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We have finally been given the animated movie version of the Flashpoint story in the form of 'Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox', and frankly I have to say it was very good. Now, please keep in mind that this is coming from someone that enjoyed Flashpoint as a story of how the Flash's personal actions impacted an entire world (if not universe). Whether or not the story was the "best" way to move from the previous DC Universe to the New 52 Universe, I'm still not certain. However, when it comes to the core story I think the animated version captured things well.
Now, as Flashpoint was an event that had a core title and a number of connecting titles the overall world was fairly large. The reality is that all of it just can't be contained in a single animated movie. Some changes were just going to be necessary in order to bring the story to a close without it becoming too huge. I didn't read all of the connecting Flashpoint titles, but I did read a lot of them and I can tell you that I'm fine with the cuts they made and what they left in. I can also say that I think they made the right calls in trimming down elements of the core story and "team". The main team is still the Flash and the Flashpoint versions of Cyborg and Batman. Some kids that like to say "Shazam!" are there for a bit too.
We're not given all of the information that we were given on the core team, but we are given brief scenes where you come to understand the personalities of the Flashpoint versions of Cyborg and Batman and their struggles. Cyborg is the same slightly naïve All-American Boy Scout he was in the comic. Batman is the same hardened/broken person he was in the comics, and while his connection to the Flashpoint Joker is explicitly stated, it is definitely shown. Considering how important that Batman was to the story, I'm glad they gave the nod to that element of what I saw as the best connecting Flashpoint title. Of course, if you're talking about that version of Batman you cannot avoid how he is a reflection of how dark and bleak the Flashpoint timeline had become when the Flash showed up. That timeline had also become violent.
I'll be honest in saying that I was actually shocked at the level of violence that was in the animated movie. However, as I said before this new timeline was very dark. I don't think anyone that read Flashpoint could argue with that. With that level of darkness being the case, I have to say that the violence in the movie is something that ended up making the animated adaptation that much more true to the source material. Please keep in mind what I have just said about the animated movie before you decide to sit any kids down in front of it. To state it plainly, this movie is geared toward adult comic readers and not children. I personally would suggest as person does NOT let a child watch it. It definitely earns its PG-13 rating.
If people wanted to know how the DC Universe changed from its previous incarnation into the New 52 and didn't want to actually read Flashpoint, this movie would work in showing them the events. In fact, there is even a costume change at the end showing the transition has taken place (there is no Pandora). Also, it appears that at least some of the upcoming animated movies DC will be releasing will be continuing into the New 52 universe. There is a little scene after the credits that it seems will connect this movie to the next one, 'Justice League: War'. Plus, there just happened to be a sneak preview of that next movie on the disk.
Now I will write briefly on the "basic" elements of the movie as an animated movie. The animation is great in my eyes. I like the character designs and I'd say they're in line with the versions used on the 'Young Justice' show. In fact, if you're a fan of the show there will be a little something for you in 'Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox'. The voice acting is solid. I don't know all the actors involved, but they all put in a quality performance. C. Thomas Howell did a solid job as Professor Zoom, while Sam Daly did a good job stepping in for his dad as Superman. It was also nice to hear Dana Delany as Lois Lane again, along with Ron Pearlman reprising Deathstroke. Overall, the second-best voice in the movie to me was Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern (Hal Jordan). I'm a big fan of Nathan Fillion, so I'm always happy when he's in Hal's boots. Now, Fillion would have been my lock for best casting for a voice if it hadn't been for Kevin Conroy once again stepping in to be the voice of Batman (non-Flashpoint). While the saying is, "Always be yourself. Unless you can be Batman, always be Batman." I think the turn on that would be, "If you can cast Kevin Conroy as Batman, always use Kevin Conroy."
If you enjoyed the Flashpoint comic series, I think you need to take the time to see 'Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox' at least once. I'm glad I bought myself a copy as I know I'll be watching it a few more times. Also, if you know someone that wants to be educated on how the DC Universe changed, I stand by my earlier statement that this animated movie can give them in the information (at least basic premise). I'd suggest you also have a copy of the Flashpoint series (and possibly some connecting series) at the ready just in case to pique someone's interest.
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