“Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” was released in 2010. (same year Young Justice aired on Cartoon Network) It received positive reviews from critics, fans and viewers alike. Originally planned as a film connected to the “Justice League” series on Cartoon Network, but plans were changed as a straightforward one-off with no elements from the show.
There are various reasons why I wanted to share my thoughts on Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths. First, Michael Keaton will reprise his role as Batman in “The Flash” set in the DC Extended Universe or DCEU for short. Second, Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series) & J.J. Abrams are working on an animated Batman series intended to steam on HBO Max. Third, Robert Pattinson’s highly anticipated Batman will finally be released on March 4th, 2022. Fourth, Young Justice second half of Season 4 is renewed. Make sure you refresh your memory watching all episodes on HBO Max.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS whatsoever. Keep in mind, this is a short review. It’s not a complex three-hour epic like the latest Batman film. Just a standalone 75-minute animated film.
Immune & Weak Qualities
Immune: Mark Harmon, Nolan North, William Baldwin (one of Alec Baldwin’s brothers) & James Woods all did a decent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Fun Fact: Nolan also voiced Superman & Superboy in “Young Justice.” He also voiced Penguin from the “Batman: Arkham” series.
Animation reminds me of the same style from Young Justice bringing many elements to life including character models, fluid movement and environmental locations.
Bruce Timm served as a producer.
Action Sequences with both universes’ respective heroes and villains kept me entertained.
Opening Scene establishes an alternate universe with the heroes and villains we all know switch roles. For example, Lex Luthor is a good guy, rather than a bad guy. An evil version of Superman named, Ultraman, (not the Japanese superhero) runs The Crime Syndicate filled with powerful baddies. The concept was also used in the video game, “Lego DC Super Villains.”
Joker’s good counterpart makes a brief appearance.
Although Ultraman maybe the big threat, but there’s a much bigger threat putting the multiverse in peril.
Pacing for a 75-minute animated film didn’t take forever showcasing two universes.
Slade Wilson/Deathstroke appears as the U.S. President. Deathstroke is my favorite DC villain. He’s like the Boba Fett of the DC Universe.
One scene pays homage to Ripley’s power loader scene from one of my favorite movies, “Aliens.”
Batman’s evil counterpart is Owlman. He also appeared on two episodes of “Batman: The Brave and The Bold.”
Weak: I never cared about Martian Manhunter’s romance with Slade’s daughter, Rose. It felt shoehorned. All I care about is The Crime Syndicate’s battle with the Justice League.
How in the world are Batman & Owlman capable of breathing on a planet with no oxygen? What is this Jimmy Neutron?
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BEAUTIFUL!
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths is a great standalone DC animated movie. If you’re looking for something to keep yourself occupied before The Flash is released on Thanksgiving month, give Crisis on Two Earths a try.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 