Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

I sat down to watch the latest DC Comics Direct-to-DVD movie with a pretty big chip on my shoulder.  I like alternate universe science fiction, like the goateed Spock Star Trek episode "Mirror, Mirror."  Established heroes turning into villains and vice versa can make for interesting drama, even if you know it's only temporary.  But I felt like it had already been done in the animated DC Universe.  The Justice League and Justice League Unlimited episodes featuring the "Justice Lords" did a fantastic job exploring the possiblities of a League Gone Bad, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for another go.  But, as a sucker for any version of the Superfriends, I picked it up anyway.

Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths is better than I thought it would be, and might be my favorite Direct-to-DVD DC Comics adventure yet.  The plot is fairly straightforward: a good Lex Luthor from a parallel universe comes popping over into our world with a plea for help.  Once he convinces our Justice League (Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter) that he needs help, they cross over into his dimension to defeat their Crime Syndicate--evil mafioso-styled versions of themselves. 

The Crime Syndicate is broken up into families under their six greatest villains: Ultraman, Superwoman, Owlman, Power Ring, and Johnny Quick.  Their "Martian Manhunter" doppelganger is killed early in the movie, and the heads of the houses divide up his assets.  These families show us at least a dozen other twisted versions of superheroes, including Captain Marvel (Shazam!), Green Arrow, Black Canary, and other part-time Justice Leaguers.  It goes further than any other alternate universe DC project I've seen, and longtime fans of DC Comics will love the cameos that are all over the place here.

This is more than just a brawl of the powerhouses of the Justice League, with strong themes of justice and cowboy diplomacy vs. lasting peace.  The animation is better than other, similar projects, and a few of the battles, including one in the clouds and another in a Crime Syndicate HQ, are worthy of the big screen. 

DC Animation continues its talent for finding great voice casts, and I was surprised that the heroes and their alternates had different actors for each part--something not often seen with this kind of story.  Mark Harmon as Superman, Chris Noth as Luthor, and James Woods as Owlman were all highlights, and Gina Torres' Superwoman stole the show every time she opened her mouth. 

I went in a skeptic, but came out a believer--this was a surprisingly strong movie from Warner Premier and DC Animation.  If you're a fan of the Justice League, this has a lot going for it.  It is rated PG-13, although it's not as graphically violent as other DC/Marvel Comics animated DVDs, although there are a few swear words hurled about.  I wouldn't recommend it for young children, but teens and adults will enjoy it.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older