Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is a hardnosed, explosive, engrossing convergence of sci-fi and action that truly embodies the greatest elements of why the world loves comic books and their characters. Life, death, blood and carnage are all on display, and it may just be that The Flashpoint Paradox is the most realistic perspective presented in any animated superhero animated ever.
The film is based on the graphic novel Flashpoint, and features the voice talents of Justin Chambers, Michal B. Jordan, Kevin McKidd, C. Thomas Howell, Dana Delany, Kevin Conroy, Cary Elwes, Danny Huston, and Nathan Fillion.
The Flashpoint Paradox is a pragmatic, adult themed adventure that focuses around DC’s Scarlet Speedster - Barry Allen better known as The Flash. Whilst not as popular as Superman or Batman, Flash makes for a great choice to feature in a spectacular adventure. The animation is great, especially the way that Flash’s speed is shown. This greatly enhances the enjoyment of the story. The battles are epic. With each one geting bigger and better than the one before. The final climatic battle is easily one of the best we've seen in an animated feature.
The theme that is embedded deep within is that of choice and consequence. This may be another time travel story but it is one of the best examples of the 'the butterfly effect' and how a singular event can affect everything in the future.
One of the great aspects in The Flashpoint Paradox is that it really highlights some of the individual interactions/relationships between the members of the Justice League. This movie helps to put a humanizing perspective on the larger than life heroes by showing how some of them have really developed bonds beyond the confines of their masked identities. The Flash’s relationship to Green Lantern and his relationship to Batman are focused on in particular.
The “other world” versions of the various characters are the true treat of this film. Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Shazam, Cyborg, and Batman in particular are all fantasticly realized. The twist to each of the characters that alter them from their “normal” versions make them, in many ways, even more enjoyable ithan the originals. Plus, as well as the great heroes of the Justice League, this film delves further into the DC Universe and features many other characters such as The Rogue’s Gallery (Mirror Master, Captain Cold, Capt. Boomerang, Heatwave, and Twister), Lex Luthor, Deathstroke, Steve Trevor, Grifter, and Professor Zoom aka The Reverse Flash.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is easily one of the best DC Animated Features to date. It features everything that makes comics special, and is a great story which both hardcore as well as casual fans will love. Hardcore comic followers will probably be reminded of one of DC’s former titles from the 80’s, the ‘What if?” series, and the confrontation between Reverse Flash and The Flash pays homage to The Flash comic #324. It’s a must see movie for all fans.
Previously
Justice League: The New Frontier
Wonder Woman
Green Lantern: First Flight
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
Batman: Under The Red Hood
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse
All-Star Superman
Superman/Shazam! The Return of Black Adam
Green Lantern: Emerald Knights
Batman: Year One
Justice League: Doom
Superman: Unbound
Da’Mon is a writer and artist, a graduate of Coppin State University and an avid, life-long lover of film. Da'Mon has been actively writing movie reviews since 2011. Check out more of his work at Examiner.com, where he has published over 400 reviews. Visit his Blog and follow him on Twitter.
