Justice League: Gods and Monsters
Studio: Warner Bros. Animation
Release Date: July 14th, 2015 - Digital; July 28th, 2015 - Blu-ray, DVD

Synopsis: Witness a divergent reality where the Justice League protects the planet ... but answers to no one but themselves. Employing methods of intimidation and fear, this Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman deal brute force in the name of justice. From the creative genius of executive producer Bruce Timm and co-producer Alan Burnett comes an original story where the world's greatest triumvirate of super heroes has distinctly different origins. Superman was not raised by the Kents in Smallville, the Caped Crusader is not Bruce Wayne, and Wonder Woman is not an Amazon warrior of Themyscira. They are as likely the world's saviors as Earth's despotic rulers. When a group of famed scientists experience untimely "accidents," a government task force follows the trail of clues to the Justice League ... but is there a more powerful player operating from the shadows? It's a high stakes game of intrigue, mystery and action that asks the question: How do you serve justice to those above the law?

With a twist on your favorite Justice League characters, this film is full of thrilling new adventures and jam-packed with a celebrity voice cast which includes Michael C. Hall (Dexter) as Batman, Benjamin Bratt (Law & Order, 24) as Superman, Tamara Taylor (Bones) as Wonder Woman, Paget Brewster (Criminal Minds) as Lois Lane, Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter films, Dig) as Lex Luthor and C. Thomas Howell (E.T., Southland) as Dr. Will Magnus. Sam Liu (Batman: Year One) directed Justice League: Gods & Monsters from an original story by Bruce Timm (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) and Co-Producer Alan Burnett (The Batman), who also wrote the screenplay. Executive Producers are Sam Register and Bruce Timm. Benjamin Melniker and Michael Uslan are Co-Executive Producers.

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Justice League: Gods and Monsters Feature Review
By James Harvey

The less you know about Justice League: Gods and Monsters, the better. A risky venture, especially sense there are no real traditional super-heroes here, this stirring DC Universe Animated Original Movie presents a murder mystery where, like the victims and heroes struggling to solve it, we're in the dark. The world on display here is not one we've seen before and, because of that, we know nothing of the possible suspects, and can only watch as the events unfold before us. And actually, as a movie that could be construed as all set-up for a whole new universe to explore, it's a genius and riveting way to hook viewers in this decidedly mature take on DC Comics' biggest heroes.

First off, it's crucial to point out this film isn't dark for the sake of being dark, but instead the darkness serves a purpose. Some dire circumstances have brought our main characters (and the world, to an extent) to this point. And these circumstances are earned. They're not trite reasons just to get our characters into certain situations to pontificate about how dreary and depressing everything is. I know fans are tired for dark, bleak renditions out super heroes, but this isn't that. It's not dark, but thoughtful. This is a mediation on the idea of why our heroes are our heroes, and in the end, I think we even get a satisfactory answer to that question.

Also remember that we're not following the journey of the traditional DC Comics' Trinity. Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince are nowhere to be seen here. Superman is the son of Zod, not Jor-El. Batman is actually Kirk Langstrom, a genetically altered vampire-like creature, not Bruce Wayne. Wonder Woman is Princess Bekka, the granddaughter of New God Highfather who left her people after a traumatic event, not the Amazonian Warrior we know.

And while these characters are familiar, they are effectively new, that doesn't the film just scratches the surface of each. Our main heroes, with the possible exception of maybe one, get a legitimate story-arcs. The viewer gets to see these characters at the critical turning point where they can either step back and recede further into the dark, or embrace who they are supposed to be, and we see how that plays out by watching them make hard decisions based on their respective pasts. While I'm sure this will cause some eye-rolling among many who seem tired of his "over-exposure," but Batman's subplot is easily a big chunk of the movie's driving force, perhaps even the heart of it, and it's great.

I'm trying to be as vague as I can because this is a film that really deserves to be viewed as fresh as possible. The film's marketing team especially deserves some kudos by releasing content primarily from the first quarter of the film. It actually helps serve the idea that anything can happen to these guys and, yes, this does take a couple unexpected tangents. But, within the context of the movie, it all makes sense. Even when the big threat is revealed before our heroes, it makes sense in terms of the character and of the actual story, and it's surprisingly personal.

The designs are, of course, bang-on for each of the main characters. Wonder Woman looks perfectly regal and of power. Superman is, basically, a black coat wearing trooper, and he looks imposing and menacing. Batman has this awesome Victorian-esque look to him (that might be the wrong description, feel free to correct me). Their designs fit their personalities to a 'T.' One thing I really enjoy about Bruce Timm (and Co)'s design work is how their designs perfectly match their personality. You know who they are and what they're about simply by looking at them. The designs show exactly what you need to know and nothing more. No unnecessary clutter.

Everything in the movie syncs together so nicely. The animation, the music, the cast and crew, all of it just works. Now it's not perfect, as there are a handful of little hiccups, but it's nothing that takes away from the story. The animation by Moi is solid for the most part, though there are some glitchy parts. There are a few moments where the animation looks a little rocky and some CGI clunky. But those moments are fleeting. Frederick Wiedmann returns to score and does his work since Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox. That is going to be one fantastic soundtrack to listen to.

The casting is strong, especially among the core three. Bratt as Superman is an inspired choice, bring a nice amount of gravitas to the character and just melting into the role. Taylor is a solid choice for Wonder Woman and does a really fine job with the material provided, especially shining during a flashback scene on New Genesis. Among the Trinity, Hall is perfect as Langstrom's Batman. His cold, detached take on Batman is brilliant. It's a façade that slowly starts to break away during the course of the movie and you can hear that gradual shift in Hall's delivery as the story rolls. Absolutely inspired casting all around, from the main three characters to the supporting cast and beyond.

The story and script are solid, creating a mystery that unravels at a nice deliberate pace. Nothing ever feels rush, and everything gets to play out without rushing or cramming in an abundance of exposition. The movie just gets to tell its story, intercut with flashes of violence. The violence never feels excessive, nor the language over-the-top or edgy for the sake of being so. It's an action-packed movie, yes, but it doesn't forget that the action needs to be earned. Burnett and Timm have created a great a tale here, one that leaves the door open for a whole new world of possibilities (and one that should be revisited). All of this is nicely directed by Sam Liu, who definitely seems to have matured as a director since his last feature. He seems to rely more on the material to sell the movie, letting the action and story speak for itself and not leaning heavily on tricks and flash. Basically, Liu does a fantastic job.

Without going into spoilers, what really sells this movie, and really elevates it, is how it ends. Now, we all know, when it comes to these animated DC Comics movies, the good guys will win. Batman will save the day, the Justice League will come together, whatever, we know it's gonna happen. If Justice League: Gods and Monsters finished that way, that'd be fine. But this movie is a little different. Everything works out in the end, yeah, but the way the movie end, it seems ... hopeful. It's a definite step toward a brighter tomorrow. And that is why this movie works so well. We slog through some pretty dark stuff, but how it ends? It's all worth it. It feels worth it. And it feels good. Perhaps I'm caught up in the whole "Bruce Timm is back doing DC Comics animated features," but I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and I find it corrects some of the mistakes a few of the previous titles in the DC Universe Animated Original Movie line have made since his departure, namely the films' reliance to push contrived edginess. This movie is definitely for adults, yes, but it's also mature and thoughtful.

If you don't enjoy these animated movies, this film likely won't change your mind. But if you love DC Comics lore, love their animated output, and appreciate the work by the massive talents behind some of the best cartoons of the past two decades, then you owe it to give this movie a spin. It's a great new take on some of the biggest heroes ever created, and it does them all absolute justice. Justice League: Gods and Monsters comes Highly Recommended.

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