The Best Justice League Movie Everyone Missed

2. It's Dark... But In A Good Way

Unfortunately, one of the best things about the film may also have contributed to why it underperformed financially. Not only does it not present a traditional version of the League - itself quite the risk - it's also extremely dark. In fact, this is probably one of the most violent animated releases to have featured DC's characters, and that kind of maturity ebbs into the film's atmosphere.

It's not for everyone, and though DC's Animated Original Movies are no stranger to violence, there's an added visceral quality to Gods and Monsters that distinguishes it from the competition. It won't be for everyone, and it's likely even why the film failed to resonate quite as broadly as its predecessors, but the way the film deploys darkness is masterful.

It isn't there merely to shock, nor is it present to add edge to a concept that didn't need much of it to begin with, like in the DCEU. It's very much its own thing, and ends up living up to the title perfectly.

Gods and Monsters' maturity also ends up strengthening the relationships between the film's characters. Whether it be Kirk's past with his fellow alumni at his old university, or Bekka's unspoken romance with Steve Trevor, the film is unquestionably adult. By the time blades are unsheathed and the bullets start flying, each lead has managed to endear themselves to the audience emphatically. To do so in such a short amount of time - just over an hour - illustrates its strengths perfectly.