So I FINALLY ended up watching this (over a year later, lol
) and...it was great! In many ways, it feel that
this universe is DC's real answer to the MCU, rather than the DCEU with all its behind-the-scenes drama, and
Apokolips War is what Snyder's Justice League sequels
could have been.
I suppose part of the reason why the film worked well for me was because I've been following this 'verse since Day 1, over the last 7-8 years, having meticulously watched every installment (apart from
Wonder Woman Bloodlines so far). I've seen it grow from its early New 52 inspired Batman and Damian obsessed days to a more diverse, creative and lived-in universe. So the 'grand finale' aspect of this film really hit home for me.
I love how this film is truly a celebration of this entire universe. The major characters represent the Justice League, the Bat-family, the Titans, the Justice League Dark 'team' and, to an extent, the Suicide Squad. You have plot points from a wide range of films coming into play - from
Justice League War to
Justice League vs. Teen Titans to
Justice League Dark to
Reign of the Supermen to all the way back to
Justice League The Flashpoint Paradox. If ever a piece of DC media has felt like
Infinity War and
Endgame, its this one.
As much of a hardcore Batman fan as I am, I admit that this universe often erred too much on the side of Dark Knight screentime and focus. So I was pleasantly surprised here to see that the real heroes of the day were Superman, Constantine and Raven. Well, we have Damian too of course, but he doesn't really hog the limelight. Bruce does get some cool moments, but he's definitely not the protagonist, or even a co-protagonist of
this story. Its also a bit refreshing to get an ''evil Batman'' rather than an ''evil Superman'' for a change
Well, we do get ''evil Superman'' as well for about 5 minutes, but you know what I mean.
I love how some of the minor characters get their moments to shine as well. Etrigan was a treat to watch, as was King Shark. A (quiet
literally) post-apocalyptic setting is the only one where I can take Harley as a superhero seriously. And John Stewart, who appears on screen for a couple of minutes tops, gets a truly epic moment too.
There was one aspect of the film which I did feel could have been developed better, and its to do with the ending.
spoilers:
Yeah, they did set it up with Barry mentioning Flashpoint at the start, but I feel the whole bit where Constantine reads Barry's mind and figures out that, in a way, he's responsible for what's happening now could have been explored further. Barry himself hasn't really gotten much focus in these films since Flashpoint so it would have been nice to have at least aa brief scene dealing with the issue of his culpability (or not) in creating this timeline and how he and the others feel about it. Or the potential ramifications of playing God again. I really feel that the last conversation between him and Constantine should ideally have included Bruce as well, as a book-end to their conversation at the end of Flashpoint, and because Bruce, more than anyone else, understands what Barry went through that time.
That said, as abrupt as the decision to reboot the universe was at the end, it was refreshing to see a hero go back to change history not in the nick of time just before everything's wiped out, but because the long-term prognosis for the current timeline is not positive. And we got that great shot at the end of all the surviving heroes of this universe boldly awaiting oblivion and new lives... |
end of spoilers
On the whole, this was a treat, and IMO one of the best DC animated original movies to date!