Justice League vs. the Fatal Five (2019) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Justice League vs. the Fatal Five (2019) is an animated superhero film that delves deep into the DC Universe, bringing together familiar faces from the Justice League and pitting them against a deadly group of villains known as the Fatal Five. Directed by Sam Liu, this film offers a unique combination of traditional superhero action, time travel, and compelling character development, particularly focusing on the lesser-known hero Jessica Cruz, also known as Green Lantern.
With its stunning animation and a storyline that balances action with character exploration, this movie is a nostalgic yet fresh take on the Justice League mythos. This review will explore the film’s plot, characters, themes, and where to stream or rent Justice League vs. the Fatal Five online, especially in the U.S.
Plot Overview: Time-Traveling Villains and New Heroes
The story begins with three members of the notorious Fatal Five—Tharok, Persuader, and Mano—traveling from the 31st century to the present day, aiming to free their imprisoned comrades, Emerald Empress and Validus, to wreak havoc in the modern world. Their primary objective is to capture the Green Lantern of Earth, Jessica Cruz, in order to use her power ring to unlock a terrifying weapon.
Meanwhile, the Justice League, comprised of Batman (Kevin Conroy), Superman (George Newbern), Wonder Woman (Susan Eisenberg), and Mr. Terrific (Kevin Michael Richardson), are drawn into the conflict. They team up with two heroes from the future—Star Boy (Elyes Gabel) from the Legion of Super-Heroes, and the reluctant, trauma-ridden Jessica Cruz (Diane Guerrero)—to stop the Fatal Five from altering the future.
As the battle intensifies, the heroes must come to terms with their own fears and insecurities. Jessica Cruz’s journey as she grapples with her anxiety and self-doubt takes center stage, while Star Boy’s struggle with mental illness adds emotional depth to the film.
Jessica Cruz: A Hero’s Journey of Self-Discovery
One of the film’s strongest elements is its focus on Jessica Cruz, the newest Green Lantern. Voiced by Orange is the New Black star Diane Guerrero, Jessica is depicted as a reluctant hero suffering from severe anxiety and PTSD after a traumatic event in her past. Unlike the confident Hal Jordan or John Stewart Green Lanterns, Jessica is unsure of herself and initially struggles to harness the power of her ring.
The film portrays her mental health struggles with sensitivity, making her journey to self-acceptance and courage one of the most compelling aspects of the story. Jessica’s growth from a frightened individual to a confident Green Lantern is both inspiring and relatable, offering a refreshing take on superhero storytelling. Her character development, paired with her growing friendship with Wonder Woman, adds an emotional core to the film that resonates with audiences.
Star Boy’s Heroic Sacrifice
Alongside Jessica Cruz is Star Boy (Thomas Kallor), a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes from the 31st century. Star Boy suffers from a mental illness that requires medication to stabilize his condition, and without access to it in the past, he becomes unstable. His character adds another layer of emotional complexity to the narrative, highlighting the struggles of living with mental health issues in a superhero context.
Star Boy’s character arc is beautifully tragic, culminating in a heroic sacrifice that mirrors the selflessness often associated with true heroism. His relationship with the Justice League, particularly with Superman, adds a bittersweet tone to the story, reminding viewers of the personal cost of being a hero.
The Fatal Five: Formidable Villains with High Stakes
The Fatal Five—Tharok, Persuader, Mano, Emerald Empress, and Validus—serve as the primary antagonists of the film. Each member of this fearsome group brings unique powers and abilities, making them a formidable challenge for the Justice League. The film emphasizes the stakes involved, as the Fatal Five’s plan to unlock a devastating weapon in the past could lead to catastrophic consequences for the future.
While the Fatal Five may not be as well-known as iconic DC villains like the Joker or Lex Luthor, they are portrayed with enough menace and power to keep the tension high throughout the film. Their motivations, particularly the Emerald Empress’s obsession with Star Boy, add depth to their villainy, making them more than just typical one-dimensional antagonists.
Classic Justice League and New Heroes
The core members of the Justice League—Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Mr. Terrific—are brought to life by the iconic voice cast from Justice League: The Animated Series. Kevin Conroy’s Batman, George Newbern’s Superman, and Susan Eisenberg’s Wonder Woman reprise their roles, providing a nostalgic connection to the early 2000s animated series. Their presence grounds the film, making it feel like a continuation of the beloved Justice League universe.
The addition of new heroes like Jessica Cruz and Star Boy is seamlessly integrated into the story, giving the film a fresh dynamic. These new characters bring personal struggles and unique abilities to the Justice League, enhancing the film’s message that being a hero isn’t just about strength—it’s about overcoming inner demons and finding the courage to fight for what’s right.
Themes: Courage, Mental Health, and Heroism
Justice League vs. the Fatal Five goes beyond the typical superhero action to explore deeper themes, particularly mental health. Both Jessica Cruz and Star Boy deal with mental health challenges, and the film treats these issues with respect and nuance. Jessica’s battle with anxiety and Star Boy’s struggle with his mental illness serve as poignant reminders that even heroes face personal challenges. Their courage in overcoming these obstacles underscores the film’s central message: true heroism lies in facing and conquering one’s fears.
The film also explores the idea of legacy, as the future of the Legion of Super-Heroes is at stake. The Justice League must not only protect the present but also safeguard the future, demonstrating the importance of their role as protectors of time and space.
Animation and Visuals
The animation style of Justice League vs. the Fatal Five closely resembles that of the Justice League Unlimited series, evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans of the DC Animated Universe (DCAU). The action sequences are fluid and dynamic, with impressive battle scenes that showcase the powers of both the Justice League and the Fatal Five.
The film also features some stunning visual moments, particularly in the scenes where Jessica Cruz learns to fully embrace her Green Lantern powers. The green energy constructs and the glowing, cosmic designs of the Green Lantern Corps add a vibrant, otherworldly aesthetic to the film.
Where to Watch Justice League vs. the Fatal Five Online in America
If you’re looking to watch Justice League vs. the Fatal Five online, there are several platforms available for streaming, renting, or purchasing:
Streaming Services
- Max (formerly HBO Max): The film is available to stream on Max, home to a vast collection of DC animated films and series.
Rental and Purchase Streaming Services
For those who prefer to rent or purchase the film for long-term viewing, Justice League vs. the Fatal Five is available on multiple platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or buy the film in SD or HD.
- Apple TV: Available for rent or purchase in HD.
- Google Play Movies: Stream by renting or purchasing on Google Play.
- Vudu: Available for rental or purchase in HD or UHD.
- YouTube Movies: Rent or buy the movie through YouTube.
Final Thoughts
Justice League vs. the Fatal Five is a well-crafted animated film that offers a balance of action, emotional depth, and character exploration. With standout performances by Jessica Cruz and Star Boy, and the return of the iconic Justice League, this film successfully blends nostalgia with fresh storytelling.
By tackling themes of mental health, heroism, and legacy, Justice League vs. the Fatal Five elevates itself beyond a standard superhero film. It’s a must-watch for fans of the DC Animated Universe and anyone looking for a superhero film that dives into deeper, more personal issues. Catch Justice League vs. the Fatal Five on one of the streaming platforms mentioned above, and immerse yourself in the thrilling, action-packed adventure that balances heart and heroism.
