Movie Review - Justice League Dark: Apokolips War

You know, it's funny. People complain that the DC Extended Universe tries too hard to be like Marvel's cinematic universe all because of how DC tried to make very similar films. As a result, this has led to both DC and Warner Bros. to change course several times and now its all about those solo adventures with loose connections to the greater shared universe. Everyone who knows DC well knows that its always been those animated films that fare better to much of their live action films and within the many animated films, exists its own cinematic universe. Said cinematic universe has felt more like a journey than the DC Extended Universe due to how well the films are executed. While largely based on the New 52 comics, it also contains a few adaptations on some of the most beloved and well known stories such as Hush, Hell to Pay, The Judas Contract and of course The Death and Return of Superman. Now we come to the end of a fifteen film journey spread over the course of a few years and I don't know about you guys, but it feels very similar to something Marvel did last year. Well anyway, let's get to it and be aware of some spoilers to those who haven't seen any or most of these fifteen films:

Having attempted to invade Earth twice which led to the formation of the Justice League and a near death experience for Superman (reprised by Jerry O'Connell), Darkseid (reprised by Tony Todd) has managed to conquer many planets and civilizations. In a desperate attempt to counter this, the Justice League form a plan to invade Apokolips and bring an end to Darkseid and his rule, leaving the Teen Titans on Earth should they fail. But unbeknownst to them, Darkseid knows of their plan due to the Apokolips tech that turned Victor Stone (reprised by Shemar Moore) into Cyborg in his first invasion of Earth and therefore allowing him to get a video link. Due to this, much of the league is overwhelmed by his paradooms which leads to many heroes getting killed or repurposed and Darkseid being able to finally successfully conquer Earth. But two years later, Raven (reprised by Taissa Farmiga) and a now powerless Superman work with their remaining members and the Suicide Squad to try again despite what has happened and the odds being against them.

I have a lot of feelings about this film. I feel hopeful that we will get another film as the ending leaves the DC Animated Movie Universe on a bittersweet cliffhanger. I feel emotional that so many heroes and villains get killed off or repurposed for evil means. Among other feelings, many would see this as kind of similar but of course very different to Marvel. Darkseid has been the main villain of this universe like Thanos was in his. Both wanted to cause mass genocide in many of the planets and civilizations they visit and for the most part, succeed in doing just that. The main heroes attempt to bring an end to the villains, only to end in defeat. There is a time jump. But while Thanos left the universe intact to allow those that were left behind to rebuild with the chance of reversing what he did, Darkseid left very few people alive and most of the universe was left in tatters. Comparisons and feelings aside, I actually really like this film. It takes full advantage of its cast of characters even though many just appear in non-speaking cameos. It has a lot of emotional depth and even tries to through in a few in jokes despite the violent and mature nature of this film. It's probably the most violent DC film I have seen so far next to Flashpoint Paradox and manages to tie up all loose ends which many long-running franchises fail to do or leave on an unsatisfactory note. So yeah check it out, but just be prepared with tissues just in case. 9/10