Hey there, loyal readers (haha!), it is time for another DVD recommendation (haven't there been so many already?).
This week's recommendation comes courtesy of Warner Premiere: it's the DC Universe animated original movie, Justice League: The New Frontier, based on the Darwyn Cooke graphic novel of the same name (well, similar name; the book was called DC: The New Frontier).
I read the Cooke book (I just got far too much pleasure out of that rhyme than I really should have) a few years ago and it has been one of my very favorites ever since. Not only is the art style right up my alley with it's retro, art deco feeling, but the storytelling really shines with an alternate history retelling of the time period closely following the Korean war.
Just like the graphic novel, The New Frontier focuses mostly on Justice League members Green Lantern and the Martian Manhunter (who happens to be one of my favorite DC Universe characters). Problems arise, however, when the animated film begins to feel a little loose and disjointed-- hardly allowing enough time for each of the characters, especially some of the lesser ones, to really stand out. The movie also fails in many respects to fully explore much of the social-economic and geo-political strife at the time, instead opting to only briefly reference these disturbances in passing. It may have worked better in the comic, where I could dwell on each frame, giving them all the time I needed to reflect on their significance, whereas in the DVD things felt rushed in order to compliment the seventy-five minute running time.
Things I did like: Jeremy Sisto as Batman. His confrontation of J'onn J'onzz is incredibly cool.
That being said, Justice League: The New Frontier is an enjoyable picture, especially for fans of the characters and Darwyn Cooke's work. Despite being somewhat disappointed, I will agree with others that there are still moments of brilliance in The New Frontier and I recommend it to comic book lovers everywhere.
2 comments:
Based off your review, I will definitely read the comic, hoping it's better than the movie. I'm a fan of the JLA cartoons, and was hoping for more great writing in this. But it seemed rushed and political, but the politics were too vague and seemed forced. I loved the retro style and completely agree with you on the voice for Batman. Decent JLA movie. I will now go get the graphic novel.
I just can't wait for the live action JLA movie! That movie is going to rock! Yeeeaahh!!
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