Review: "Justice League: War"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 27 (of 2014) by Leroy Douresseaux

Justice League: War (2014) – straight-to-video
Running minutes: 79 minutes (1 hour, 29 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and some language
DIRECTOR:  Jay Oliva
WRITER:  Heath Corson (based on the graphic novel by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee)
PRODUCER:  James Tucker
EDITOR:  Christopher D. Lozinski
COMPOSER:  Kevin Kliesch
ANIMATION STUDIO:  Moi Animation Studios

ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/ACTION

Starring:  (voices) Sean Astin, Alan Tudyk, Michelle Monaghan, Shemar Moore, Jason O’Mara, Ioan Gruffudd, Justin Kirk, Christopher Gorham, Zach Callison, Steve Blum, Dee Bradley Baker, Melique Berger, Kimberly Brooks, Rocky Carroll, Georgie Kidder, Richard McGonagle, Bruce Thomas, and Andrea Romano

Justice League: War is a 2014 direct-to-video superhero animated film from Warner Bros. Animation.  Starring DC Comics’ ultimate superhero team, the Justice League, this is also the 18th feature in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line.  This animated film is based on the 2011 comic book story arc and graphic novel, Justice League: Origins, by Geoff John and Jim Lee.

Justice League: War takes place on an Earth where superheroes are new and largely unknown to people.  In fact, one of these new superheroes, Batman (Jason O’Mara), is believed to be behind a series of strange abductions of people occurring in Gotham City.  The superhero, Green Lantern (Justin Kirk), arrives to investigate the case, but discovers that the abductor is really a monstrous alien, known as a Parademon.

With the help of another new superhero, Superman (Alan Tudyk), Batman discovers that this Parademon is part of a vanguard of an alien invasion of Earth.  Soon, the trio is joined by more new powerful heroes:  Wonder Woman (Michelle Monaghan), Flash (Christopher Gorham), and Shazam (Sean Astin).  Meanwhile, high school football star, Victor Stone (Shemar Moore), is about to have his life changed forever because of the Parademon invasion.  Darkseid (Steve Blum) is coming, and maybe, only a new hero called Cyborg knows why.

Back in August 2011, DC Comics essentially rebooted its line of superhero comic books, known as the DC Universe.  Familiar characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman were basically the same, but their origin stories and the events of their (fictional) lives were altered.  Some characters, like Cyborg and Shazam, underwent big changes.  DC Comics called this re-launch, “The New 52.”

Now, “The New 52” comes to Warner Bros. Animations’ line of original movies based on DC Comics’ characters and universe.  2013’s Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox initiated the change and this year’s Justice League: War is the first movie since the change and the first in a new series of shared DC Universe animated movies.

The New 52 was highly controversial among many serious (or hardcore) DC Comics fan.  I liked it; the freshness made me feel like I was a kid again, discovering comic books for the first time.  But I must also admit that I no longer take comic book continuities and mythologies as seriously as I once did.

Honestly, Justice League: War did not feel new so much as it simply felt like something different, maybe a little strange and unfamiliar.  It’s entertaining, but nothing special.  Writer Heath Corson makes the character conflicts, interactions, and relationships interesting.  Director Jay Oliva delivers some slam-bang sci-fi violence and battle action.  This movie certainly looks like a comic book, especially the kind with big fight between superheroes and super-villains.

Beyond that, I think Justice League: War is for fans of the comics and other DC Universe animated movies.  There isn’t much here to attract anyone who is not already enamored with these comic book animated movies.

6 of 10
B

Monday, May 26, 2014


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Review: "Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 26 (of 2014) by Leroy Douresseaux

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013) – straight-to-video
Running minutes: 81 minutes (1 hour, 21 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action throughout
DIRECTOR:  Jay Oliva with Yoshiharu Ashino (animation director)
WRITER:  James Krieg (from a comic book by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert)
EDITOR:  Christopher D. Lozinski
COMPOSER:  Frederik Wiedmann
ANIMATION STUDIO:  Studio 4ºC

ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/ACTION/SCI-FI

Starring:  (voices) Justin Chambers, C. Thomas Howell, Michael B. Jordan, Kevin McKidd, Kevin Conroy, Dana Delany, Cary Elwes, Vanessa Marshall, Dee Bradley Baker, Grey DeLisle, Danny Huston, Danny Jacobs, Ron Perlman, Kevin Michael Richardson, Andrea Romano, and Nathan Fillion

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is a 2013 direct-to-video superhero animated film from Warner Bros. Animation.  Starring DC Comics’ ultimate superhero team, the Justice League, this is also the 17th feature in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line.  The Flashpoint Paradox is based on the 2011 DC Comics’ crossover publishing event, “Flashpoint.”

Barry Allen (Justin Chambers), who is also known as the superhero the Flash, visits the grave of his mother, Nora Allen (Grey DeLisle).  A day after an adventure with his Justice League teammates, Barry awakens to discover that his mother is alive, but that is not the only thing that has changed.  The entire world is different.  Some superheroes no longer exist.  Aquaman (Cary Elwes) and the military forces of Atlantis are engaged in a terrible war against Wonder Woman (Vanessa Marshall) and the Amazons.

Flash believes that his archenemy, Eobard Thawne a/k/a Professor Zoom (C. Thomas Howell), has done something to change time.  Now, he finds himself teaming up with an even darker version of Batman (Kevin McKidd) and a young superhero named Cyborg (Michael B. Jordan) to stop a war that will destroy the world.

In 2011, DC Comics used their Flashpoint publishing event to relaunch practically its entire line of superhero comic books.  As an adaptation of that event, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is going to be a fresh start for the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line.  I imagine, however, that might not mean much to many viewers of these animated superhero movies.  Is Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox any good?

Well, the first 20 minutes or so are a disaster.  At 81 minutes, it’s one of the longer DC Comics animated films, and I initially thought that there was no way I could make it through the entire thing.  Once I settled into the concept and understood the players, central plot, and various conflicts and rivalries, I started to enjoy The Flashpoint Paradox.

After all, it is pure superhero fun, and the filmmakers really play up the idea of what it means to be a superhero.  Themes of sacrifice and redemption run throughout the movie.  The belief that selflessness and togetherness can get mankind through the worst of the worst situations proudly permeates this film.  At a time when so many politicians and public figures smugly and shamelessly preach nihilistic individualism and naked self-interest, it is good to see classic superheroes giving life and limb to right wrongs and even to correct themselves.

I don’t like this film’s character design, because much of it is unimaginative.  The Flashpoint Paradox also offers some of the stiffest character animation I’ve seen in some time.  But watching these superheroes being genuinely heroic makes me like Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox in spite of many reservations.

7 of 10
B+

Wednesday, May 21, 2014


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

"Ninjago" Announced as Next LEGO Movie

“Ninjago” Coming to Theatres on September 23, 2016

The Ninja-inspired LEGO® minifigures will be featured in an all-new adventure

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Expanding the LEGO® brand’s cinema universe, Warner Bros. Pictures has slated the animated 3D action adventure “Ninjago” for release on September 23, 2016, it was announced today by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “As proven by the worldwide popularity of ‘The LEGO Movie,’ we know that the LEGO characters have a global fan base. ‘Ninjago’ is sure to delight international audiences of all ages with its own blend of action, adventure and humor.”

“Ninjago” is The LEGO Group’s hugely popular ninja-inspired line of building sets and minifigures that have gained their own legion of fans.

The film will be directed by Charlie Bean (TV’s “Tron: Uprising”), marking his feature directorial debut. It is being produced by Dan Lin, Roy Lee, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Lord and Miller wrote and directed the smash hit “The LEGO Movie,” which was produced by Lin and Lee. Jill Wilfert, Seth Grahame-Smith, John Powers Middleton, James Packer and Steve Mnuchin are serving as executive producers. The screenplay is written by Bryan Shukoff and Kevin Chesley.

In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “Following the huge success of ‘The LEGO Movie,’ we are very excited to build on the LEGO franchise. We know there are already ‘Ninjago’ collectors who can’t wait to see their favorite characters on the big screen. This promises to be a terrifically fun and thrilling entry into our Fall 2016 slate, with broad audience appeal.”

Kwan Vandenberg said, “As proven by the worldwide popularity of ‘The LEGO Movie,’ we know that the LEGO characters have a global fan base. ‘Ninjago’ is sure to delight international audiences of all ages with its own blend of action, adventure and humor.”

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the minifigure and the brick and knob configuration are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2014 The LEGO Group. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

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Congratulations, Tevin!

My cousin Tevin recently graduated from high school and was blessed with scholarship offers from multiple universities.  Congratulations, cuz.

"Godzilla" Surpasses $300 Million in Worldwide Box Office

“Godzilla” is Still Roaring at the Box Office, Surpassing $300 Million Worldwide in Only 10 Days

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Riding on the tail of its enormous opening weekend, Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “Godzilla” will stomp across the $300 million mark at the worldwide box office today, Sunday, May 25th, only its tenth day in release. The announcement was made today by Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, Dan Fellman, and President of International Distribution, Veronika Kwan Vandenberg.

    “There was tremendous anticipation for ‘Godzilla,’ and the film delivered in a huge way. We congratulate the cast, filmmakers and our partners at Legendary on reaching this benchmark, and, as word of mouth continues to build, we anticipate big returns to continue well into the summer.”

Internationally, the film opened at number one in every major market in which it has been released, including the UK, Australia, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, Korea, Germany, France and Italy, to name only a few. It also has much-anticipated openings in key markets, including China on June 13th.

“Legendary Pictures wishes to thank our filmmaking partners, our strategic partners worldwide and Warner Bros. for helping to bring this film to theaters around the globe,” said Jon Jashni, Legendary’s President and Chief Creative Officer. “It is very validating for Gareth, for us and for Toho to have been able to reach this early milestone in only a matter of days.”

Fellman stated, “There was tremendous anticipation for ‘Godzilla,’ and the film delivered in a huge way. We congratulate the cast, filmmakers and our partners at Legendary on reaching this benchmark, and, as word of mouth continues to build, we anticipate big returns to continue well into the summer.”

Kwan Vandenberg added, “Godzilla is a global icon and we couldn’t be more excited to work with Legendary, Gareth Edwards and his remarkable cast and crew in bringing a film worthy of that legacy to moviegoers the world over. With outstanding buzz, ‘Godzilla’ rose to the top of even the most crowded international markets, with numbers that have now pushed Warner Bros.’ international grosses past the $1 billion mark for the 14th year in a row.”

The film attracted a huge 3D viewership globally, accounting for more than half of 3D sales in both the U.S. and abroad.

Many moviegoers have opted to see the massive creature on the biggest screen possible, generating record numbers for IMAX®, which saw the highest-grossing opening weekend of the year, for “Godzilla.”

The world’s most revered creature is reborn as Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures unleash the epic action adventure “Godzilla,” from visionary director Gareth Edwards (“Monsters”).

The film stars an international ensemble cast led by Aaron Taylor-Johnson (“Kick-Ass”), Oscar® nominee Ken Watanabe (“The Last Samurai,” “Inception”), Elizabeth Olsen (“Martha Marcy May Marlene”), Oscar® winner Juliette Binoche (“The English Patient,” “Cosmopolis”), and Oscar® nominee Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine”), with Oscar® nominee David Strathairn (“Good Night, and Good Luck,” “The Bourne Legacy”) and Emmy® and Golden Globe Award winner Bryan Cranston (“Argo,” TV’s “Breaking Bad”).

Edwards directed “Godzilla” from a screenplay by Max Borenstein, story by David Callaham, based on the character “Godzilla” owned and created by TOHO CO., LTD. Thomas Tull produced the film, along with Jon Jashni, Mary Parent and Brian Rogers. Patricia Whitcher and Alex Garcia served as executive producers, alongside Yoshimitsu Banno and Kenji Okuhira.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures present a Legendary Pictures production, a Gareth Edwards film, “Godzilla.” The film is presented in 3D, 2D and IMAX® in select theatres and is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, except in Japan, where it is distributed by Toho Co., Ltd. Legendary Pictures is a division of Legendary Entertainment. “Godzilla” has been rated PG-13 for intense sequences of destruction, mayhem and creature violence.

www.godzillamovie.com

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Cannes 2014 Winners - Complete List; Palme d'Or Goes to "Winter Sleep"

The 67th annual Cannes Film Festival was held in Cannes, France from May 14 to May 25, 2014.  The closing ceremony and the 2014 awards ceremony were held on Saturday, May 24, 2014.

I’ve included a list of winners from the “In Competition” categories; this is the main competition in which films compete for the festival’s top prize, the “Palme d’Or” (Golden Palm).  I’ve included the winners from other Cannes award competitions, including “Un Certain Regard” and the “Golden Camera.”

The “Grand Prix” is the second most prestigious prize given at Cannes, after the Palme d’Or.  The competition known as “Un Certain Regard” is a part of Cannes that runs parallel to the competition for the Palme d’Or.

The winner of the Palme d’Or at the 67th annual Cannes Film Festival is Winter Sleep.  This is a film from Turkisk director, Nuri Bilge Ceylan.  Winter Sleep focuses on a self-absorbed Anatolian hotelier and his uneasy relationships with those around him.  Ceylan is a previous Cannes winner.  He received the Grand Prix in 2002 (Distant) and 2011 (Once Upon a Time in Anatolia) and best director in 2008 (Three Monkeys).  Winter Sleep is only the second film by a Turkish director to win the Palme d’Or, after Yilmaz Guney and Serif Goren’s The Way won in 1982.

American Bennett Miller won the best director award for his film, Foxcatcher, which is based on a true story.

2014/67th Cannes Film Festival winners:

IN COMPETITION

FEATURE FILMS:

Palme d’Or: “Winter Sleep” (Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Turkey-Germany-France)

Grand Prix: “The Wonders” (Alice Rohrwacher, Italy-Switzerland-Germany)

Director: Bennett Miller, “Foxcatcher” (U.S.)

Actor: Timothy Spall, “Mr. Turner” (Mike Leigh, U.K.-France-Germany)

Actress: Julianne Moore, “Maps to the Stars” (David Cronenberg, Canada-Germany)

Jury Prize (tie): “Mommy” (Xavier Dolan, Canada) and “Goodbye to Language” (Jean-Luc Godard, France)

Screenplay: Andrey Zvyagintsev and Oleg Negin, “Leviathan” (Russia)

OTHER PRIZES

Camera d’Or: “Party Girl” (Marie Amachoukeli, Claire Burger, Samuel Theis)

SHORT FILMS:

Short Films Palme d’Or: “Leidi” (Simon Mesa Soto)

Short Films Special Mention: “Aissa” (Clement Trehin-Lalanne)

Ecumenical Jury Prize: “Timbuktu” (Abderrahmane Sissako, Mauritania-France)

UN CERTAIN REGARD

Un Certain Regard Prize: “White God” (Kornel Mundruczo, Hungary-Germany-Sweden)

Jury prize: “Force Majeure” (Ruben Ostlund, Sweden-France-Denmark-Norway)

Special Prize: “The Salt of the Earth” (Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, France-Italy)

Ensemble: “Party Girl” (Marie Amachoukeli, Claire Burger, Samuel Theis, France)

Actor: David Gulpilil, “Charlie’s Country” (Rolf de Heer, Australia)

DIRECTORS’ FORTNIGHT

Art Cinema Award: “Les Combattants” (Thomas Cailley, France)

Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers Prize: “Les Combattants”

Europa Cinemas Label: “Les Combattants”

CRITICS’ WEEK

Grand Prize: “The Tribe” (Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy, Ukraine)

Visionary Prize: “The Tribe”

Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers Prize: “Hope” (Boris Lojkine, France)

FIPRESCI

Competition: “Winter Sleep”

Un Certain Regard: “Jauja” (Lisandro Alonso, Denmark-U.S.-Argentina)

Directors’ Fortnight: “Les Combattants”

"Godzilla" Director Signs to Direct December 2016 Star Wars Spinoff Film

Gareth Edwards and Gary Whitta Onboard for Star Wars Stand-Alone Film

May 22, 2014--In addition to the episodes of a new Star Wars trilogy, Lucasfilm and Disney have begun development on multiple stand-alone movies that will offer new stories beyond the core Saga. Gareth Edwards will direct the first stand-alone film, with a screenplay by Gary Whitta. The film is due out December 16, 2016.

Gareth Edwards blazed into the filmmaking forefront with his acclaimed work on Monsters, a film he wrote, directed and served on as cinematographer and visual effects artist. The skill and vision readily apparent in Monsters earned him the high-profile spot directing this year's smash hit Godzilla.

"Ever since I saw Star Wars I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life -- join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited and honored to go on this mission with Lucasfilm," said Edwards.

Gary Whitta's screenwriting credits include 2010's The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington. He is also well known as a journalist and editor in the video game industry, as well as part of the BAFTA award-winning team on Telltale Games adaptation of The Walking Dead.

Whitta states, "From the moment I first saw the original movie as a wide-eyed kid, Star Wars has been the single most profound inspiration to my imagination and to my career as a writer. It is deeply special to me,so to be given the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing legacy, especially in collaboration with a film-maker as talented as Gareth, is literally a dream come true. I'm still pinching myself."

StarWars.com. All Star Wars, all the time.