'Justice League' Reviews: Test Screening Audience Rates DCEU Film Close to 'Wonder Woman'
Warner Bros. might have another DC hit in "Justice League." Test audiences rated the movie, which will open in U.S. theaters on Friday, Nov. 17, close to the score of "Wonder Woman."
Reviews from early screenings for test audiences of "Justice League" have been mostly positive, as per Wall Street Journal. Box office experts also believe that the movie will open big on its first weekend.
One thing that what worked for "Justice League" among the test audiences was Ezra Miller's The Flash. The character reportedly stood out in a group of superheroes composed of Batman (Ben Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Superman (Henry Cavill), Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher).
This bids well for Warner Bros especially after dealing with production hiccups for "Justice League" and its DC Extended Universe (DCEU) franchise. While the studio made money for "Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice" in 2016, which laid the groundwork for "Justice League," its box office receipts were not as strong as the competitor, Marvel's "Avengers."
As evident in its trailers, Warner Bros also made an effort to shift the tone of "Justice League" after critics cited "Batman V. Superman" was too dark and depressing. Joss Whedon, who filmed the first "Avenger" movie, took over director Zack Snyder in post-production and made sure that these changes will be incorporated in the upcoming film.
It should be noted, however, that studios conduct test screenings filled with fans in the audience and their perception likely skews towards the positive. Actual reviews from movie critics, however, won't be online until Nov. 15.
Supporting cast Diane Lane, who plays Superman's mom Martha in the DCEU, revealed she already saw the final cut of "Justice League" and loved it.
"I'm very pleased," Lane said. "Lots of surprises, and some fabulous acting from everybody. I mean, I was totally impressed."
"Justice League" will open in theaters across America on Friday, Nov. 17. U.K. moviegoers will be able to watch days earlier on Nov. 13, while the movie will open on Nov. 15 for the rest of the world.