Comic Vine News

117 Comments

Review: 'Justice League: Doom' Blu-ray/DVD

An ambitious take on one of the biggest Justice League stories seeing the team get taken down.

The Justice League may be the toughest team in the DC Universe but they are not unstoppable. Find out what happens when Batman's ingenuity is used against them.

The Good

No Caption Provided

This is what we want from a DC animated movie. The movie opens by showing the different members of the Justice League from Batman's files in his computer. We then see Batman investigating a break in using stealth the way Batman should and he soon finds himself fighting the Royal Flush Gang.

We're used to Batman being able to fight everyone but he has a hard time against the tech of the Gang. Because this is a Justice League movie, this is where everyone else comes in. Not only is it great to see Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Martian Manhunter and Cyborg all fighting side by side. There is plenty of group action as well as many scenes with solo action. Besides all our favorite DC heroes, we also have the return Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, Nathan Fillion and others.

The premise of the movie (similar to the comic book arc) has Batman's Bat-computer get hacked into. Because Batman is always on edge, he kept contingency plans on everyone. With his files being compromised, Vandal Savage's plan (instead of Ra's al Ghul) against the Justice League just might be enough to finally put an end to the team.

No Caption Provided

Seeing each member systematically broken down and taken out is not something we're used to seeing. This movie clearly stands out from the other DC Universe original movie.

The Bad

No Caption Provided

Mirror Master is able to hitch a ride in the mirror of the Batmobile. It's a great way to catch Batman off guard but was a little odd since the security systems immediately recognized Batman as an "authorized" user yet Mirror Master was able to enter and leave without a problem. It turns out this is later explained so apparently Batman doesn't actually think of everything.

It is a little weird to see Cyborg on the team instead of Aquaman. Also it's great to have Barry Allen in the movie but of course Wally West fans will be disappointed. Kyle Rayner was in the comic book version but here we get Hal. We're getting a bit of a mix with the pre-New 52 versions and the current status of the characters. Barry and Cyborg seem to play into that but other elements such as Lois knowing Clark is Superman. It's a whole different continuity and we just need to accept it and enjoy the movie.

There are interesting deviations from the original story. Because of the nature and format of the movie, the 77 minute running time makes it feel as if the story gets a little short-changed. A lot of the movie deals with each member getting taken down. The resolution in dealing with the villains feels a little rushed. If only we could someday get a DC animated movie that was over 80 minutes.

The Verdict

No Caption Provided

Watching this movie is a little bittersweet. It's a great story but being reminded that this is the final DC Universe film script by the late Dwayne McDuffie makes you think how much he contributed to comics and how much he will be missed. It is a great way to pay tribute to the man.

Seeing each of the members of the League in action makes you wish we could get more. Wonder Woman kicks butt here yet her (great) solo movie wasn't considered a success. Flash zipping around taking out villains in the way only he could would be great to see more of. The unfortunate nature of the buying public's taste is apparently you have to have Batman or Superman in the movie.

SPECIAL FEATURES

No Caption Provided
  • A League of One: The Dwayen McDuffie Story (36:35) Friends and family of the late Dwayne McDuffie, including Stan Berkowitz, Matt Wayne,Charlotte McDuffie, Andrea Romano, Denys Cowan, Sid Jacobson, Bruce Timm, Joe Kelly, Dan DiDio and many others talk about his brilliance (he went to college at age 10) and everything he contributed to comics (from his work on Deathlok, Damage Control, Milestone and more).
  • Guarding the Balance: Batman and the JLA (18:54) A look at Batman's decision to keep safeguards against each member of the Justice League. Writers, authors, professors and others talk about the idea of "absolute power corrupting absolutely." How do you keep the power in check?
  • Sneak Peek at 'Superman Vs. The Elite' (6:32) The next DC original animated story is based on the story of Superman taking on the Elite (beginning in ACTION COMICS #775). What happens when Superman is called into question? The movie will be released Summer 2012.
  • Cyborg: His Time Has Come (6:08) Geoff Johns, Mike Carlin and Marv Wolfman talk about his creation and why now is the time for him to be a bigger part of the DC Universe.
  • Justice League Unilimited Episodes ('Wild Cards, Parts 1 & 2).
  • Audio Commentary.
  • DC Digital Comic Book - JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: TOWER OF BABEL (JLA #43)
  • Trailers

This may not be the perfect DC animated movie but it comes pretty close. It has pretty much everything you'd want. We get to see many of our favorite heroes and villains fighting each other with plenty of time together and on their own. The idea of the Justice League being defeated to this extent isn't something we normally see. Comic fans should enjoy this movie and those with a passing familiarity should become fans themselves after seeing this. Because we do not have half stars, I'd have to give this a 5 out of 5. There's action, humor, darkness and plenty of superhero butt-kicking and you'll want to watch it over and over.

117 Comments

Avatar image for saoakden
saoakden

1284

Forum Posts

548

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 4

Edited By saoakden

i want to see this movie.

Avatar image for boywander
BoyWander

333

Forum Posts

130

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By BoyWander

gonna go buy this asap!

Avatar image for combatspoon86
CombatSpoon86

963

Forum Posts

7376

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 10

Edited By CombatSpoon86

Loved the movie. There maybe faults but this was a fun and entertaining. Makes me want to reread Tower of Babel now

Avatar image for projektgill
ProjektGill

68

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By ProjektGill

The story was a perfect choice to be adapted into an animated feature even if it seems that it might be a bit rough around the edges. The special features sound awesome and it was really cool of DC to do a mini-doc on Dwayne McDuffie which I would have probably paid $5-$10 to see that on its own.

Avatar image for 672253
672253

51

Forum Posts

16

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By 672253

I'm gonna buy it first thing tomorrow morning..!

Avatar image for zackattack529
zackattack529

1408

Forum Posts

73

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 2

Edited By zackattack529

wow too many spoilers in this review :/

Avatar image for pikahyper
pikahyper

19027

Forum Posts

37057995

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 581

Edited By pikahyper  Moderator

I want this just for the special features o.o A League of One & Cyborg: His Time Has Come sound super interesting.

Avatar image for komickev
KomicKev

131

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By KomicKev

I liked the movie quite a bit. It was fun and interesting and the time just flew by. Yes, it was a retelling of the story from the comics when Grant Morrison was doing JLA (did he get any credit for this "borrowed" tale?) but had enough differences that it still felt somewhat original. I missed Aquaman but I guess they included Cyborg for some obvious computer and tech-related points. I give it a thumbs up.

Avatar image for batteredarmor
BatteredArmor

6234

Forum Posts

44

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Edited By BatteredArmor

I saw this on the internet but I'm tempted to buy t because of the special feature about McDuffie, that guy was great. Once again R.I.P.

Avatar image for eyz
Eyz

3187

Forum Posts

304

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 2

Edited By Eyz

Alright, so this looks like a fun enough movie^^

Glad to still see the pre-New 52 costumes. I was fearing they would start using them from now on....

Avatar image for scifi_superstar
scifi_superstar

42

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By scifi_superstar
Yesss! Superman vs the elite is coming! This is where manchester violates lois to get to superman.
Avatar image for nightfang3
NightFang3

12416

Forum Posts

397293

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 3

Edited By NightFang3

@BlackArmor said:

I saw this on the internet but I'm tempted to buy it because of the special feature about McDuffie, that guy was great. Once again R.I.P.

Why do the good die young!?

Avatar image for maxicere
maxicere

998

Forum Posts

81

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 4

Edited By maxicere

I saw this movie, it's not a big deal. After Under the Red Hood and Year One I think it's a poor movie. I was boring with this movie. Crisis in two earth it's for long a best movie

Avatar image for batclaw89
BatClaw89

143

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By BatClaw89

Best part in the Movie

 Superman says: We wouldn't do that to you 
 Batman reply's: Than your all dam fools. 
 
Avatar image for deadpool25mm
deadpool25mm

864

Forum Posts

1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Edited By deadpool25mm

This movie was Awesome!

Avatar image for sevangrim
SevanGrim

2192

Forum Posts

8056

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 49

User Lists: 9

Edited By SevanGrim

@CombatSpoon86 said:

Loved the movie. There maybe faults but this was a fun and entertaining. Makes me want to reread Tower of Babel now

iread it frequently. :)

Avatar image for kainscion
KainScion

2991

Forum Posts

67

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 9

Edited By KainScion

@maxicere: yeah, thats what i was thinking. it was kinda bad, they should have sticked to the original story, it wouldve been so much better. and what idiot decided to use savage (practically a nobody to people outside comics, even to some into comics, that isnt that great in comics) instead of ras who is know by everybody in comics and outside due to being used in the batman animated series. ruined a good movie so a nobody can get face time. pfff.

Avatar image for foxxfireart
FoxxFireArt

3645

Forum Posts

336411

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 9

User Lists: 2

Edited By FoxxFireArt

This looks as if it could be a really good movie. I'll certainly rent it. Providing my local Blockbuster gets it. They never even got Batman Year One.

Avatar image for savagedragon
SavageDragon

2257

Forum Posts

200

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

Edited By SavageDragon

Yea i wanna see this one definatley. I really liked Batman/Superman Apokolips and Public enemies was ok. The Wonder woman movie was great like the reviewer says and in my opinion GL First flight was cool too.

Avatar image for superdoahboy
SuperDoahBoy

150

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 1

Edited By SuperDoahBoy

I have always disliked the run-time on the animated DC movies, cause I too feel like the stories get "short-changed" with the time restraint. I know I'm not the only one would be more than willing to 90-120 min. animated movie.

Why hasn't DC made a CG animated film the same way the DC universe online trailer was made? It was sick! I bet more people have watched that on YouTube than the amount of people who have played the game.

Avatar image for pikahyper
pikahyper

19027

Forum Posts

37057995

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 581

Edited By pikahyper  Moderator

@FoxxFireArt said:

This looks as if it could be a really good movie. I'll certainly rent it. Providing my local Blockbuster gets it. They never even got Batman Year One.

Hit up the closest redbox, redbox flooded their kiosks with Year One on dvd and blu-ray and it isn't a rental edition it has all the special features, I got the blu-ray from them on release day.

Avatar image for steps
Steps

663

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Steps

So what's with the Cyborg push, being a founding member of the JL in the comics, a key character in this movie. Not that I don't like it, I'm just a bit curious.

Avatar image for ms__omega
ms__omega

5356

Forum Posts

1713

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By ms__omega

I really enjoyed the movie.

Avatar image for cacarl
cacarl

140

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Edited By cacarl

@scifi_superstar:

What? That never happened.

Avatar image for kainscion
KainScion

2991

Forum Posts

67

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 9

Edited By KainScion

@Steps: think he's the martian's replacement him being on stormwatch.

Avatar image for notathug78
Notathug78

162

Forum Posts

204

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 4

Edited By Notathug78

I liked the movie too wish Plastic Man was in it like the comics. But I have to agree Vandal Savage doesn't really have the popularity that Ra's al Ghul has outside of comics. True he was in the Justice League cartoon but I still have to find myself explaining to people who he is. Not to be a spoiler but my favorite line in the movie "And his checks cleared!"  Forgot how much I loved getting so many original voice actors from the original cast. Tim Daly as Superman, and Kevin Conroy as Batman always welcome.

Avatar image for steps
Steps

663

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Steps

@KainScion said:

@Steps: think he's the martian's replacement him being on stormwatch.

It's not that that I'm talking about, I know he's MM's replacement as far as the comics are concerned. What I am asking is why him? Why choose a teen? Why take away his history with the titans? Why not characters like say Mr. Terrific or Vixen or Black Canary or Elongated Man or anyone else.

Why exactly is he giving a push, I mean if I had this DVD I'd definitely look at the special feature regarding Cyborg. I want to know why they felt it was time to give him a push.

Avatar image for gmanfromheck
gmanfromheck

42524

Forum Posts

259238

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 472

User Lists: 2

Edited By gmanfromheck

@zackattack529: Don't really see anything mentioned that wasn't in the trailer released back in October. Plus it's based off a story written back in 2000.

Avatar image for alch21
Alch21

221

Forum Posts

85

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Alch21

@Steps: maybe Cyborg: His Time Has Come has your answer?

Avatar image for haydenclaireheroes
haydenclaireheroes

12525

Forum Posts

8572

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1207

User Lists: 14

I would like to get this on DVD

Avatar image for steps
Steps

663

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Steps

@Alch21 said:

@Steps: maybe Cyborg: His Time Has Come has your answer?

Yeah I already mentioned that in my previous post

Avatar image for kennybaese
kennybaese

1241

Forum Posts

1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 12

User Lists: 0

Edited By kennybaese

I've always liked the solo character stuff that DCU Animated did, but all of the Justice League stuff that they've put out thus far has been unimpressive (to me, anyway). I'm glad to hear this one is good, though. I'm always down for some more Fillion Green Lantern, so I'll probably watch this at some point.

Avatar image for sammo21
Sammo21

733

Forum Posts

119

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Sammo21

I think choosing Star Saphire was a "bad" as was Bane's costume...seriously, it just sucks.

The movie is fun but it brings to mind a problem I have with DC animated movies...they are only about an hour long...I need more! At least they get Hal Jordan right, and after my disappointment with First Flight (and especially Emerald Knights) it was good to see a Hal Jordan I know.

Cyborg's addition felt natural for the story but kinda pushed in because of New 52.

Avatar image for sethysquare
sethysquare

3965

Forum Posts

150

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 1

Edited By sethysquare

I knew this was going to be good!

5 outta 5 YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!

Avatar image for gothamred
GothamRed

2619

Forum Posts

3474

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 23

Edited By GothamRed

Why is flash even barry, how does that change anything? You might as well have not named who he was at all.

Avatar image for DanialCarroll
DanialCarroll

2540

Forum Posts

12718

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 5

Edited By DanialCarroll

Loved this movie! I've never read the source material, so I thought it was all great. Probably would have liked Aquaman in it though.

Avatar image for alfolantern
AlfoLantern

16

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By AlfoLantern

I didn't like the film, Mirror Master was a mediocre choice to get the files. He is ugly in this movie, the script was weak too. It was just bad guys vs good guys, Cyborg was not well introduced in this animated film for new readers of the 52. Vandal Savage doesn't stand vs Ra's al Ghul as a great villain. Where was Aquaman? He is part of the New 52 too and is growing in popularity since this.

Only the voice acting was perfect for me. Justice League Unlimited offered more epic stories.

Avatar image for dtm1980
dtm1980

258

Forum Posts

13837

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 3

Edited By dtm1980

It's good that a cartoon can go in favour of the enemy when studios don't seem to let films turn out that way anymore. This is what I like about comic books specifically and why I can't watch much film and telly anymore. They insist upon themselves too much and aren't realistic to the point where the villains serve no purpose or are considered an actual threat. I'll be seeing this :p

Avatar image for skaarason
skaarason

693

Forum Posts

1738

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 1

Edited By skaarason

trailer looks pretty cool

Avatar image for skunkstein
Skunkstein

644

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Skunkstein

It was a cool movie but (Spoiler ahead, i dont know how to use Spoiler block or whatevs, lol) - because i hadnt read the comic and didnt know of the Legion of Dooms plan i sometimes got a little annoyed of how typically villiany stupid the Legion behaved... i mean Metallo... COME ON! just shoot him in the head for gods sakes! And Bane you moron just snap his neck for the love of christ!

Avatar image for killemall
Killemall

19020

Forum Posts

12398

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Edited By Killemall

Strange thing is the costume is that of Wally West, the name however is Barry Allen? Strange aye!

Its like they gave Zoom (Hunter Zolomon) the Pro Zoom (Edward Thwane) costume comics in 2 issues. Even writers and animators sometimes make mistakes :)

Avatar image for gambit1024
Gambit1024

10217

Forum Posts

47

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 9

Edited By Gambit1024

I was a little disappointed.

  • Vandal Savage is a great villain in his own right, but he's no Ra's Al Ghul.
  • The switch from Aquaman/Plastic Man to Cyborg was ridiculous.
  • The Legion of Doom can never be taken as a serious threat. As long as the Darth Vader dome in the swamp thing exists, I'll never take it seriously.
Avatar image for gambit1024
Gambit1024

10217

Forum Posts

47

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 9

Edited By Gambit1024

@AlfoLantern said:

I didn't like the film, Mirror Master was a mediocre choice to get the files. He is ugly in this movie, the script was weak too. It was just bad guys vs good guys, Cyborg was not well introduced in this animated film for new readers of the 52. Vandal Savage doesn't stand vs Ra's al Ghul as a great villain. Where was Aquaman? He is part of the New 52 too and is growing in popularity since this.

Only the voice acting was perfect for me. Justice League Unlimited offered more epic stories.

Agreed on most of this. Aside from JLU Season 2, Bruce Timm's Justice League was epic.

Avatar image for kidchipotle
kidchipotle

15770

Forum Posts

229

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 1

Edited By kidchipotle

JLA: Doom Cyborg > Any other incarnation of Cyborg in comics.

Avatar image for soccersss
soccersss

561

Forum Posts

386

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 1

Edited By soccersss

It is a pretty good movie imo. Not a perfect movie or DC best movie by all means but it was still pretty entertaining.

Avatar image for metallicmercury
MetallicMercury

86

Forum Posts

601

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 1

Edited By MetallicMercury

I loved this movie.

Avatar image for silverzeo
SilverZeo

2890

Forum Posts

24284

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 27

User Lists: 9

Edited By SilverZeo

Seeing that trailer makes me think back to Mask of Phantasm, you think there will be a theater release for animated superhero movie again?

Avatar image for kainscion
KainScion

2991

Forum Posts

67

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 9

Edited By KainScion

@Danial79: read the source material and you will realise what this movie really is. begins with a big C. plus aquaman was in the original story.

Avatar image for 8diagrams
8diagrams

20

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 1

Edited By 8diagrams

This was a nice one and a nice parting gift from the great Dwayne McDuffie. He will be missed.

I like the movie feel these animated features are carrying. I would have liked to see Aquaman in this one as well.