Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!
Plot Summary: The Justice League must save a parallel world from their evil doppelgangers.
Review: While this film isn't quite as awesome as "The Flashpoint Paradox," this is still a cool DC original. At a glance, the story does appear to complement the Justice League TV show, but it's simply a standalone entry regardless. You have your usual big boys showcasing their abilities, however, a few characters like Martian Manhunter get more time to shine which was nice. The one major misstep I could see was an abundance of filler for an already short running time. Also, Batman saves the day--yet again--and that's really getting tiresome; the ending is satisfying though. Okay, let's take a look at what we have here.
This is an alternate reality, of sorts, where many things are backward. So it's not like you can pinpoint where this universe diverged from the regular DC timeline if that helps. The Lex Luthor of this world is a hero and knows he cannot overcome the villains alone. Escaping into the normal DC universe, Luthor gains the assistance of the Justice League in order to stop their evil counterparts, the Crime Syndicate. When trying to stop the villains the normal, beat 'em up way, the heroes realize the Crime Syndicate's control is too deeply embedded. In order to truly defeat the villains they must rally the public to stand up to the Crime Syndicate. While this is occurring, the Batman equivalent, Owlman, has come to the epiphany that there are infinite realities based upon choices. Creating a bomb than can destroy the entire planet, Owlman intends to travel to a place called Earth Prime where all realities stem. Apparently destroying this particular world will destroy all Earths in the multiverse; not entirely sure how that works, but this is a comic book movie after all. By the end, the public overcomes the Crime Syndicate while Batman squares off against Owlman in order to stop the bomb. Owlman is definitely the standout character in this film as he's brilliantly evil. Even when Batman manages to transport Owlman and the bomb to a different Earth that is covered in ice, this fookin legend of crime alley doesn't even stop the bomb and lets himself get blown up! Back in their own universe, the heroes just go about their business as usual. Ehh, how else could you really end it?
I want to mention a few highlights and low points as well. Surprisingly, Wonder Woman was standing out here. She doesn't do anything especially interesting, but she was kicking ass like nobody's business; this movie depicted her acrobatic and fluid style of fighting extremely well. I don't care for Aquaman much, but, come on, what was with the line acting like he's weak; he's a capable enough fighter to handle a Shazaam-reject. Batman semi killing the Flash equivalent and outright setting Owlman up to die felt out of character, but I suppose when the universe hangs in the balance he can break his one rule?
This film is not quite as good as it could have been, but it's still fun and enjoyable. While the story still focuses on the major players, there are quite a few background Leaguers to keep an eye on. The pacing needed some work as we get random tangents that feel like leftover plot lines from the TV show; definitely looking at Martian Manhunter's romance here. However, many of my complaints are minor grievances that can be overlooked readily. Overall, this is a great addition to the library of DC films.
Notable Moment: When Owlman smiles at his own death. It certainly helped that he was voiced by James "piece of candy" Woods.
Final Rating: 6.5/10
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