another one I was a bit worried about going into the movie, because I am such a huge fan of The Flash on the CW TV show portrayed by Grant Gustin. Though I was worried, Ezra Miller definitely brought a new and fun personality to Flash that really defines the character as his own. He is nerdy, quirky and awkward in his own way and I really enjoyed each time he was on screen. The biggest lesson we learn from Flash in his movie is what defines the term "hero."

There was a quote in the movie where Flash says "It's really cool you guys seem ready to do battle and stuff, but I've never done battle. I've just pushed some people and run away." Barry doesn't recognize his ability to be a hero. He is afraid, and feels that he is not ready to take on such a title or role. Batman responds by telling him to just save one person, that's all he has to do. Barry is a bit confused and responds asking him what to do after that, to which Batman responds again saying "you'll know." I felt like this was a great way to simply show Barry the hero that he can be if he is willing. We all have a hero inside of us, and we don't need superpowers to help others. The bible tells us in Hebrews 6:10 that "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them."  God honors those who give themselves to others and helps them.

To finish things up, the new Justice League movie was a refreshing and enjoyable time with a good lesson or two to learn from each character. I highly recommend you check it out in the theater if you can too, you won't regret it!

God Bless! 😀
HisDisciple319