Justice League the New Frontier - a premature review
Disclaimer; There will no doubt be questions of promoting internet piracy and the like over this review. I do not hesitate to deny the fact that my copy of Justice League the New Frontier came from the internet. Sadly, it turns out that Warner Bros. was unable to keep a lid on this,
and it leaked out. However this is on different than movie spoilers that everyone craves. This is no different than those blurred shots from movie scenes, and the out of focus videos. If you crave one, you will crave the other. Having seen the movie prematurely will not stop me from rushing out and ordering it off Amazon the moment I can. In fact, it has only enhanced my desire to own the DVD. So sit back, and enjoy!
Introduction
From the opening credits this movie struck me with a sense of historical correctness. That they would not only focus a direct-to-DVD animated movie on the six-issue comic book limited series written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke is good enough, but that they held to the spirit of the comics just made this movie all the more better.
Justice League the New Frontier is arguably the best direct-to-DVD animated feature released recently that has focused on the superhero genre. Marvel have pounded the stores with DVD’s such as Doctor Strange - The Sorcerer Supreme and The Invincible Iron Man. However nothing comes as close to New Frontier to providing a rollicking good time, while keeping almost entirely true to the comics from which it sprang (I will pledge a certain level of naivety in not knowing 100% of the JLA storylines to guarantee you a perfect movie, free of continuity issues).
Casting
I have waxed eloquent several times over at Comic Book Movie regarding my views of the casting choices, and how there is nothing that could have been done better. Having seen the movie, my views have almost been vindicated, except for Wonder Woman. Lucy Lawless - of Xena: Warrior Princess fame - voiced the Amazonian, and the whole time I could not get Xena out of my head. It detracted slightly from her role, considering the similarities between the two characters. ![]()
Other than that, flawless. The lead character - in terms of credits, status and storyline - is without a doubt the greatest casting choice I have witnessed. David Boreanaz - everyone’s favorite vampire with a soul in Buffy and Angel - voices Hal Jordan, aka, The Green Lantern. His portrayal - and do not discount the acting necessary to portray an entire character through voice only - was masterful, and made me fall in love all over again with the character.
Jeremy Sisto as Batman was a nice change, though hearing anyone that isn’t Kevin Conroy voice the character was a little off-putting. Kyle MacLachlan was fantastic as Superman, and provided the “boy-scout-ness” necessary for the character, while maintaining his somewhat ethereal quality. And Miguel Ferrer as J’onn J’onnz, aka, the Martian Manhunted, was really well done - especially considering the large shoes of the almost beloved Carl Lumbly, who has provided the voice of J’onn in many cartoon adaptions.
Storyline
To say that I loved this storyline is to present the world with one of its greatest understatements. I will ensure not to spoil the movie - for there is no greater crime in my eyes - but the focuses that they spotlighted were brilliant. Batman played in the shadows, the Flash (played by Neil Patrick Harris who I thought was flawless as the young hero) was suitably adolescent, and Green Lantern held center stage through, as I’ve mentioned, both class of acting and the writers intention.
But it was the cast of secondary characters that I was totally unprepared for. Ace Morgan (John Heard), King Faraday (Phil Morris), Carol Ferris (Brooke Shields) held their own in the storyline, and provided us with heart, courage and love respectively. And that you spend half the movie hating Faraday, the other half loving him, and the entire time trying to puzzle out where you know the voice, was just exhilarating.
But even stepping aside from the voices, the inclusion of many of DC’s lower rung of characters was heartwarming. It was not a case of throwing in every superhero to ensure that no fans were left out in the cold. Viewers were treated to just a few superhero’s who made the movie just that bit more exciting. My favorite inclusions were the Blackhawks - with their traditional and entirely campy war cry - Green Arrow in his own jet-plane and Adam Stran ge, in original costume with original ‘ray-gun.’
From beginning to end, the story held you, the way a good movie should; the way a good comic will.
Costumes, Soundtrack, etc
For me however, the movie takes shape - whether it be animated or live-action - in the small things. For example, the fact that Batman looked almost identical to Adam West’s Batman
was uncanny, and perfect. The movie was a period piece, no doubt, and even Batman’s winged and fat Batmobile hung true to that 60’s campiness. The haircuts and dresses on all the women - Carol Ferris, Iris West and Lois Lane - gave the movie the that sense of period fashion, but the characters had all the strength that women have always had - albeit at times squashed.
The backing music was phenomenal as well. It had that same sense of dated music, while backing speeches from King Faraday or Superman perfectly, and providing just the counterpoint to some of the greatest animated battle’s you’ll see.
Conclusion
I physically shuddered when I saw planes destroyed, and the sheer real-ness - the reality of it all - shone through from the opening scenes with Hal and … well, you’ll see!
Please, do yourself a favor (and in the doing so, Warner Bros.). Do not just allow yourself to settle for a pirated copy (especially not this advanced release, with several scenes relegated to black and white). This is a must purchase for any comic fan. In addition, if you are on the fence, or if you have friends and family who are, then this is the perfect movie to get them interested.
In the end, Justice League the New Frontier scores 9.5/10 for me. I dare you to disagree!
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The Xena-is-just-like-Wonder-Woman is a myth. The characters are absolutely nothing alike. They both have jet black hair and blue eyes, and thats it. It doesn’t go beyond the physical. Just two completely different characters. Just had to say that. lol