The New Frontier DVD Review
Where to start, where to start. I guess the best place would be to say regrettably that I have not had the fortune to read the graphic novel this movie was based on, however, I do love the good old Justice League, and feel like I have a good enough grasp on the characters that I am able to critique it without being misinformed.
First off, I'll say that what I like most about this thing in all is that it showed me that Bruce Timm didn't lose his magic with the Death of Superman DVD that came out a few months back. It cheered me to watch this and know that Bruce Timm HADN'T gone crazy and was still capable of making great work starring the characters we love from the DCAU
Now, that being said, I loved this film. It did a great job of capturing the whole DC universe, in terms of dropping tons of little hints for characters that aren't in the movie like Wildcat among others. The character I enjoyed the most in terms of faithful treatment was Barry Allen, or the Flash for you noobs out there. It was fantastic to see Barry and Iris on the screen, a scene where Barry thwarts Captain Cold in a bomb threat had me at the edge of my seat, truly greatful for a Flash on-screen that was worthy of the fastest man alive, something I didn't see on the Justice League cartoon often enough. That being said, the true star of the movie is Hal Jordan. We see him travel from a hot-shot test pilot to getting a ring from Abin Sur and fighting alongside the newly assembled team of heroes (including Flash, Superman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Batman, and Green Arrow amongst countless other smaller, wonderful appearances) to end the global threat of the Center, an alien entity that spouts mutant dinosaur things and acid trips to anything that ventures within. For not being a huge Green Lantern fan, particularly Hal Jordan, I really enjoyed the story centering on him and felt prompted to read some older trades, especially GL: Rebirth. Another great featured character was the Martian Manhunter, undergoing his whole Gotham Detective deal and working with an AMAZING Batman.
As far as the actual movie itself, it was quite enjoyable. My only real complaint with the movie is just that I felt it teased me, taunting that the Justice League cartoon show was gone and there was nothing I could do about it. I suppose it would be comparable to not having sex in years but dry-humping a supermodel.
Side note, was that weird for you? I'm gonna keep it in there anyway, haha.
The art is also fantastic. Or should I say Animation? Regardless, it was quite Timm-versey, but also in the same vein as the art of the original comic. I guess I'll keep this short and just tell you that if you like the DC universe, you'll love this movie. I super need to read the book. -A
Till next time!
-Joshiebear
