@RobBex2
And with that, the DC Animated Universe comes to a close with the all out Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. This is the final film in the DCAU that was started thanks to the New 52 and that means the gloves came off in this film.
After this, we are getting a reboot and while we have seen one picture (where I say the animation looks like it is in the vein of Adult Swim’s Venture Brothers), I will hold my comments on that until I see a trailer.
While JL:AR is a follow up to both Justice League Dark, and Constantine: City of Demons, this movie, this really ties every DCAU film together going back to Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox. To say that the film is fucked up at parts would be a gross understatement (Note: I did not realize it was a ‘R’ rated movie and it definitely uses the cursing and blood and guts properly).
While watching the film, I kept waiting for the big McGuffin to happen and rewind the film, but nothing: all the deaths and maiming stay, and it really amplifies the story. You don’t get a second chance; which is why Avengers: Endgame was so successful. The good guys might win, but there are consequences.
And seeing characters you love gored and eviscerated leaves an image seared into your mindscape. It has been interesting to see these films build and grow on top of one another and go from focusing on the Flash, to Batman, and now to Constantine, and then back to the Flash.
The one thing I will miss is the animation. I love love LOVE the animation style. It is so crisp and clean and I love the artwork and while it does look like the next film will go with a younger Superman and Lex, I will sorely miss this Superman and Lex dynamic. The Batman style is also something I’m going to miss. The Batman/Damian Wayne dynamic has been fun.
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is a fantastic send off to a very fun wave of animated films. While the live-action films have had mixed reviews, the animated films have been by and large the equivalent of the Marvel live action films. They have had depth, soul, and greatly entertained. While I have mixed feelings about how this film ended (I’m not going to spoil this at all for you), the movie was overall an excellent film.
This is a film that you should definitely have in your collection and watch again. I love and adore the voice casting. Jerry O’Connell and Jason O’Mara were perfect as Superman and Batman.
Rosario Dawson has been a great Wonder Woman. I know that Superman has recast O’Connell with Darren Criss (who is a fantastic actor), but it will be interesting to see where they go with the new cast. (Note: I love that Zachary Quinto is voicing Lex. I never really got Rainn Wilson as Lex. Great actor, but wasn’t a strong Lex Luther). 4.5/5 Paradooms.
-Robert Bexar
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is available for streaming right now.