Release date: July 30, 2013 

At the pseudo-suggestion from Kevin Smith to watch this little flick, I sat down for what would be a gripping and awesome night. JL: The Flashpoint Paradox is the 17th instalment in the DC Universe Animated Movie series. For my one longtime reader, you’ll remember how big a fan I am of Batman: Under The Red Hood. And this DC joint is no different.

At the directing helm of The Flashpoint Paradox is Jay Oliva, the same dude who’s been behind Batman: The Dark Knight Returns films; so you know he’s got the right chops for this gig.

JL: The Flashpoint Paradox follows The Flash as he’s sent into an alternate timeline after thwarting a bombing plan by Eobard Thawne AKA Professor Zoom. Arriving in this new timeline, Barry Allen isn’t The Flash. In fact many of the heroes from The Justice League aren’t what they are in his “normal” timeline. Allen is distraught and elated when he discovers that his mother is alive and well in this world.

What isn’t doing well is the planet, as it is being torn apart by the war between Aquaman and Wonder Woman. Sh!t gets real here as both are total badasses in this timeline and just don’t care about anyone else outside of their people. Suspicious is the lack of Superman. Cyborg is actually in the role of Superman for the US Government; and Batman is more jaded than normal. I didn’t think it could be possible, but it happens here.

The Flash makes an attempt to reach out to the only person he thinks could understand what’s going on: Overly jaded Batman, who uses guns. Turns out in this timeline Batman isn’t Bruce Wayne, but Thomas Wayne! In the alley outside the theater, young Bruce is the one who eats the bullet and his father takes up the cowl and cape.

It’s now up to a powerless Flash and alcoholic Batman to  save this world from their Armageddon and restore the timeline.

WHAT WORKED:

– The plot. This was a simple-complex story. Unravelling at all the right points to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Unlike the resent live action Man of Steel where plot point are literally explained by characters to drive the point. *ahem Jar-El ahem

– The dialogue. This flick felt natural. I’ve sat back and seen too many Justice League episodes and been hit with lines that feel like they’re written by 1970’s George Lucas. But this was refreshing in a JLA sense.

WHAT DIDN’T WORK:

– The animation. Plain and simple. Not DC’s best work. Coming off of solid animation behind The Dark Knight Returns.

THE LOWDOWN:

If you’re into comic adaptations, this is for you. If you’re into animated action films, this is for you. If you’re into old school Amanda Bynes, then good for you. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is a good time in a box. It makes time travel relatively simple. You won’t need a doctorate like Emmett Lathrop Brown to understand what’s going on. Filled with heavy emotions and grime realities, The Flashpoint Paradox still lets you have a good time. This flick is Verified Awesome.