Review of Justice League: The New Frontier (2008) by Ashley H — 13 Sep 2009

What a great come back for Warner Brothes Animation when remembering that their last animated film was Superman: Doomsday(2006).

This action packed PG-13 animated film is exceptionally faithful to the novel of the same name. During first viewing I felt very overwhelmed, but impressed by the animation and voice acting. Each character in the film is given a great amount of screen time and the story is well told.

Many subplots were left on the cutting room floor and it is sad to know that another 20 minutes could have been put into this film and it wouldn't have hurt the film. But we do get references to the subplots that are taken out(Dinosaur Island, disbanding of the JSA, etc).

While the animation was extremely impressive, the voice acting was the most impressive. Andrea Romano who has been voice casting for the DC Aninmated world since 1991 has managed to not only get a great array of A-List actors, but has managed to ease the transition between the DCAU voices to a new era of voices(something Superman: Doomsday failed to do).

First we got David Boreanaz(Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, Bones)as the voice of Hal Jordan/The Green Lantern. Boreanaz manages to capture the essence of Hal Jordan's determination to keep the world safe, even without powers(he doesn't really embrace his powers until near the end).

Neil Patrick Harris(Doogie Howser MD, Spider-Man: The Animated Series)comes in as Barry Allen/The Flash. This portrayal is one that could have gone ad went, but Harris manages to keep you interested in his voice. The character of The Flash is shown little in this film, but he does play a big part later on.

Lucy Lawless(Hercules The Legendary Journeys, Xena Warrior Princess)plays the Amazon Princess Wonder Woman and she does so in her typical Xena-like way. She would definitely be a shoe in to play a live action version too, here's hoping.

Kyle MacLachlan(Grand Theft Auto 3, The Flinstones) flies in as Superman and also does a terrific job. George Newbern and Tim Daly have also done a great job voice acting this role and its great to see a continuing trend in this character getting the proper voice acting treatment.

Jeremy Sisto(Hideaway, Clueless) manages to do something no one, including myself thought anyone can do; do as good a job of voice acting Batman as Kevin Conroy. Man was his portrayal just awesome. His little screen time makes you wish there was a whole film with Sisto as Batman.

Finally(in the JLA)we have Miguel Ferrer(Superman The Animated Series, Justice League of America)as the voice of J'onn J'onnz/Martian Manhunter. I must say I actually liked him better than the Phil Lamarr version. The innocence of his character is greatly shown here. All he wants at first is to find a way home, than to just be accepted. Other voice actors do join in and help to provide the voices of one of my favorite animated DC films ever. I dfinitely recommend this film to anyone, even those who have not read the great novel this is based off of. 9 out of 10.