Justice League: Throne of Atlantis Film Review

Justice league: throne of atlantis film review!

Aquaman takes the spotlight in DC's new Animated Adventure

 

Review by Dan Uppington

Hi all, Dan here, bringing you a review of the new DC Animated Film, Justice League: Throne of Atlantis, or as I'd call it; Man of Veel!

Following on from the success of the 2014 debut animated film Justice League: War, Throne of Atlantis continues what seems to be a gradual cementing of this new Justice league's place as a super-powered team in DC's more modern New 52 universe, and in doing so revitalise a somehow tarnished household name... Aquaman.

Arthur is a little worse for wear at the start of the film

After the events from Justice League: War, the people of Atlantis are left mourning their fallen King who was caught in the cross-fire of the battle above the surface. Whilst Queen Atlanna pursues peace, her son Orm seeks retribution for his father and along with his shadowy advisor Manta set out a plan of their own. 

Meanwhile, the Justice League are experiencing their own teething problems, with Cyborg leading the charge at base whilst the others... well, just carry on as normal, not really a solid team just yet. This changes once they begin to investigate an apparent attack on a nuclear submarine and discover the on board missiles are missing. 

The Justice League reunites once again

In a small fishing town, Arthur Curry is grieving for the death of his father. Finding solace in the bottom of a bottle and the company of like-minded lobsters. Arthur's mourning is interrupted by the locals who force him into a drunken brawl that attracts the attention of two parties, One is Mata and the other is Mera, who serves to bring sense to Arthur's lonely existence and lead him on a journey from the surface and into the deep.

Throne of Atlantis gives Arthur Curry the "Man of Steel" treatment (hence my alternate title), pitting him against the odds to rediscover his true heritage and bring justice and peace to Atlantis and the surface. The royal Atlantian power struggle between the Queen and Orm in Atlantis was one of the parts I enjoyed the most, full of tricks and turns. The pace of the film and delivery of the plot was well done, where the build up to act 2 meant bring the action, then winding it down before the final act.

The underwater sequences have a great visual style

I found the animation to be good. Whilst the Atlantis scenes were well done, they could could feel rigid at some points. The fight scenes were damn impressive - the choreography in the battle between Arthur, Mera and the Trenchers was just outstanding, not only on a technical level but I can safely say that it's how i visualise comics when I read them in my head. i found the very worthy of the 15 rating given, with plenty of graphic beatings and blood to behold, and even some naughty swears!

The action sequences are really something special

 The Batman/Green Lantern rough-housing is back, but this time takes a more serious tone, but this time takes a more serious tone unlike War in which it was more jovial. Green Lantern tries to get the hot tag on one of Batman's missions, only to leave the job half done and we all know Batman doesn't do things by half. The Flash is on point, watching him sprinting across the ocean was fantastic touch.

Don't get me started on Sha-bloody-Zam. I just don't like him. There is literally no need for him in these films whatsoever.

Unfortunately Aquaman get's a little lost amongst all the supporting cast

The main issue I have with Throne of Atlantis is character development. I can see that DC are using these animated films as a way to bring their "B" players into the fray, for example Cyborg (Victor Stone) is given his full on "dealing-with-the-fact-I'm-a-robot-now" side-plot AND gets a romantic interest, not meaning he doesn't deserve the screen time but you wouldn't make a whole movie of it so why take time away from Aquaman? This is his boat damnit! Superman and Wonder Woman have their own little relationship going on (throw in Lois Lane and you've got one awkward lunch date) but this leaves Arthur Curry's transformation and thus accepting of this new life feel very rushed, which is a damn shame.

The flick has got a really nice soundtrack, as for the voice casting, it's  mixed bag. Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern brings me happiness on so many levels, whereas Jason O'Mara's Batman is still... off somehow. Good tone, wrong accent. Bring on Batfleck! "STHAP IT, I'M NAWT A CAWWWWP!"

Bring on the next installment!

I'm giving Justice League: Throne of Atlantis a solid  6 out of 10. As much as I enjoyed the plot and action, it's ultimately a rushed origins story that at times leaves the main protagonist to the side.

Special Features on the Blu Ray include:

Scoring Atlantis: The Sound of the Deep Featurette

Robin and Nightwing: Bonus sequence

Throne of Atlantis: 2014 Ny Comic Con Panel

Sneak Peak: Batman Vs. Robin

Villains of the Deep Featurette

Episodes from the DC Comics Vault

For more reviews and news on upcoming DC DTV movies, keep it locked here at Cape and Cowl!