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‘Surprisingly pleasant’ is how I would sum up the overall experience of watching Justice League. Predictably action packed, a lot of awkward sexual tension and plenty of great CGI-aided violence. For superhero fans, Justice League ticks many of the boxes. Unfortunately, however, the plot is all over the place, with the characters being rather superficial and the ending is frustratingly bland.

The problem with the plot is not that the story is poorly written but rather that there is little focus. Justice League tackles too much at once and feels like various films smashed together. Primarily, it is about the coming together of a group; Batman rounding up Wonder Woman, the Flash, Cyborg, and Aquaman to take on the villain Steppenwolf who attempts to take over all civilization. Although, it doesn’t establish a strong group dynamic by any means. Instead, it attempts to delve into all four main characters’ back stories. This was a mistake, the engrossing snippets we receive of each of the characters’ lives before they donned the latex leave you wanting to focus more on that rather than their very CGI-enhanced escapades against the Steppenwolf and his flying bug-like warriors. A final subplot involving Superman who had been killed in the previous film was ridiculous even for DC standards.

Jason Momoa (Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones) as Aquaman definitely had the strongest performance. His stubborn and witty character is wholly believable, making it all the more meaningful when he swallows his own pride and joins the Justice League to save the world from destruction. Ben Affleck’s performance as Batman is weak. No matter how poor the script writing may have been, every times he speaks it sounds almost intentionally clumsy and dry. On the opposite end of the scales is Ezra Miller playing Flash. He is the perpetually awkward and quirky newbie and provides much needed comic relief, however, his childish nescience becomes irritating at times.

Considering Justice League cost over $300 million to make, there is not much excuse for its descent into mayhem. Steppenwolf’s quest to acquire all three ‘Mother Boxes’ that will give him complete power spans from his failed attempt thousands of years ago to the present day, meaning battle scenes are constantly jumping between different time periods. Admittedly, the scenes that take place in the past are the most entertaining, especially when Steppenwolf confronts the Amazons, the female matriarchal Greek warriors wielding bow and arrows on horseback.

All in all, Justice League is entertaining, predictable, and fast-paced. It is not a great film by any stretch of the imagination, but definitely worth the watch.