Review: JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE FLASHPOINT PARADOX

Based on Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert’s legendary graphic novel, Flashpoint, the film deals with the subject of time. An alternate world where nothing makes sense and The Flash needs to change it. This film handles that concept beautifully. Justin Chambers is great as The Flash, giving the character that earnest charm we’ve grown accustomed to. The supporting characters are introduced early on, making their alternate versions that much more jarring. C. Thomas Howell is an amazing Zoom, the perfect foil to Chambers Flash. Kevin McKidd is also fantastic as Thomas Wayne. They all bring this film up a notch with their performances. They make you feel for these characters which is incredible given how big the story can be. Even minor characters like Cyborg (Michael B. Jordan) really stand out.What makes this truly special is that it’s a Justice League story wrapped in a Flash story. It never feels like the focus is off of the Flash. We see things unfold from Barry’s perspective and how he relates to these characters.

One of the weaker parts of the film is the animation. It’s a different style compared to the rest of the DC Animated Films. It takes some time to adjust to it, but once you do it’s easy. There’s one big plothole that doesn’t make sense. The events of the film lead you to believe one thing, but it turns out to be another. Barry knows this spoiler, but it’s not revealed until late in the third act. It’s not a major issue but it does change how you see the story. This is kind of nitpicky but that’s really the only problems I have with the film.

All in all, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is a great watch. The story is engaging, the characters are enjoyable, and the crisis is something you’re invested in. It takes one of the best Flash stories and makes it into something all fans can enjoy. I highly recommend it. It’s one of the best DC Animated Movies you’ll ever see.