Directors: Sam Liu, Lauren Montgomery
Writers: Dwayne McDuffie, Jerry Siegel (character created by: Superman)
Stars: William Baldwin, Mark Harmon, Chris Noth, Gina Torres, James Woods, Jonathan Adams, Brian Bloom, Bruce Davison, Josh Keaton, Vanessa Marshall

“Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” takes me on a journey that’s reminiscent of a great episode of “Red Dwarf,” the beloved British science fiction comedy. In this animated DC gem, we find an alternate version of Lex Luthor, who’s here to seek help from the Justice League to combat their sinister counterparts, the Crime Syndicate. Now, Lex Luthor as the good guy, who would’ve thought? After seeing him as the President of the United States in “Superman/Batman: Public Enemies” (2009), I couldn’t have imagined a more dramatic shift from his usual persona. But that’s the beauty of these DC Universe Animated Films – they’re not afraid to take risks that live-action adaptations often shy away from. Is it more acceptable in an animated film? Perhaps, and for good reason.

Approaching another Justice League movie, I’ll admit I was a tad skeptical. Could it really match up to the excellent “Justice League: New Frontier”? That film nailed the characters and storyline, and it set a high bar. “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” might not surpass it, but it’s a commendable effort from Directors Sam Liu and Lauren Montgomery and Writer Dwayne McDuffie.

The film boasts a star-studded cast, with Batman (William Baldwin), Superman (Mark Harmon), Lex Luthor (Chris Noth), Superwoman (Gina Torres), Owlman (James Woods), J’onn J’onzz (Jonathan Adams), Ultraman (Brian Bloom), The Flash/Aquaman (Josh Keaton), Wonder Woman (Vanessa Marshall), Green Lantern/Power Ring (Nolan North), and Johnny Quick/The Jester (James Patrick Stuart). Remarkably, it doesn’t feel overcrowded. That’s a relief since one of the few downsides of “New Frontier” was the shoehorning of characters near the end, serving no real purpose. Here, every character has a meaningful role, and it all works seamlessly. The cast’s dedication to these animated films is heartwarming, and it’s evident in their performances.

As for James Woods, I read somewhere that he phoned in his lines from a location other than the recording studio, but politics aside, Woods, known for his work in the ’80s, manages to disappear into the role of Owlman. That’s no small feat for such a renowned actor. Notably, his voice is unrecognizable in the context of the film. Was this intentional? Who’s to say? But it works well. William Baldwin as Batman and Mark Harmon as Superman provide a refreshing take on these iconic characters. Baldwin brings that signature cynical moodiness to Batman, while Harmon surprises with a deep understanding of the Man of Steel.

Chris Noth steps into Clancy Brown’s shoes as Lex Luthor and does a fine job, even though he isn’t given much room to portray the character’s evil side due to the storyline. Gina Torres steals the show as Superwoman, a character I personally adore. Torres’s natural voice acting talents bring Superwoman to life. Having previously voiced Vixen in “Justice League Unlimited” and Ketsu Onyo in “Star Wars Rebels,” Torres is no stranger to voice acting. She shines in this film, and her character plays a pivotal role in the storyline.

Overall, “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” delivers an engaging plot. While it might not reach the heights of “New Frontier,” it was never expected to. The witty dialogues, particularly between Batman and Owlman, provide the right amount of humor. The animation is visually pleasing, and the action is edited in a way that resembles live-action, ensuring a clear and engaging experience. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, and despite the film’s short runtime of 75 minutes, it doesn’t feel rushed or overcrowded, considering the extensive lineup of superheroes and villains. “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” is an enjoyable comic book movie, holding its own among the releases of its time. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a watch – you might be pleasantly surprised.

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