Review: Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths
The DC animated universe has seen a revitalization as of late, with its direct-to-DVD movies featuring Green Lantern and Wonder Woman. They're all interesting takes on the capes, like revamps without that washed-out 'Secret Origins' feel, but ultimately they remind me of how much I miss the Justice League Unlimited cartoon. The show just had a big feel to it- powerful team-ups, interplanetary implications. And with 'Crisis on Two Earths', the weighty feel returns with a universe-shattering bang.
An alternate-universe Lex Luthor kicks off the story, exposing us to the nefarious Crime Syndicate, composed of evil counterparts to the Justice League. He turns to Superman and pals for help in bringing order to his reality, and from then on, teamwork becomes a major theme of the tale, save for Batman who overcomes his renegade nature later on by calling in the likes of Aquaman and Firestorm, and his juxtaposed Owlman, who schemes for more large-scale destruction.
While the short film has a few spiritual similarities to the Justice League show, don't make the mistake of seeing this as its successor (it actually takes place before Unlimited in the canon); The PG-13 rating allows for a decent show of violence, occasional blood, and (gasp!) did The Flash just say 'crap'? In a kid's movie? No, this is a more mature Justice League, concerned with philosophy, Cold War politics, and funding for their space station. Yet, the film balances these conversations with fighting that hits hard and hits often. There are dozens of innovative fight sequences that aren't mindless beat-em-ups, they often progress the plot more than the wordy debates between them.
Sessions at the Justice League conference table still manage to be engaging, portrayed through dynamic camera angles and palpable tension between the team. The talented voice acting especially helps; James Woods headlines as Owlman and Josh Keaton's Flash is a quick-witted comic relief. Batman's lighter tones takes some getting used to, but ultimately serve the character well. My only gripes came from Ultraman and Power Ring's voices, who have taken their role in the Crime Syndicate to stereotypically meat-headed levels.
An opportunity arises to show off a larger section of the DCU, but for the most part, the focus is on the Crime Syndicate, with their underlings acting as fan-service references. Personally, I would've preferred to see more of Lobo in a Master's Hat than the inconsequential subplot involving the President, his daughter Rose, and Martian Manhunter. It's clearly an attempt to inject romance and politics into an action film, but the political debates are better treated by the heroes and villains than whatever military issues the story may try to make us believe, and Super Woman's salacious advances on Owlman and Batman would've sufficed. At first I was taken aback by Owlman's Nietzschean viewpoint, but it really helps to add depth to the story and illustrate what's really at risk.
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, despite its minor flaws, gives us a superpowered story with everything it should need: hard-hitting collaborations, meditative moments, and some seriously good fun (Naked Lex Luthor, anyone?). It's on sale today, February 23rd; Consider it very recommended.
Rubber Justice
Posted to DVD, Review on 23 February 2010
· Comments (1)
Other stuff like this: dc animated, dvd, justice league
Let me chime in on this flick! I enjoyed this one a great deal!! The only downers to this were the facial designs on Batman. The lines they put on his jaw made him look very old and haggard. They had the same problem in the first season of Justice League when they put those lines under Supes eyes that made him look old. They took them out in the following seasons of the show. I also didn't care for Batman's voice very much, it didn't match the character and sounded almost soft.
I enjoyed all the cameos, but would have liked to have seen Mary Marvel as well. But Uncle Dudley Marvel was interesting, especially considering that he doesn't have powers and isn't related to the Marvels at all. Ah well. I also would've liked to have seen a Lex with a head of hair too.
Overall I really enjoyed this. I look forward to their next one!