A movie review by: Lee Sonogan

(2017) 1h15min/ Animation, action, fantasy

The animated movie is about beings with powers join together and fight against supernatural villains. The team consists of John Constantine, Batman, Zatanna and much more. Justice League Dark will be the second DC Universe Animated Film with an R rating. The animated movie is based on the Justice League Dark comic book. Guillermo del Toro has been producing and originally directing a previous live-action adaptation of the Justice League Dark comic book under the working title of Dark Universe. The animated film is based on an old script for Dark Universe.

Matt Ryan previously played John Constantine in Constantine and Arrow.Now voice acting for Constantine. The movie also has many cameos from the DC universe. Some even hidden with at the 41 minute mark, the golden Dr. Fate helmet is visible on a shelf in the background. Also this is the first DC Universe animated film to feature the character of Swamp Thing.

References:

• • Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) I felt a great disturbance in the Force

• • Hellraiser (1987)  “I will tear your soul apart.” Even down to similar intonation.

• Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) “What does God need with a shield?” references “What does God need with a starship”

Having read some of the graphic novels, I had to watch this new animated film of it. Going in it was impressive with all the surprise characters. There was a good origin story on Jason Blood and Etrigan the demon. Dark and graphic themes of magic. Epic animation battle scenes and so much more. The main difference between the comics and this film is that there is more humour in it compared to its darker version in the comics. Swamp thing is a dark and deeper character and he was used as a joke in the film. I recommend this movie to anyone who loves the superhero genre or DC comics. I give this movie a rating the same as on IMDB.

7.2/10