Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Superhero movie mixes cartoon violence, positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
What's the Story?
On an alternate Earth, Lex Luthor (voiced by Chris Noth) is actually a hero, trying to stop an organization of super villains from taking over. As a last resort, he travels to "our" Earth to recruit the Justice League (Superman, Wonder Woman, J'onn J'onzz, Green Lantern, and the Flash) to help. Catching the bad guys is one thing, but convincing the president to take a stand against them is something else. Meanwhile, Batman (William Baldwin) has stayed behind, believing that it's foolish to meddle in the affairs of alternate Earths. But when one of the villains, Superwoman (Gina Torres), breaks into Justice League headquarters, he realizes that he must help after all. Can they all stop Owlman (James Woods) from blowing up not just one Earth, but all possible Earths and everyone who ever lived?
Is It Any Good?
JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRISIS ON TWO EARTHS is an exciting animated movie with excellent pacing and lean, crisp action sequences. Coming from the makers of Superman Batman: Public Enemies, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern: First Light, and it features a bevy of superhero characters, and even within the movie's relatively brief running time, they all seem to come equipped with some genuine personality. The movie also effortlessly juggles some complex ideas and several themes.
With so little time for character development (or even introductions), it helps if viewers already know these heroes and villains. But even so, most characters get at least one moment to shine, especially the Flash (Josh Keaton), who's the comic relief here and has some funny lines. The constant fighting -- with fists, guns, and other fantasy weapons -- may be a bit much for younger viewers, but older tweens and up are sure to be entertained.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting, or did it make you feel anxious?
Is it ever OK not to stand up to bullies? Is it OK to use violence on bullies?
Sometimes it takes a lot to ask your friends for help. What makes us afraid to ask for help? Would you help your friends if they asked?
Movie Details
- In theaters: February 23, 2010
- On DVD or streaming: February 23, 2010
- Cast: Gina Torres , James Woods , Mark Harmon , William Baldwin
- Directors: Lauren Montgomery , Sam Liu
- Inclusion Information: Female directors, Female actors, Black actors, Latino actors
- Studio: Warner Home Video
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Superheroes
- Run time: 75 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: action violence
- Last updated: November 17, 2022
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