[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Directors: Bruce Timm & Eric Radomski

Story: Alan Burnett

Screenplay: Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, Martin Pasko, & Michael Reaves

Starring: Kevin Conroy, Dana Delany, Stacy Keach, Mark Hamill, Abe Vigoda, Hart Bochner, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Reviewed by: Joshua Raynor

Summary

Gotham City’s most feared gangsters are being systematically eliminated, and the assumed blame is falling on the Caped Crusader. But prowling the Gotham night is a shadowy new villain, the Phantasm, a sinister figure with some link to Batman’s past. Can the Dark Knight elude the police, capture the Phantasm and clear his own name? Unmasking the Phantasm is just one of the twists in this dazzling animated feature, which provides new revelations about Batman’s past, his archrival the Joker, and Batman’s most grueling battle ever — the choice between his love for a beautiful woman and his vow to be the defender of right.

Positives

There are so many great things to say about Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, so many that I’ll probably forget some. So, let’s start with the two things we get right off the bat (pun intended) — the score and the animation.

While the score for Batman: The Animated Series has always been top tier, composer Shirley Walker kicked it up a notch for this theatrical film by making it much more operatic. This gave the score a far more grandiose feel, which felt right at home on the big screen. It helped to create the dark and brooding atmosphere so well known with the Dark Knight, but in a bigger way.

Then there’s the animation. For those of you who know, Batman: The Animated Series was a unique case of animation style, where they painted their backgrounds on black paper to make the scenes darker, and that was carried forward into this film as well. Even though it’s 30 years old, the animation is simply incredible, and the new 4K version makes it all pop even more. It’s just stunning to look at.

Positives Cont’d

Alright, let’s get into the film itself now. Batman: The Animated Series, and therefore Mask of the Phantasm, is the greatest version of Batman ever put on screen. He embodies everything the comic book version of Batman has built, and did so right from the beginning. And in this film, we get to dive deeper into who this character really is and what motivates him.

We see Bruce’s early days as a budding vigilante, ten years prior to where we see him in the movie, wearing just an all-black outfit with a black coat and ski mask. He does, however, have one thing that has become a staple in Batman’s wardrobe — the utility belt. And we even get a glimpse of a young Bullock when he was still a patrol officer.

I loved getting to see the early side of Bruce, without getting the death of his parents, yet again. A large portion of this story is spent in the past, setting up Bruce’s relationship with Andrea Beaumont and what it meant to him, and for his future, to lose her the way he did. She was the one that got away. I’m sure many of you out there know just what that feels like, but for Bruce, it sent him on a path, a path toward being the vigilante hero we all know him to be.

He was completely ready to give up his quest for vengeance for a happy future with her, which is funny because he barely gave her the time of day at first. He showed no real interest in Andrea until she takes him down with a martial arts move. This is where he sees that there’s so much more to her than all these other women that surround him. She’s a strong, capable woman, and we all know that’s Bruce’s type — Selina Kyle, Talia al Ghul, even Wonder Woman occasionally. But when she leaves him, this pushes him deeper into the darkness, and he spends the next decade as Batman before he sees her again.

His willingness to give it all up shows how deeply he just wants to be loved and to love someone in return. We even get a heartbreaking scene where he begs his dead parents to let him break his promise to them so he can finally have some joy in his life. He’s been holding onto an incredible amount of guilt all these years, and his subconscious makes it very difficult for him to move forward in any way. This is one of the best displays I’ve ever seen for why he continues to do what he does, and why none of his relationships ever seem to work out.

Positives Cont’d

While I absolutely love the past storyline in this film, it’s the story structure that really makes it work. The cutting back and forth at key moments to give present day scenes more context was a perfect way to tell this story. One of my favorite moments to do this was toward the beginning of the film, where Bruce is at a party and a woman comes up to him and throws a drink in his face, saying that he essentially led her on and then ghosted her. This woman has red hair and blue eyes. Right after that scene, we are introduced to Andrea Beaumont in a past scene and we see that she too has red hair and blue eyes. This tells me that Bruce was attempting to recreate what he lost after she left, to no success. It’s a very small detail, but one that really fascinated me upon my rewatch of the film.

One other thing I love about Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is how the mob plays a major role in the story, something most on-screen Batman tales fail to utilize, though the recent Matt Reeves film, The Batman, did a great job with that. In this, Batman is being blamed for the mob murders perpetrated by The Phantasm, and we get a major tie-in with the mob, Andrea’s father, and even The Joker. We also get a small peek into Joker’s past because of this, and I thought that was really intriguing.

I would also be remiss if I failed to talk about the stellar voice acting throughout this film. Kevin Conroy shines as Batman/Bruce Wayne, as he always does. He will forever be the extremely high bar set for anyone else voicing the character. The way he is able to show such complex emotion just through his voice is simply incredible and shows how much art and skill there is in being a true voice-over artist. He is joined in this by Dana Delany as Andrea Beaumont and she does such a wonderful job, especially as she came into this never having done any voice-over work before. And, of course, Mark Hamill is superb as The Joker.

Negatives

I honestly have no real negatives about this movie. I love it so much. But if I had to list anything, I would say that the lack of resolution to what happens to The Joker would be one. We see Andrea take him in a cloud of mist to presumably kill him, and Batman doesn’t stop her. So she’s gone with Joker and we never know what happens to him, leaving the audience to assume she finished the job.

However, three years after the film, DC released the comic book issue Batman & Robin Adventures Annual #1, which explains what happens after she leaves with Joker. It’s a fascinating issue to read, and that part is just the beginning, so go check it out if you want more Phantasm.

Special Features

The 4K Blu-ray includes three special features: a 4×3 version of the film, the episode of Justice League Unlimited titled “Epilogue”, and the short documentary Kevin Conroy: I Am The Knight.

4×3 Version – It was really cool to see them include this version, as the series was all done in 4×3. You actually get to see more of the screen with this, as the widescreen just cuts the top and bottom off of this version. So, if you want to enjoy more of the amazing art that is the animation of this film, check out this version.

“Epilogue” from Justice League Unlimited – This is one of my favorite episodes of JLU, and for multiple reasons. This episode serves, as the name suggests, as an epilogue to both Batman Beyond and Mask of the Phantasm. The events that take place show that she still cares about him after all these years.

It also has one of the most heartbreaking moments in all of Batman history with Batman and Ten from the Royal Flush Gang. If you haven’t seen it, you need to watch it.

Kevin Conroy: I Am The Knight Documentary – This was an incredible tribute to the man who voiced Batman for three decades, the man who many of us still hear in our heads anytime we read a Batman comic, Kevin Conroy. The documentary included many great people who all praised Kevin’s work as the Dark Knight. And we even got some interview footage of Kevin himself, which was absolutely wonderful to see.

Verdict

For me personally, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the best Batman film ever made. It is an absolute gem and a classic that everyone who is even slightly a fan of this character needs to watch. And with the documentary about Kevin Conroy included on the Blu-ray, this is a must buy for all fans. So, do yourself a favor and pick this up today!!

Score: 5/5

The post Blu-ray Review: BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM (1993) appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Studio: Warner Brothers
Starring: Xolo Mariduena, Bruna Marquezine, George Lopez, Belissa Escobedo, Raoul Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, Damian Alcazar, Adriana Barraza, Elpidia Carillo
Director: Angel Manuel Soto

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

A mysterious scarab of alien origin bonds with new college graduate, Jaime Reyes giving him powers and abilities he has to learn to control.  With his family behind him, he learns about the Blue Beetle legacy and that of the scarab and the history of Kord industries and a sinister plot to take over the world.

Positives

Like so many things that are good, Blue Beetle is a lot of fun and has a lot of heart.  And, the heart leads to the fun.  That heart can be found in the cast as well as the story that relies on the idea family.  The movie gives us two families, the Reyes family and the Kord family, and they couldn’t be more different.  However, it’s the intersecting of these two families which brings about Jaime’s turn into the Blue Beetle.

The cast brings these families to life, and there isn’t really a weak performance in the lot.  Xolo Mariduena turns in a great job as the lead and it’s easy to imagine him in future appearances as Jaime Reyes.  He brings energy, believability and the right amount of self doubt.  The rest of the cast is equally good.  Mariduena has a real chemistry with Bruna Marquezine who plays Jenny Kord.  George Lopez’s Rudy is the humorous outlet, but he also has a genuine emotional connection with his nephew Jaime.  Susan Sarandon, while a well known experienced actress for nearly five decades fills the villain role of Victoria Kord effortlessly.  

While Jaime’s family rallies around him, Jenny’s aunt, Victoria has no redeeming qualities and is literally out to get Jenny, pushing her closer to the Reyes family.  This contrast is subtle, but a well executed use of the family theme.  The importance of the family shakes out differently than in most superhero fare, Jaime’s family knows his secret and it becomes essential to Jaime’s character.

Positives Cont’d

The presence of the Kord family in this movie is more than just an Easter Egg for comic book fans.  Ted Kord is the second person to use the Blue Beetle moniker in the comics, (although there are arguable two separate Dan Garrett characters, making Ted the third!) and his shadow looms large throughout Blue Beetle.  Victoria is Ted’s sister and Jenny is his daughter, and we learn that Ted is missing.  The filmmakers do a great job of incorporating the Blue Beetle legacy into the story and Jaime’s turn as the hero.  It would have been possible to make a Jaime Reyes Blue Beetle film and ignore the history of the character, but making it integral to the story goes a long way for comic fans.  The appearance and use of Ted’s Bug ship is absolutely fantastic, as well.  Well done!

I’ve never been one to get hung up on CGI to the point that it’s going to ruin a good story and character if not done well.  There isn’t a moment in this film that seemed the least bit wonky.  This summer’s The Flash (even if it was purposeful) had   lot more questionable CGI oddities.  Additionally, using a practical suit for Meriduena works really well.  He has a real presence in scenes that just feels better than a full CGI character.  He’s able to interact more believably with other characters especially in the action scenes. 

There are some real stakes in this film as Jaime’s family is imperiled and not all of them survive.  There is some nuance to Victoria Kord’s muscle, Carapax, and you won’t believe what Nana was doing in her teenage years!  Additionally, there is a throwback feel to some of the film that in-story seems to stem from Ted Kord’s turn as the Blue Beetle.  The music by Bobby Krlic gives a Stranger Things vibe and at the same time the script leans even harder into the family theme in the thrid act.  Jaime’s family (and Jenny)  exhibit the same kind of camaraderie and commitment to each other that we’ve come to expect from Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas and Eleven.  

There is a great deal of world building in this film that is tied to Jaime’s family, their personal stories as well as Jenny Kord and her father’s heroic legacy.  La Palmera City feels unique, as well.  While Blue Beetle ostensibly takes place within the DC Universe, the film is far enough removed from what we already know about that world that it feels like its own place.  One of the reasons it works is that Blue Beetle is not an original DC character.  He has a long comic book tradition going back to the Golden Age with his debut in Mystery Men Comics #1, August 1939.  DC bought the character from Charlton Comics in the mid-1980’s.  It makes sense that he has his own world, and it’s not hard to imagine the other Charlton Action Heroes popping up along side Jaime- take that Watchmen!

Negatives

It would be easy to start rattling off inconsistencies with the comic book, and the most glaring is the absence of Jaime’s friends Paco and Brenda.   This may bother some fans, but the connection to the Blue Beetle legacy feels like a more important comic book aspect to get right.  Along the same lines, when Jaime is first introduced in the comics, he lives in El Paso, TX.  The movie gives us a fictional city, La Palmera City.  It’s first appearance in the comics is Blue Beetle: Graduation Day #2, and it seems to come from the movie.  DC has a long tradition of fictional cities, but La Palmera City, while supposedly in Texas feels like Miami, and seems to inform the feeling of Hispanic influence on the city.

I’ve spent time in both Miami and El Paso, and the feeling of the cultures is very different.  Jaime’s family is identified as Mexican and some of the slang used in the film is recognizable as such.  Yet, the city itself looks and feel like Miami which creates a bit of an inconsistency in the representation in the film.  You know it’s supposed to be Texas and a Mexican immigrant family, but it looks and feels more like Miami and Cuban culture.

Some will say there are derivative elements to Blue Beetle, but comics have been doing that for years.  The uniqueness in Jaime’s story comes from his heritage, family and the legacy of the Blue Beetle which he will hopefully get to investigate in another outing.  Furthermore, this film gets these familiar elements right and makes them fun and enjoyable.  The tease in the early credits scene is expected, but still exciting.

Verdict

Even if you feel like you’ve seen some of this before, Blue Beetle is a fun film that is done well.    Blue Beetle has something unique to offer in its use of the family theme which gives it a lot of heart.  It’s a significant step up from recent DC movies and genuinely comes across as the start of something new and exciting.  

The post Movie Review: Blue Beetle appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review contains spoilers!!]

Directed by: Jeff Wamester

Written by: Jeremy Adams, Ernie Altbacker, & Josie Campbell

Starring: Stana Katic, Jensen Ackles, Darren Criss, Matt Bomer, Frank Grillo, John DiMaggio, Teddy Sears, Troy Baker, Ike Amadi, Robin Atkin Downes

Reviewed by: Joshua Raynor

Summary

Who are the mysterious gunslinger with a golden lasso, the barbaric warrior with a dark knight’s helmet, and the mild-mannered, bespectacled G-man? More importantly, how are they the key to rescuing Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman — who disappeared from Earth — from the waking hell that is the omnipotent battle planet Warworld? Their disparate fights for survival in seemingly unrelated time periods could lead directly to unraveling the fate of the entire Justice League itself — as well as a looming crisis in the DC Universe.

Positives

Justice League: Warworld made some fascinating choices, both aesthetically and from a storyline perspective. I love the look of the “Tomorrowverse” films, with their sharp, clean lines and soft, yet vibrant colors. Even the films that I wasn’t the biggest fan of recently (namely Green Lantern: Beware My Power) still looked great, and that has continued into this film.

And as far as the story goes, let’s start off with the three, almost anthology-like, segments that make up the majority of this 91-minute film, all three of which are fantastic in their own way, and are very different from one another, which I loved.

Wonder Woman In The Old West

It starts off with Wonder Woman in the Old West as essentially “The Woman With No Name”, which was an obvious reference to Sergio Leone’s “Dollars Trilogy”, which was a series of spaghetti western films starring Clint Eastwood, including A Fistful of Dollars (1964), For a Few Dollars More (1965), and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966).

We get to see her go toe-to-toe with the infamous DC Comics outlaw, Jonah Hex, voiced by Troy Baker. I love that they took this opportunity to use a character like Jonah Hex, who I believe is criminally underutilized in all media. He’s ruthless, yet charming, and Baker plays that perfectly. I was also pleased that they didn’t change his backstory, keeping him as a former Confederate soldier. It’s something they could have easily left out or changed, but didn’t.

This first segment had the task of setting the tone and expectation for the rest of the film, and I think it did a great job of that, at least as far as showing the audience that this isn’t your average story, and isn’t told in the standard way. It also did a great job of utilizing the R-rating with some brutal kills from both Jonah Hex and Wonder Woman. Seeing her shoot bad guys in the head was a little off-putting, to be honest, but it fit the setting, and even though she’s a hero, she’s also a warrior and kills when she needs to.

This is her first time back in a Tomorrowverse film since Justice Society: World War II, and Stana Katic returns to voice the Amazonian, though, technically, they are different versions of the character, with this one being from Earth-1 and the Justice Society version being from Earth-2. Katic does a great job voicing this character, even though I had forgotten about her using an Eastern European accent and was a bit thrown off at first.

Barbarian Batman And His Sword

The second segment features the Dark Knight (voiced by Jensen Ackles) in a Conan The Barbarian/Dungeons & Dragons-type fantasy setting where Batman is a mercenary sent to kill The Warlord. I was shocked to see The Warlord in this, as he is a character I haven’t even thought about in years, but hopefully, this will inspire people to go back and read his comics and learn more about this fascinating character.

This segment gives viewer their first hints that something more is going on. What that something is, we find out toward the end. This was a perfect setting to put Batman in, as it allowed him to showcase his strength and abilities without the suit on. And seeing him with long hair was just an added treat.

Unlike the first segment, we get another Justice League member in this when Wonder Woman shows up, but it’s not the Wonder Woman we just saw. We begin to see that these aren’t just separate stories centering on one member, and that surviving takes you to the next “level”, so to speak.

Superman Vs. 1950’s Xenophobia

The final segment before the films third act sees Superman (voiced by Darren Criss) — or in this case, Clark Kent — as a 1950’s G-Man who’s in town investigating a UFO siting, alongside his veteran partner Agent Faraday. It’s a classic 50’s black & white sci-fi story, akin to Invasion of the Body Snatchers or The Twilight Zone.

This is definitely more of a classic, mild-mannered Clark Kent than his confident and ready-for-action counterpart, Superman, but he fits perfectly in this story. And he gets to play off of the more confident Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince, who both show up in this segment. It quickly shifts into a who’s-the-hidden-alien tale, leaning on the xenophobia and group fear that was heavily prevalent during the 1950’s because of McCarthyism and the Cold War. And, of course, Wonder Woman’s foreign accent makes her a quick and easy target for this anti-foreigner sentiment.

The story unravels even more as they begin to experience flashes of memories that they just don’t understand, and we even get an appearance by an unexpected visitor… Martian Manhunter. Remembering  back to the great Justice League animated series, and the episode they did about Warworld, I had hoped to see him appear in this, but wasn’t really expecting it.

Which leads directly into the third act of Justice League: Warworld…

Mongul And Martians And Mayhem… Oh My!

The wayward members of the Justice League have finally escaped their mind prisons and awaken on Warworld where they learn an imprisoned Martian Manhunter is being forced to create these intricate illusions. But he’s been fighting to reach the heroes and bring them back to save him and themselves. It was a great surprise to see J’onn J’onzz in this, even if his fate isn’t what I would have hoped for.

The third act is actually filled with surprises. We get Lobo back for the first time since Superman: Man of Tomorrow (voiced by John DiMaggio), and he’s working with Mongul to help him find the key to unlocking the full potential of the weapon that is Warworld. But this key is tied directly to Martian Manhunter and the White Martians, and Mongul will do whatever it takes to get it, even creating a Matrix-like system of pods to hold prisoners for these Westworld-like scenarios. But, unfortunately for Mongul, his plans don’t go quite the way he expected.

A Looming Crisis?

The film ends with an unexpected appearance by Harbinger, setting up the recently announced Crisis On Infinite Earths adaptation that’s coming out next year. I’m curious if this version of Crisis will encapsulate the entire, nearly 20 years of animated films, which started with 2007’s Superman/Doomsday. It would be incredible to revisit some of those worlds as the multiverse collapses into one universe.

Also, I feel like this will need to be their very first three-part film, as it will be the biggest story they have ever told, and that way they can really dive into all the different worlds and give this story the respect it deserves.

Negatives

Alright, this film, while I really enjoyed it, has some definite flaws.

I would have loved the segments to be longer. I would’ve definitely watched all three of them as their own, full-length, Elseworlds story.

Maybe I’m just being nitpicky about this next one, but I was a little put off by Jonah Hex’s willingness to murder an innocent child. The Jonah Hex I’m familiar with always had a code of honor to protect the innocent, and this just felt like a big deviation from that.

The third act with Mongul and Warworld felt very rushed. We never got to see the classic gladiatorial fights that are synonymous with Warworld. I understand that they went a bit more cerebral with the battles, but it would’ve been nice to at least see a shot of some random people being forced to fight it out in the pit, showing that Mongul can utilize different forms of battle.

And lastly, and certainly least, the voice DiMaggio used for Lobo was a bit too close to that of his Futurama character, Bender, and it occasionally took me out it. Wasn’t that big of a deal, but I thought it worth mentioning.

Special Features

The Blu-ray release for Justice League: Warworld includes two featurettes breaking down the events of the film.

Illusions on Warworld – Go behind the scenes and inside the process of designing and creating three distinct genres for the Justice League to inhabit on Warworld.

 

The Heroic, the Horrible and the Hideous – Dive deep into the origins and histories of the key players on Warworld and learn how the filmmakers brought them to life.

While I enjoyed them both quite a bit, I was disappointed that this was all we got. They didn’t even include any episodes from the vault like they usually do, and they could’ve easily included the aforementioned “War World” episode of the animated series Justice League, which they even mention in one of the featurettes.

I also miss the days when we got a sneak peek at the next film coming out. Now, I know the next Tomorrowverse film is the recently announced Crisis On Infinite Earths adaptation coming out next year, but there is still at least one more non-Tomorrowverse animated film coming this year with Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen – Part 2 (which comes out on Halloween), so they could’ve put a little sneak peek of this film at least.

Verdict

Overall, this was a solid entry into the DC animated universe. The three segments where hands down the best parts of the film. I absolutely loved them. But the lackluster third act definitely hindered what could have been an all-time great. I’d still recommend it, as the first 70 minutes or so is some of the best stuff they’ve put out, and you don’t want to miss that.

Score: 4/5

The post Blu-Ray Review: JUSTICE LEAGUE: WARWORLD (2023) appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Director: Andy Muschietti

Writers: Christina Hodson, Joby Harold

Starring: Ezra Miller, Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton, Sasha Calle, Gal Gadot, Michael Shannon, Jeremy Irons

Reviewed By: Derek McNeil

Summary

The Flash (2023): Barry Allen is struck by a bolt of lightning and thus, an extraordinary power is born inside him: The Speed Force. When he uses this power to run back in time and save his mother, he creates a world without heroes and General Zod has returned. To defeat him, his only hope rest in the hands of a retired Batman, another Barry and an imprisoned Kryptonian.

Positives

While this review is marked with a spoiler warning, I will try to avoid spoilers except where absolutely unavoidable. And where unavoidable, I will try to keep them as vague as possible. With an amazing movie like this, I don’t want to risk diminishing the experience in any way for viewers who haven’t already seen it.

I have to say right off the bat that I absolutely loved this movie. I am not sure how the mainstream audience will feel about this entry in the DCEU, but most fans should love it, presuming the don’t refuse to give it a chance due to the actor starring in the titular role.

Right off the start, this movie signals a departure from the DCEU into the James Gunn era of DC movies by debuting the new DC filming opening animation. I would hesitate to say it’s better or worse than the one used for the DCEU films, as I’m still not sure which I like better myself.

But it does serve as a delineation between the DCEU and the Gunn era movies. It does so much more clearly than the movies have so far, as we have so far gotten a soft reboot, with some movies strongly tied to the DCEU still coming out, including Shazam: Fury of the Gods, Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom, and of course, The Flash).

The plotline borrows elements from the comic storyline Flashpoint, which launched led into DC’s New 52 hard reboot. This has led many to speculate that The Flash would do the same thing, with this version of the Flashpoint, leading to a reboot of the DCEU into Gunn’s era of DC movies.

Positives Cont.

However, there are only two notable changes to this version of the DCU once Barry fixes the mess he made. One is a deliberate change Barry made, which seems to have worked out well, even though he was courting disaster by attempting it (When will you ever learn about messing with time, Barry?).

The other is a last minute twist. If the DCEU were continuing, it would be a major change for future movies, but it’s likely just a passing joke that will not affect any of Gunn’s future DC projects. But other than these two changes, it still seems to be the same old DCEU.

Speaking of Flashpoint, I liked that they accurately recreated Thomas Wayne’s device for restoring Barry’s powers from the comics. References like that show that Muschietti is familiar with and pays respect to the original source material. Generally, ignoring or disrespecting the original comics is the quickest way to turn off the superhero fan-base. And I’m glad to see Muschietti avoiding this pitfall that so many superhero movies fall into.

Initially, in the Flashpoint comics storyline, it was implied that Barry’s messing with time was the cause of all the changes introduced in the New 52 era. But somehow Barry’s actions affected events that took place earlier in the timeline, which doesn’t match DC’s rules regarding the timeline. Eventually, it was revealed that these changes were due to Doctor Manhattan messing with time, but the original explanation didn’t seem to make any sense.

Positives Cont.

However, Batman gives an alternate explanation how Barry’s interference has caused changes up and down the timestream. Using uncooked spaghetti as a prop, he demonstrates that there are unchangeable points where timelines intersect. When you make changes in the past, you pivot the entire timeline on that fixed point, changing both the future and the past. I really appreciate that the movie took the time to address a potential plot hole that much of the audience might not even realized is a problem.

One of the best things about this movie is the wealth of guest appearances and cameos of various DC characters from various live action versions. Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot feature prominently in the movie’s opening. And of course, Michael Keaton also reprises his turn as Batman.

And I expect that there will be much talk about the Multiverse scene near the end of the movie. Using archival footage and computer trickery, we are shown various DC heroes from movies and TV shows. It comes as no surprise that Christopher Reeve and Adam West are acknowledged here. But there are some surprising appearances.

One particular hero me by complete surprise. It comes from a movie that was never made, but has become rather notorious among the fandom. Those who know the story will find this reference absolutely hilarious, but I imagine that the rest of the audience will be left scratching their heads in confusion.

I can hardly wait until I get the home video version of The Flash so that I can go through this scene frame by frame. I’m eager to see who else I might have missed.

Positives Cont.

I quite like how The Flash‘ depicts Barry’s superspeed . The effects team do a fantastic job of conveying the speeds that Barry is capable of moving at. Sometimes, the movie shows Barry moving in real time. For instance, we see the world zoom past as Barry runs from Central City to Gotham in seconds. And this gives the audience an inkling of what being the Flash feels like.

At other times, the world around The Flash slows to a crawl allowing Barry to plan his moves and execute them with precision, even though they happen too fast for anyone else to even see him. At one point, several babies and a dog fall from a collapsing hospital. We then witness Barry carefully maneuvering the babies, debris, and other objects into the exact positions they need to be in to allow Barry to save them all.

And as a bonus treat, the end credits roll over the same scene – except from the viewpoint of the dog.

There is quite a bit of humour in this movie, which serves to make watching Th Flash a fantastically fun experience. There are some smaller gags where Barry and Batman get tangled in Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth, leading to the involuntary revelation of some uncomfortable truths.

And pairing Barry with a younger version of himself is mostly comedy gold. Seeing some of his own bad habits from from the outside makes Barry realize how annoying he can be at times. But it also serves to show that Barry is maturing. Meeting a younger, brasher version of himself forces Barry to be the mature one for once.

Positives Cont.

But there is also a lot of pathos in The Flash‘s story too. The death of Barry’s mother and his father getting framed for her murder has been part of the Flash mythos for the past 14 years. They have been at the central of Barry’s story in both the comics and in the CW TV show. But The Flash movie has given us a fresh take on the story, while keeping the actual events substantially the same.

The younger version of Barry exists in a timeline where his mother is still alive. This gives Barry the dilemma of whether or not to tell his younger self about their mother’s death. It makes Barry resentful that his doppelganger got the happy life Barry should have had, but takes it for granted.

And the scene where Barry interacts directly with his mother for the final time is truly heart-rending.

I also found it interesting that Muschietti leaves the identity of Nora Allen’s killer unrevealed. I was waiting for that revelation, but the story goes out of its way to keep the killer a mystery. Muschietti has revealed the killer’s identity in an interview, but stated that Barry’s confrontation with his mother’s murderer would have to happen in a sequel.

This raises the possibility of a sequel. However, given the change of direction Gunn has planned for future DC movies and the controversy around Ezra Miller, if that sequel will ever happen. But at least it give a glimmer of hope that it might happen someday.

Negatives

The elephant in the room is Ezra Miller. His presence is one of the biggest issues with The Flash. While Miller portrays a very likable version of Barry Allen, the actor himself is just the opposite. DC ended up delaying the movie’s release in hopes that the controversy would die down, but the controversy remains. And the delay has given Muschietti plenty of time to deliver a polished final cut.

Some have called for recasting the movie with a new actor, but after seeing the film, I can see that doing so would require reshooting most of the movie. Also, regardless of how you feel about the actor, it’s hard to deny that he did a phenomenal job of portraying not only one, but two Barry Allens. Portraying a dual role for most of a movie’s length is a challenging feat, but he pulls it off admirably.

Negatives Cont.

Others have suggested the idea that people should pirate the movie instead of seeing it in the theatre. I find this to be a stupid reaction. Yes, it would Miller to a degree, but it would also be punishing the rest of the cast, crew, writers, the studio and its employees, and others.

And it’s somewhat hypocritical. If you go to the trouble of pirating it, that’s an admission that you believe it’s worth watching. And if it has value, then pirating is stealing. If you find you cannot support the movie, then just forgo watching it altogether.

While I admit some discomfort watching a movie starring Miller, I am the type of person who can separate my appreciation of art from my distaste for the artist. So, I can forgive Warner/DC from going ahead with The Flash despite the controversy. But it might be for the best if they find a new actor if a sequel ever materializes.

Verdict

I absolutely freakin’ love this movie! The only problem is the casting of Ezra Miller. But since he gave a superb performance and it was too late for WB/DC to recast without raising the cost and lowering the quality, I will give them a pass for this. I also adored every single guest appearance and cameo in the film. After this, I hope Andy Muschietti returns to direct other DC movies. Judging by The Flash, I think we can expect some great things from James Gunn’s era of DC movies.

The post Movie Review: The Flash (2023) appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Directed by: Jeff Wamester

Written by: Josie Campbell

Starring: Meg Donnelly, Harry Shum, Jr., Yuri Lowenthal, Ben Diskin, Ely Henry, Cynthia Hamidi, Zeno Robinson, Gideon Adlon, Daisy Lightfoot, Jensen Ackles, Darren Criss, Matt Bomer, Darin De Paul

Reviewed by: Joshua Raynor

Summary

Welcome to the 31st century and the Legion Academy, where a new generation hones their powers with hopes of joining the Legion of Super-Heroes. Devastated by tragedy, Supergirl struggles to adjust to her new life on Earth. Taking her cousin Superman’s advice, Supergirl leaves their space-time to attend the Legion Academy. There, she quickly makes new friends, as well as a new enemy with old ties: Brainiac 5. But a nefarious plot lurks in the shadows – the mysterious group known as the Dark Circle seeks a powerful weapon held in the Academy’s vault.

Positives

After the disappointment from the last DC animated movie in the Tomorrowverse line, Green Lantern: Beware My Power, I was thrilled to get a story that worked well and focused on the story being told.

Right off the bat, I gotta say, I love this animation style. The soft tones and crisp linework really make these characters pop in the best ways possible. It gives a more realistic look, instead of leaning into an overly exaggerated style. And the backgrounds are beautiful as well, at times almost looking like a painting, while at others, being as crisp as the characters that are living there.

The movie starts off with the origin story of Supergirl. We see some of her time in Argo City as she interacts with her mother. It was a great way to quickly become familiar with Supergirl, if you weren’t already. We get a sense of her personality, and it gives us an understanding as to why, unlike her cousin, she becomes more jaded during her time on Earth and has a harder time acclimating. She lived a life on Krypton, has memories of it, and to be completely uprooted from that home and that life is not an easy thing to get over.

We get a couple of cool scenes with some of the members of the Justice League – specifically Batman (Jensen Ackles), Superman (Darren Criss), and The Flash (Matt Bomer) – including a heartfelt scene between Superman and Supergirl, which really shows how differently they view their new “home”, and why it’s been more difficult for Kara. The inclusion of these characters helps to keep the connection to the Tomorrowverse, as they continue with the same voice actors, linking them nicely before moving into the part of the story with completely new characters.

Then there’s the Legionnaires. We get introduced to several great heroes from the 31st century, including Mon-El, Arms-Fall-Off-Boy, Triplicate Girl, Bouncing Boy, Dawnstar, and of course, Brainiac-5. Some of these are characters we almost never get to see in anything outside of the comics, so it’s great that they’re getting a chance to be showcased a bit. I was happy they mentioned that Mon-El actually changed his name because of his love for Krypton, and wasn’t actually a member of the El family, which I think many people don’t know.

I don’t want to spoil too much, so I’ll refrain from saying who the big bad of the movie is, but what I will say is that they did a fantastic job with this character, giving us a unique version that was both amazing and terrifying at the same time. And there’s also a post-credit scene (so be sure to stick around) that ties directly into the next Tomorrowverse film, Justice League: Warworld.

Negatives

My main negative is that I wish we had actually gotten more of Kara’s time on Krypton. That opening scene was great, but I wanted more. And, as with most of these animated films, I would love to see them be a little be longer.

Blu-ray Special Features

The home release includes four wonderful featurettes that dive into different aspects of the film, as well as two episodes of Superman: The Animated Series. In “The Legion Behind The Legion“, the cast and crew talk about the making of Legion of Super-Heroes. We also get some really cool glimpses of pre-vis animations and a peek into some of the writing process.

“Down to Earth: The Story of Supergirl” takes a deep dive into the character of Supergirl, why she was chosen to be the focus of this Legion story, as well as her journey up to now, including her relationships with Superman and Brainiac-5. And speaking of Brainiac-5, “Brainiac Attack: The Intellect Behind the Super-Villain” tells the history of Brainiac, leading up to this incarnation, and why he is the way he is.

Then we have “Meet the Legionnaires“, which tells us about the Legion and the Academy, spotlighting some of the main members of the Legion that we meet – including Timberwolf, Chemical King, and Shadow Lass – as well as the group of new trainees that make up the focus of this story. One of the best parts of this featurette is producer Jim Krieg dressed up as Matter Eater Lad throughout the whole thing.

Finally, within the special features were two episodes of Superman: The Animated Series from the DC vault – “Little Girl Lost – Parts 1 & 2,” which is the introduction of Supergirl to the series. These are the perfect episodes to include, and they do a wonderful job of telling Supergirl’s origin story.

Verdict

Overall, this was a great addition to the pantheon of DC animated films, and makes me want more of these characters. I hope they do follow-ups with the Legion and Supergirl, as this told a great story and really fleshed out some amazing characters that need more time on screen to shine. We also got some great special features that everyone should take the time to watch.

Legion of Super-Heroes is available to buy digitally and on Blu-ray right now.

Score: 4.5/5

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES and all related characters and elements are TM and © DC. © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

The post Blu-ray Review: Legion Of Super-Heroes (2023) appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Director: Matt Peters

Writer: Jeremy Adams

Starring: Laura Bailey, Troy Baker, Darin De Paul, Jack Dylan Grazer, Jack Griffo, Tom Kenny, Nolan North 

Reviewed by: Brad Filicky

SUMMARY

Batman And Superman: Battle Of The Super Sons: When the Justice League is taken out of commission by an alien threat Jon Kent and Damian Wayne must overcome their insecurities to save the world. They may have disagreements, but they will have to overcome them.  Both boys will also have to deal with their own issues as well. Superboy has to deal with bullying and learning that his dad is the Man Of Steel. Robin really wants to be a member of the Teen Titans.

Meanwhile, Lois Lane is doing her best not to succumb to the threats around her. Her goal? Catching the ear of the President. President Lex Luthor.

It’s not going to be an easy fight, but our heroes may just rise to the occasion.

POSITIVES

One of my favorite things about Batman And Superman: Battle Of The Super Sons is the relationship between Jon Kent and Damian Wayne. The boys couldn’t be more different. Damian’s a hard-nosed, no-nonsense fighter. Jon Kent is the all-American boy next door. He just wants to play baseball and fit in. Their rapport is what gives the movie most of its humor. The humor works because it comes from a very genuine place made all the more real because it is very relatable. Good voice acting also helps these characters come to life.

When it comes to DC characters we have become very used to gritty stories. It’s refreshing that Batman And Superman: Battle Of The Super Sons is not that. Showing this film to the little ones in your life would be a good way to introduce them to these characters, and adults you will enjoy it too. It’s bright, fast-moving, and action-packed. With superhero mythology, it’s good to be reminded of that sense of wonder we all had when we first discovered these heroes.

NEGATIVES

If I had to pick out a negative about this film it would be that it is a bit predictable. There’s a reveal early in the movie that automatically set the scene, so even as things begin to happen, I already knew the cause. It would’ve been fun to have that be a bit more of a surprise. In a way, the story feels like something we’ve seen before. This is a formula as familiar as Coke Classic, but we all love that taste.

VERDICT

Predictable as it may be Batman And Superman: Battle Of The Super Sons, is a fun, family-friendly romp. The relationship between Jon and Damian drives the emotional core of the film. Great voice acting helps as well. If you’re looking to get kids into these characters a perfect way to do it is to show them this film. DC stories don’t always have to be dark and gritty.

The post Review: Batman And Superman: Battle Of The Super Sons NYCC 2022 Screening appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Directors: Jared Stern, Sam J. Levine

Writers: Jared Stern, John Whittington

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Kraskinski, Marc Maron, Keanu Reeves, Olivia Wilde

Reviewed By: Derek McNeil

Thanks to WB for the review copy.

Summary

DC League of Super-Pets: In DC League of Super-Pets, Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side-by-side. When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack; Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle, and Chip the squirrel – to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the superheroes.

Positives

Make no mistake, DC’s League of Super-Pets is a kid’s movie, but it’s a terribly fun kid’s movie that parents and other adults can also appreciate. That’s not to say that there’s a second level of adult humor that goes over the heads of children. Rather, the fun is broad enough to be appreciated by all ages.

Krypto is a long-term and beloved part of the Superman mythos and is treated with the respect the character deserves. Of course, the story is simplified a bit and the animal characters are given anthropomorphic traits that aren’t terribly realistic but are typical for children’s cartoons.

For me, where the movie really shines is in the plentiful references to the wider DC Universe. The lineup of the Justice League seems based on the New 52 and Rebirth eras. Cyborg is present and Jessica Cruz serves as the team’s Green Lantern. Plus, there are a fair number of jokes about Batman. When the heroes each pair up with a pet to fight the villain, the Dark Knight tells Ace:

Batman works alone…except for Robin…and Alfred…Commissioner Gordon…Justice League, Batgirl, Batwoman, my IT crew, whoever Morgan Freeman played…Ah, what the heck.

At this, he jumps into the battle along with his newest partner. Keanu Reeves actually does a pretty good job as this story’s Batman. In fact, pretty much all of the voice acting is really good.

Positives Cont.

There are also tons of Easter eggs, referencing various bits of DC history, like the Big Belly Burger fast food chain and the Jitters coffee shop, as well as plenty of references to companies like Wayne Enterprises, Lexcorp, and Kord Inc.

I won’t spoil the end-credit scene, but it ties into another DC movie that’s about to debut. The voice of Krypto in League of Super-Pets is also starring in a DC movie releasing this month. In this short scene, that character makes an appearance along with his own pet dog. Unsurprisingly, the two pooches bicker over whose owner is superior. This leads to an amusing debate over the difference between an antihero and a villain.

Warner Home Video offers this movie in three different physical packages:

• 4K UHD combo pack, which also includes a Blu-Ray copy and digital download code
• Blu-Ray combo pack, which also includes a DVD copy and digital download code
• DVD single disk pack

Most of the special features are on the Blu-Ray, so the 4K and Blu-Ray packs include the full set of bonus features. However, the DVD only has a single feature, “Behind The Super Voices” which introduces viewers to the voice actors starring in the movie.

If you insist on the best picture quality possible, then the 4K version doesn’t disappoint. The picture is absolutely stunning. The Blu-Ray copy is also quite good and will probably be satisfactory for most viewers. But if you’re not picky about picture quality and don’t care for bonus features, then the DVD is a pretty good bargain.

Negatives

As a cat person, I am disappointed that there is little feline representation in this movie. The original Legion of Super-Pets actually featured Supergirl’s pet cat, Streaky. I suppose they didn’t want to have another animal with the exact same powers as Krypto, but couldn’t they have given Streaky or a stand-in cat a different set of powers?

I should be grateful they didn’t use the obvious trope of making the main villain a cat. However, they did make the only cat in the movie into a subordinate villain. There is some clever humor in the idea of making the seemingly innocent little kitten into an ultra-powerful amoral killer, but it just helps to further into the long-running cartoon stereotype of cats being evil. I’d like to see a heroic cat in a cartoon for once. I implore DC and Warner to include Streaky if League of Super-Pets gets a sequel.

Verdict

While children are the primary audience for this movie, there is much here for adults to appreciate – especially if they are DC fans. In fact, this movie is another great way to get the younger generation interested in comics. If they like the movie, then there are Super-Pets comics, as well as a wealth of other kid-friendly titles to choose from. But even if you don’t have any children to watch with, it’s still an amusing movie that adult DC fans can appreciate too.

The post Blu-Ray Review: DC League of Super-Pets appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Director: James Gunn

Writer: James Gunn

Starring: Viola Davis, Joel Kinnaman, Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney, Idris Elba, Peter Capaldi, Nathan Fillion, Sylvester Stallone, John Cena

Reviewed By: Derek McNeil

Thanks to WB for the free review copy.

Summary

The Suicide Squad: The government sends the most dangerous Super-Villains in the world – Bloodsport, Peacemaker, King Shark, Harley Quinn, and others – to the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese. Armed with high-tech weapons, they trek through the dangerous jungle on a search-and-destroy mission, with only Colonel Rick Flag on the ground to make them behave. As always, one wrong move and they’re dead – whether at the hands of the ultimate Kaiju; Starro the Conqueror; a teammate, or Waller herself. If anyone’s laying down bets, the smart money is against them. All of them.

Positives

Warner Bros. has released James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad in the three standard formats: A 4K/Blu-Ray combo pack, a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack, and a DVD pack. Each of these also includes a digital copy code redeemable through Movies Anywhere. The review copy supplied included the 4K and Blu-Ray versions of the movie.

While I enjoyed the first Suicide Squad movie, it clearly had some issues. Gunn’s sequel is a big improvement over its predecessor. It would almost qualify as a reboot. However, it does acknowledge and build on the previous movie. A number of important characters return, namely: Harley Quinn, Rick Flag, Captain Boomerang, and Amanda Waller.

It also introduces a lot on new characters to the Squad. Gunn is clearly a fan of the comics, and has done some deep dives into DC Comics history to fill out the team’s ranks. Many of them look like they stepped right off the comic page, and Some of them have established history with the Squad in the comics. We get the likes of King Shark, Weasel, Ratcatcher, the Thinker, Mongal, and others. One of the weirdest is TDK, a.k.a. The Detachable Kid, based on the Legion of Super-Heroes reject, Arm-Fall-Off-Boy.

Positives Cont.

It turns out that the Suicide Squad needs a large roster, as the movie lives up to its title. This mission is indeed a suicide mission for most of the cast. I won’t get into specific spoilers about who dies, but Gunn killed off some characters that I thought for sure would come through alive. This really drives home that none of the characters are indispensable. The first movie attempted to do this by killing off Slipknot. But Gunn succeeds by actually wiping most of the team out.

In my opinion, the two stars of the movie are Bloodsport and Peacemaker. Tension is built up between the two, having very similar skillsets, but radically different attitudes. The pair spend a lot of the movie bickering and engaging in competitive behavior.

In many respects, a lot of Deadshot has been transferred over to the character of Bloodsport. They’re both incredibly skilled marksmen, and Waller uses Bloodsport’s daughter as leverage to get him to obey her orders, much like she has done with Deadshot in the comics and Idris Elba is definitely a major upgrade from Will Smith.

I didn’t expect much from John Cena at first, but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised with his performance as Peacemaker. Unlike the comics, where the character was originally played seriously, Gunn has discovered a wealth of humor in the character. The whole idea of a man who loves peace so much that he’s willing to fight for it is a strange contradiction. This version of Peacemaker suffers from a condition that renders him unable to see that contradiction. And Cena sells that insanity in a hilarious manner.

Positives Cont.

I absolutely love that James Gunn actually using Starro the conqueror – exactly as he appears in the comics – the major villain. That would have fallen flat with any other director, but Gunn makes it work. Gunn’s love of the comics shows through in this movie. He even includes characters from the title’s minor supporting cast like John Economos and Emilia Harcourt.

The Suicide Squad looks and sounds great on Blu-Ray, but if you have a 4K player and compatible TV, then it’s worth the extra cost to see it in full 4K Ultra HD. On the other hand, if you’re not fussy about picture quality and don’t mind missing out on the special features, the DVD is a decent budget option.

There are a wealth of special features, which are primarily found on the Blu-Ray disc. There’s the standard Director’s commentary, deleted/extended scenes, and gag reel features. There are also scene breakdowns and mini-documentaries. Of special note is the feature “Gotta Love the Squad”, which focuses on how Gunn stays true to John Ostrander’s Suicide Squad comic. It really shows how much love Gunn tried to keep his movie true to the spirit of John Ostrander’s original vision.

I also loved the inclusion of three “retro trailers”. Each is a 70s or 80s style movie trailer for the film done in a different movie genre: war movie, horror movie, and buddy cop movie. These are all hilarious, but they also underscore that there are elements of those genres present in Gunn’s movies. While these trailers are hilarious, they do draw attention to those facets of Gunn’s movie as well.

Negatives

On the subject of trailers, I have to say that there is no excuse for not including the actual teaser and theatrical trailers for the film among the special features. In my opinion, every home video movie should include all the official trailers. However, this is a rather minor disappointment.

Verdict

There are some doomsayers that are declaring the DCEU a failure and that the Snyderverse is effectively dead. James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad utterly refutes that idea. It shows that with the right creative talent, there is still a lot of life left in the DCEU.

The post Blu-Ray Review: The Suicide Squad appeared first on DC Comics News.

Written by: Chris Terrio

Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher

Reviewed by: Eric Joseph

Thanks goes to WB for the free review copy.

SUMMARY

Determined to ensure Superman’s (Henry Cavill) ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) aligns forces with Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions. The task proves more difficult than Bruce imagined, as each of the recruits must face the demons of their own pasts to transcend that which has held them back, allowing them to come together, finally forming an unprecedented league of heroes. Now united, Batman (Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher) and The Flash (Ezra Miller) may be too late to save the planet from Steppenwolf, DeSaad and Darkseid and their dreadful intentions.

POSITIVES

Before I dive into this review, I would like to take a moment to inform how the film is presented. Note that I was sent the Blu-ray edition, which is split into two discs. Disc 1 contains the first four parts of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, along with a featurette titled “Road to Justice League.” Disc 2, meanwhile, is home to Parts 5, 6, and the Epilogue. And yes, the 4:3 aspect ratio is preserved. Those hoping for an inclusion of Justice is Gray won’t get it here, as an insert inside the packaging bills it as an HBO Max exclusive. But who knows, maybe one day it’ll be released through Warner Archive or something.

As for the movie itself, I have to say that it may be Zack Snyder’s best DC effort to date. I really dig Man of Steel and Watchmen, so it may take time and perspective for me to one day say that Zack Snyder’s Justice League (ZSJL) dethroned either in my mind. Having said that, it’s better than Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and the theatrical cut of Justice League released in 2017. Truth be told, I like both versions of Justice League, but I happen to like Snyder’s a lot more.

If you’ve yet to see ZSJL for yourself, know that you’re in for a four-hour experience. Well, you don’t have to watch it all in one sitting, but you should probably do something close to that. Stretch your legs, go to the bathroom, grab a snack, and then pop in the second disc. It takes a long, long time getting in, but stick with it. The third act is where this baby shines, though there’s more to love.

Aside from that impressive running time, general moviegoers’ jadedness when it comes to Snyder-directed flicks could play a factor in their choosing whether to view this. If you find yourself in that category, don’t worry, because although ZSJL is a serious affair, it’s not as dark as BvS. Actually, you may find yourself surprised at how many jokes that made it into the theatrical cut were Snyder’s – and there are a few ones exclusive to his cut as well. In other words, there’s levity but the stakes are higher this time around.

On that note, be assured that Cyborg and Steppenwolf are more fleshed out, Batman doesn’t deliver any cringeworthy Whedon-isms, Ezra Miller is actually tolerable as the Flash, and Amber Heard’s Mera has a British accent for some reason. And love him or hate him, Jared Leto returns as the Joker during the Knightmare portion of the Epilogue.

The biggest addition to this cut that put a smile on my face is that of Darkseid’s inclusion. He was absent from the theatrical cut and has never appeared in a live action feature film. Hey, he may not get much screentime, but I sure did enjoy myself whenever he showed up. Hopefully some other filmmaker will one day include him in a Justice League or Superman movie of their own.

I’d really be remiss if I didn’t mention Tom Holkenborg’s score. As much as I love Danny Elfman, Holkenborg bested him in this instance. Heck, if you don’t believe how greatly music can change the tone of a scene, then I’ll refer you to the bank heist thwarted by Wonder Woman. There’s a world of difference. Plus, it’s just more in line with the Snyderverse, anyway.

Before I move on to the next section, I’d just like to circle back by complimenting the third act. It’s a climactic battle truly worthy of DC’s premier superhero team – and boy does the Flash ever play a memorable, pivotal role. I often tout this aspect for those on the fence.

NEGATIVES

As I alluded earlier, it does take quite a while to get to the meat of the narrative. I’m not sure if I’ve seen so much setup in my life. There’s a fine line between a slow burn and spending what felt like a half hour showing Steppenwolf retrieving a Mother Box from Themyscira. Some scenes really, really drag, and others are sometimes bordering on pretentious.

Still, it’s important to point out how this is an extended director’s cut in the purest sense. I’m assuming Snyder included nearly everything he shot. Had he not been replaced by Joss Whedon, my gut says his theatrical cut would’ve clocked in at two-and-a-half or three hours, with an extended home video release planned for down the line. However, if he thought a four-hour tentpole would actually fly, then he would be the only one wondering why the studio execs showed consternation.

But if anything grinds my gears, it’s the inclusion of Martian Manhunter. Don’t get me wrong, I love J’onn J’onzz, but are you meaning to tell me that he sat idly by while three events threatening the planet occurred, yet he’ll get off his ass because Lois Lane hasn’t shown up at her workplace? That’s Paul W.S. Anderson-level stupid, and I wish someone vetoed the idea.

VERDICT

So, should you double dip by purchasing Zack Snyder’s Justice League? Well, I’d say it’s best that you like at least one of his previous DC-related efforts, but you probably should partake. Whether you liked or disliked the theatrical cut, it’s worth at least a rental if you’re a fan of movie trivia. It’s not often we get these “what might have been” releases, so savor it. Although ZSJL hits the same major story beats as its 2017 counterpart, the journey it takes getting there is often different. Those familiar with the two separate versions of Superman II will find themselves in similar territory, and I couldn’t draw a better parallel.

The post Blu-ray Review: Zack Snyder’s Justice League appeared first on DC Comics News.

Written by: Tim Sheridan

Starring: Jensen Ackles, Josh Duhamel, Naya Rivera, Troy Baker, Titus Welliver, Billy Burke

Reviewed by: Eric Joseph

Thanks go to WB for the free review copy.

SUMMARY

“Inspired by the iconic mid-1990s DC story from Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two continues as the Holiday Killer is still at large and, with Bruce Wayne under the spell of the venomous Poison Ivy, Batman is nowhere to be found. Liberated by an unlikely ally, Bruce quickly uncovers the real culprit: Poison Ivy’s employer Carmine Falcone. The Roman, his ranks decimated by Holiday and his business spinning out of control, has been forced to bring on less desirable partners – Gotham City’s rogues’ gallery. In the meantime, Harvey Dent is confronting battles on two fronts: attempting to end the mob war while also dealing with a strained marriage. And, after an attack that leaves Harvey hideously disfigured, the District Attorney unleashes the duality of his psyche that he’s strived his entire life to suppress. Now, as Two-Face, Dent decides to take the law into his own hands and deliver judgment to those who’ve wronged him, his family and all of Gotham. Ultimately, the Dark Knight must put together the tragic pieces that converged to create Two-Face, the Holiday Killer, Batman and Gotham City itself.”

POSITIVES

As you may remember, I gave Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One a rather glowing review back in June. Naturally, we’d all assume that level of positivity to carry over to the concluding chapter, right? Well, that’s what we’re here to discuss today.

Fear not, because Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two kicks all sorts of ass. Truth be told, it may be lighter on action than the first flick, but there’s plenty of intrigue to make up for it. If anything, Harvey Dent is the backbone of this piece, much as he was in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. Likewise, he enjoys much screentime as we’re witness to the tragic origin of his Two-Face persona.

The more I think about it, many of the same compliments paid to the first installment also apply here: Jensen Ackles once again knocks it out of the park voicing Batman; you’ll be glued to your seat as this delightful crime drama/mystery unfolds; Michael Gatt’s musical score is both haunting and a pleasure to hear; and you’ll be pleasantly surprised as some deviations are made from the source material that just work for this telling of the tale.

To elaborate on that last point, I’ll reiterate how this movie isn’t a literal translation of the source material. Rather, it hits the major beats laid out by the comic book, yet can keep those intimately familiar with it on their toes. Anyone who’s up to speed knows how Alberto Falcone was, um, crossed off the list of suspects in one shocking cliffhanger last time around. However, the identity of Holiday came as no shock to me – nor should it to anyone who read the book. I think the filmmakers took that blueprint and created a very believable motive for their own Holiday.

Without giving away the killer’s identity, let me say that I don’t mind the change. Though not as earth-shattering as the changes made to animated films like Gotham by Gaslight or Hush, there’s no disappointment in that regard. In fact, I didn’t mind what happened here, or in Gotham by Gaslight. After all, Holiday was an isolated case. Changing Hush from Tommy Elliott to Riddler, meanwhile, still leaves an odd taste in my mouth, as Hush is a recurring, major villain in Batman comics. Holiday is not.

Elsewhere, expect more expansion of the Batman/Catwoman romance, which I can’t complain about at all. In fact, the groundwork is laid for these two to spend more time together in subsequent animated outings. And by the way, you’re going to want to stick around after the credits for something special that sets up more having to do with this new DC animated universe first established by Superman: Man of Tomorrow. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this pans out.

As for bonus features, we’re treated to yet another Showcase short, this time with the spotlight shining on Blue Beetle. You know, this has to be my favorite since Phantom Stranger. In short, we follow the Ted Kord version of Blue Beetle as he teams up with the Question for a hilarious adventure that pays tribute to superhero cartoons from the 1960’s. Hats off to the creative team.

Aside from that, there isn’t much else of which to speak. We’re given a first look at the Injustice animated movie, which looks pretty cool, as well as two episodes from Batman: The Animated Series – “Two-Face,” Parts One and Two – to supplement. As was the case last time, no documentaries are included.

NEGATIVES

There really aren’t any negatives to mention, other than the animation being somewhat choppy at times. Actually, there’s a dream sequence that doesn’t move quite fluidly right off the bat. Other than these little hiccups, I really dug this effort.

VERDICT 

Much like any two-parter, the first installment stands alone better than the second. If I had to draw a mainstream parallel, I’d have to liken Batman: The Long Halloween to The Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions, insofar that Part One and Reloaded could actually be watched by themselves if the viewer so chooses. Part Two and Revolutions, however, pick up where the story had previously left off and are very reliant on their predecessors.

Having said that, Batman: The Long Halloween must be viewed in its entirety, so pick up both parts on Blu-ray post-haste. But as you no doubt surmised, I’m going to give Part Two a good score because it’s rock solid. The complete story stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Mask of the Phantasm, Under The Red Hood, Return of the Joker, and The Dark Knight Returns, and I fully plan on double dipping once a deluxe edition is released.

Now bring on Dark Victory!

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