So first things first, a little history and clarification on this project. This film started life as a script written by Dwayne McDuffie (Justice League/JLU) to bridge the gap between “Justice League” and what was initially pitched as a spin-off show but became “Justice League Unlimited.” When JLU became a continuation of the JL the film was scrapped, but the idea eventually became the episode “A Better World” featuring the “Justice Lords,” totalitarian versions of the Justice League. The original script titled “Justice League: Worlds Collide,” which borrowed ideas from an old Gardner Fox “Crisis” storyline that first introduced the “Crime Syndicate”, and Grant Morrison’s “Earth 2,” which reintroduced the group into modern day, was shelved but remained a plausible idea for DC’s then upcoming series of direct to DVD films. Years later with a few tweaks to make it follow a continuity not connected to the JL/JLU universe, but still great if you were a fan of the show.
With an art style that is reminiscent of “Wonder Woman,” “Crisis on Two Earths” (from here on to be referred to simply as “Crisis”) comes out the corner swinging. The story: a good Lex Luthor from a parallel dimension travels to the Justice League Earth to recruit help to stop the powerful beings on his planet that rule with an iron fist. Simple enough, and in some cases could be very predictable. And yet it still feels fresh. Sure there are clichés, like the villains being the heroes and the heroes being the villains, reversed organs and the obligatory slugfests, but that’s the stuff we look for in stories like this. What was fresh and new was the take on the Crime Syndicate. Instead of just being morally ambiguous or just dark versions of our heroes, we get villains. Crooks. Killers. VILLAINS! The Crime Syndicate is portrayed as just that, a super powered mob that runs the world, complete with families of criminals under each member. I loved this take on the characters. Seeing some of the B-list or second tier heroes (villains) show up early was a blast too. We get looks at evil versions of Black Lightning, Black Canary, Green Arrow, Hawkgirl, Gypsy, and Elongated Man just to name a few. But it wouldn’t be fair if the villains stole the show so we get some B-listers fighting on the side of the angels on regular Earth too.
The one thing I was disappointed with Morrison’s “Earth 2″ was there wasn’t enough action, as in that story the teams had to switch Earths and really didn’t fight. That isn’t the case here. This film has more fights than all the other DC/Warner Premier films to date. I mean it. It’s action packed and crazily done. There were times someone would be hit and their head would drag across the ceiling completely wrecking it. Everyone fights, and not everyone you think would win does. Okay I’m just gonna say it. Batman gets owned. Sorry. I’m a Batman fan. Hardcore! But he actually should be getting owned to a point. In most cases he holds his own but there are two fights in particular where he’s just overpowered. And he should be. He may be peak human condition, but he’s still ONLY human, and when he’s going up against people who can lift cars with one hand, run at the speed of sound, or whatever eventually he’s gonna run out of luck, but that won’t stop him from getting up, and THAT is a true testament to the man.
As usual the voice talent for the film is phenomenal. Andrea Romano has done it again. William Baldwin does a surprisingly good Batman. Not as perfect as Kevin Conroy, but still rather good. Mark Harmon was pretty good as Superman as well, though sometimes he sounded a little off. Vanessa Marshal voices Wonder Woman, and was apparently up for the role in JL, but they went with a different choice. Chris Noth was a great Luthor. I firmly believe that Clancy Brown is THE voice for Luthor, just as Conroy is THE voice for Batman, however I don’t know if he would’ve worked as Noth’s voice has a heroic and noble quality, while Brown’s Luthor, I don’t think I could ever use the word “Heroic” when speaking of his voice. Even when played benevolent, he sounds untrustworthy. But the real runaway voice talent has to be Gina Torres as Superwoman, and James Woods as Owlman. EVIL PERSONIFIED!!!! Woods has all the calculated qualities, with none of the attachment. He’s just cold and to the point, and quite psycho. Torres is just as bad, except she exudes sensuality and entertainment. She enjoys violence and killing, and you can see it when she fights. She’s always smiling as she puts someone through a wall or something. It’s great stuff. “I’m a psychotic killer. It’s part of my charm.”
All and all “Crisis” is DC’s best effort since “Wonder Woman” and the debated “Green Lantern: First Flight.” Some liked it (I loved it!), some hated it, but everyone thought WW was great. This is definitely in that same line of work. A co-directorial effort from Sam Liu and Lauren Montgomery both of who have directed a DC film, this film is definitely great fun. Great action, great dialogue, great film.
Extra features include DC’s standard look at some of the goings on in the comics world that prompted the film to be made, as well as Bruce Timm’s picks of Justice League cartoon episodes, and sneak peeks at other DC animated films including the newest, “Batman: Under the Red Hood.” On the two disc set the first of DC’s Showcase shorts is included. A 12 minute short about DC’s avenging spirit, “The Spectre.” I didn’t get to see that but I’ll write a quick review when I do.
Sam Liu, Lauren Montgomery (director) / Dwayne McDuffie (screenplay)
CAST: Mark Harmon … Superman (voice)
James Woods … Owlman (voice)
Chris Noth … Lex Luthor (voice)
Gina Torres … Super Woman (voice)
William Baldwin … Batman (voice)
Brian Bloom … Ultraman (voice)
Jonathan Adams … Martian Manhunter (voice)
Vanessa Marshall … Wonder Woman (voice)
