Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox

Note: This review contains spoilers for The Flashpoint Paradox.

In the leadup to DC’s (in)famous New 52 reboot in 2011, a now famous The Flash storyline known as Flashpoint was ran, which featured a limited series with a number of tie-in comics that all explored an alternate timeline. This arc would later be adapted in 2013 as Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, the first installment in the DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU). While I will admit to not caring too much about the movie when it first came out, I became more curious over time due to a combination of Reverse Flash memes based on it and watching the 2023 The Flash film, which also adapts the Flashpoint arc. After finally sitting down to watch it, by streaming it through Max, I liked it more than I thought I would, going so far as to find it a better Flash movie than the actual Flash movie.

After stopping a plot from Eobard Thawn/Professor Zoom/Reverse Flash (C. Thomas Howell) to blow up Central City, Barry Allen/The Flash (Justin Chambers) is taunted by Thawn about the death of his mother, making Barry think back on it and how he wishes he could have prevented it. The next day, Barry suddenly wakes up in an alternate timeline where his mother is alive and the world is completely different, including The Flash no longer existing and the world being in the midst of a war between Aquaman and Wonder Woman. Barry believes that Reverse Flash had something to do with this timeline change and sets out to return to his original timeline.

 

Barry Allen (Justin Chambers) wakes up in a world where nothing is the same and
he doesn't know why.

Having not read the original Flashpoint comic, the movie works well as a stand-alone narrative that makes itself accessible to those unfamiliar with the source material, though some passing knowledge can help and there is a remnant of New 52 elements at the end with the costume designs. Within its run time, the plot fully explores the ramifications of the alternate timeline without taking too much attention away from Barry Allen, and explores some interesting ideas such as Thomas Wayne becoming Batman after Bruce dies in his place. Those with unmet expectations from The Flash film will find them met here, the biggest one being Reverse Flash actually being the main villain instead of an evil Barry Allen.

 

Reverse Flash (C. Thomas Howell) is the main villain here.

Unlike the special effects of its live-action counterpart, the animation is really good, including the visual effects of a number of powers such as Flash’s super speed. Although I didn’t really mind the art style, it can look a little off at times, mainly with the faces of some of the male characters. There are also some instances of rather obvious CG in the final act, though thankfully it is used very sparingly. Also worth mentioning is that the movie features no shortage of bloodshed, making it one of the most violent DC animated features, but it manages to not go too overboard with it.

The movie features a good ensemble cast with a mixture of on-screen actors and professional voice actors. This being his only foray into voice acting, Justin Chambers fits the role of Barry Allen really well, though his enunciation of “Thawne” sounds unfortunate at times. C. Thomas Howell also stands out as Professor Zoom with the right combination of evil and pettiness, even getting to reprise the role in later DC projects featuring the character. Michael B. Jordan of Creed fame is also good in the role of Cyborg, as is Kevin McKidd as Thomas Wayne.

Even outside of the context of the DCAMU and the source material, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is enjoyable in its own right as a Flash movie, even for those unfamiliar with the character. For those who were disappointed by, or don’t wish to see, The Flash movie, this is a solid replacement.