Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One is out on Blu-ray now and will be available on digital platforms from tomorrow.
Synopsis
The heroes of DC’s Justice League and Rooster Teeth Animation’s RWBY join forces to battle an evil entity attacking Remnant in Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One. The all-new, feature-length DC Animated Movie finds Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Cyborg, Green Lantern and Vixen in new iterations – transformed into teenagers while in transport to RWBY’s world, and presented in Rooster Teeth’s anime-influenced animation – and partnering with the heroes of Remnant (Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang) to battle a mysterious, superpowered creature before it destroys everything they know.
Review
The idea of RWBY crossing over with the DC universe is utterly bizarre, yet it does work. Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One is a fun and vibrant ride that brilliantly blends two incredibly different worlds together. If you’re not a fan of RWBY, you definitely miss out on part of the enjoyment, but the introduction does a grand job of laying down the basics so that you don’t feel entirely left out or neglected.
If you’re unfamiliar with RWBY, the animation is definitely a tad disorientating. 3D animation can be a hit or miss, and your familiarity with RWBY will essentially dictate whether it hits or misses. Fans of RWBY will already be well adjusted to the animation style, but there is definitely a risk of newcomers not being onboard. The animation is colourful and vibrant, and it’s clear just how the world of RWBY was inspired by anime. It all works well together. However, the style does feel very slow and clunky. There is a lack of fluidity and impact, so the action doesn’t have that well-needed punch. It all feels very static and uninspired.
Having said that though, the character designs are awesome. The way in which the characters of the DC universe are adapted to suit the world of Remnant is really the highlight of this film. There’s a playful approach to this convergence and it’s both aesthetically interesting and funny. There are some great interactions between the cast and seeing our favourite heroes in this fish out of water narrative allows for fresh sides of these characters to be revealed. Yet you can still see those familiar characteristics shine through once they gather their bearings.
The major issue with this film, is that it’s not at all memorable. While one of the twists was hidden and executed very there, there is no wow factor. There isn’t a moment that truly shines or even leaves you wanting another bout. The ideas are definitely there, it just seems as though they didn’t push beyond the boundary to create something special,
Verdict
It’s hard not to admire what Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One attempted to do, and to a certain extent they absolutely nailed it. The blending of worlds is great and the film approaches it in a fun way that spartks some great humor, funny interactions and some cool action sequences. The animation definitely takes some getting used to, unless you’re already a fan of RWBY, but the overall film just doesn’t do much to really grip and wow its audience.
⭐⭐⭐
Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One is produced and directed by by Kerry Shawcross (RWBY franchise) and written by screenwriter Meghan Fitzmartin (Supernatural, Justice Society: World War II). Producers are Ethan Spaulding (Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge), Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) and Kimberly S. Moreau (Legion of Super-Heroes). Laura Yates (Boyhood, RWBY, Red vs. Blue) is Supervising Producer. Executive Producer is Michael Uslan. Sam Register is Executive Producer.
