La Ligue des justiciers : Guerre

I've been watching all of these DC animated films in order of release on HBO Max.

I realize this and Flashpoint Paradox are part of the New 52 universe rebranding, but there's been a noticeable turn toward the grim and gritty. Which I feel just does not work for this collection of characters. It hasn't worked in the DCEU live action iterations and it doesn't work here, although these at least demonstrate a level of competence in storytelling logic. Mostly.

The characterization is garbage though. Why does DC/Warner think we want all of their heroes to be a-holes?

I'm new to animated feature length superhero movies, so I'm no expert. But I do know a little something about being entertained, and I was with this one. I like the character design, and the animation is good.

What really stood out to me in this one, is Darkseid. Because man he is scary as hell. Just floating along there with his hands behind his back, impossible to beat. He actually kind of scared me. And I'm a huge horror movie buff! I guess the fact that he seems so unbeatable is what makes him scary. Good stuff.

I'm no reader of comic books, and I haven't watched that many of these animated superhero movies yes, but so far this is one of my favorites.

This animated movie is different from the majority of previous. The heroes do not play around as nice as they usually do. There is plenty of animated violence, blood, bruises, broken bones, sliced limbs and more. The PG-13 rating is there for a reason.

The relationship between the heroes is forced and easily changed by the creators, the heroes fight when it fits the script and than co-operate, when again, it fits the script. For those purposes their behavior has also been changed. Generally the movie describes, more realistic super heroes than the comic books. The heroes in this movie, have ego issues, lower moral standards, shorter fuse for violence and really poor taste of humor.

Besides that the animation is different, I think that was done to set the tone and show that these are different super heroes, not the ones we know. Less square jaws (in that matter less square anything), more details, some 3D computer rendering has been added, generally the animation is rather detailed and smooth, really easy on the eyes.

I will not talk about the voices, some guidelines do apply and in my opinion they did fine, there is no reason to obsess about it.

After taking some points off for the forced behavior and forced story line it is 8/10.

This adventure has much to love! It has action, adventure, comedy, romance (with Wonder Woman), suspense, and so much more including, of course, the heroes!

Now, everything is fine on Earth. Heroes are chilling, doing their thing. But, it's all interrupted when each of them is stopped and has to find the others to destroy a horrible alien race that will harvest humans to destroy the planet! Will the group of super heroes be enough force to stop the 'the Dark Side'? You have to watch the film to find out the ending!

The movie is surprising in a couple of ways. For one, I did not expect the adult language! And second, there are a couple of new heroes such as Shazam who replaces Aqua Man. The film is extremely intense for a DC Comic animation. I think that this film has wonderful voices though. The only small flaw is the voice of Wonder woman – for such a wonderful character, her voice sounds a bit fake. The script and animation are also done nicely.

My favorite scene is when they introduce this kid that gets into a football game for free, gets front row seats and also steals one of the player's jerseys. It takes you time to realize it but, that scene shows two people that look ordinary, but are not.

I recommend this film to ages 12-18. The movie does have a lot of adult language and intense scenes. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed by Gerry O, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews, go to kidsfirst dot org.

Greetings Superhero Fans!!

I just wanted to let you know that I was one of the fortunate ones who was able to watch this latest animated gem from DC and Warner Bros. in addition to being at the premier, to which I was able to interview some of the incredible talent behind this latest endeavor...including the incredible Andrea Romano.

Justice League: WAR is based on DC Comics' "New 52", which means brand new origin stories and character depictions...if you're up on the current issues, well then only you can be the judge on the quality of these new story lines.

For me, who was never really a true "Comic-Book Geek", only a semi-Comic Book Geek, I am a little disappointed on this latest animated offering...which is sad, because, up until now, I have been nothing but incredibly impressed with all things DC Animated.

Now, please do not get me wrong, the movie is fun, and visually stunning...it is just not what I had hoped in as far as story, character development and execution. "Justice League: THe Flashpoint Paradox", "Justice League: The New Frontier" and "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths" I felt were better offerings and I have incredible hope and confidence that DC will continue with those as their guides for their future productions.

With all of that said...would I still watch it again? Sure, again, it was a fun watch, and even my 15 year old son, who loves these animated movies just as much as I do, enjoyed watching it and would watch it again...so...go out and get this DVD, which is officially on sale as of Tuesday, 02/04/14 and have yourselves a "Superfriends" time. ;)