Justice Society: World War II Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

Trailer

Director: Jeff Wamester
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Superhero
Release year: 2021
Runtime (length): 1h 24min
IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (12K votes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%

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0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A modern-day speedster accidentally time-travels to WWII, only to discover the Justice Society is more concerned with mind-controlled Aquaman than the actual Nazis.

🍿 Justice Society: World War II: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Justice Society of America’s Formation

Amidst the raging conflict of World War II on Earth-2, President Franklin D. Roosevelt greenlights the formation of an elite superhuman team at the request of Colonel Steve Trevor. This new group, the Justice Society of America (JSA), is tasked with aiding the Allies against Nazi Germany, which is rapidly conquering Europe and seeking mystical artifacts. The JSA includes Wonder Woman, Black Canary, Hawkman, Hourman, and Jay Garrick, the Flash.

Barry Allen’s Unexpected Arrival

On Earth-1, Barry Allen, also known as The Flash, is enjoying a picnic with Iris West when their peaceful day is interrupted by a battle between Superman and Brainiac. As Barry rushes to assist, he attempts to intercept a Kryptonite bullet fired by Brainiac. This extraordinary feat pushes him to channel the Speed Force for the first time, unexpectedly transporting him to the midst of a World War II battle.

A Collision of Realities

Upon his arrival, Barry finds himself aiding the JSA against Nazi forces, initially causing confusion among the heroes. After demonstrating his allegiances, Barry is brought to the JSA’s base, where he meets the team, including their war correspondent, ‘Shakespeare’ (who is revealed to be Clark Kent from this Earth). Barry quickly realizes he hasn’t traveled to the past, but rather to a parallel reality where the JSA exists.

Doctor Fate’s Prophecy and a New Threat

During a mission to rescue a code-breaker, the JSA discovers Doctor Fate, who reveals he was the one who guided Barry to Earth-2. Fate explains that Barry has a lesson to learn and a mission to complete before he can return home. Following Fate’s cryptic instructions, the team heads to the Bermuda Triangle, where they encounter unexpected Atlantean forces and discover a deeper, more insidious plot.

The Advisor’s Deception and Shifting Alliances

In the Bermuda Triangle, the JSA is captured by Atlantean soldiers led by Aquaman. It’s revealed that Aquaman and his forces are being manipulated by a telepathic mercenary known as the Advisor, who intends to use the Atlanteans to weaken the surface world before taking control himself. As the two Flashes discover their powers diminishing when in close proximity, they must find a way to overcome this weakness and escape their Atlantean prison.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

If you plan to watch the movie first, watch here and come back to this section afterward.

See Spoilers and Ending

The Battle for Manhattan and Tragic Sacrifices

Atlantean forces, now joined by monstrous creatures from the Trench, launch a devastating attack on Manhattan. The JSA heroically confronts them, but the battle exacts a heavy toll: Hawkman is killed, and Hourman is severely wounded. Wonder Woman and Barry confront Aquaman, and with the timely intervention of Steve Trevor, Wonder Woman breaks Aquaman’s trident, freeing him from the Advisor’s control. Realizing the horror of his actions, Aquaman retreats, and his forces withdraw.

A Hero’s Last Act and a New Beginning

The Advisor, though seemingly defeated, reveals an imminent Nazi jet bomber strike before fatally wounding Steve Trevor. Barry manages to knock out the Advisor, while Earth-2’s Superman, now in his full costume, arrives to destroy the bombers. In his dying moments, Steve proposes to Wonder Woman, who accepts, leaving her with his engagement ring. The JSA vows to avenge Steve, while the Advisor regains consciousness and escapes, leaving his fate ambiguous.

Barry’s Return and Personal Resolution

With his mission on Earth-2 complete and a profound lesson learned from Wonder Woman about seizing opportunities with loved ones, Barry bids a heartfelt farewell to the JSA. He and Jay Garrick combine their speeds to send Barry back to Earth-1, specifically to the moment he intercepted the Kryptonite bullet. Barry successfully uses the bullet to defeat Brainiac. Inspired by his experiences, Barry suggests to Superman the idea of forming a team to counter future threats. Finally, Barry returns to Iris and proposes, fulfilling the promise to himself and embracing his future.

🎬 Cast & Characters

Barry Allen / The Flash (Matt Bomer): A modern-day speedster from Earth-1 who accidentally travels to a parallel Earth’s World War II, aiding its Justice Society.
Wonder Woman / Diana (Stana Katic): The Amazonian leader of the Justice Society of America on Earth-2, battling Nazis and their manipulated allies during World War II.
Jay Garrick / Flash (Armen Taylor): The ultra-high-speed hero of Earth-2’s Justice Society, who mentors and aids the displaced Barry Allen.
Hawkman / Carter Hall (Omid Abtahi): An ancient Egyptian warrior and key member of the Justice Society, fighting alongside his comrades in the war against the Advisor’s forces.
Steve Trevor (Chris Diamantopoulos): A courageous Colonel who initiates the Justice Society, serving as a vital strategic and emotional pillar for the team, especially Wonder Woman.
The Advisor (Geoffrey Arend): A telepathic mercenary who manipulates Aquaman and the Atlanteans, aiming to use the chaos of the war to conquer the planet for himself.
Clark Kent / Superman (Darren Criss): A war correspondent on Earth-2 who discovers his powers and becomes Superman, aiding the Justice Society in their final battle.

💬 Memorable Quotes

Iris West: “Life is dangerous. It shouldn’t stop us from living it.” – Spoken to Barry Allen, encouraging him to embrace a full life beyond his duties as the Flash and to take chances on personal happiness.
Steve Trevor: “Sorry, I’m an American! We don’t do surrender!” – Declared defiantly during a battle against overwhelming odds, showcasing his resolute and patriotic spirit.
Doctor Fate: “You can return to your reality, Flash, but not until you learn the lesson you came here to learn.” – Spoken mystically to Barry Allen after he arrives on Earth-2, indicating there is a higher purpose to his unexpected journey.
Wonder Woman: “You deserve happiness, Barry. Don’t miss your chance.” – Said to Barry Allen as she returns Steve Trevor’s engagement ring to him, encouraging Barry to seize his own opportunities for love and commitment.
Barry Allen: “Maybe we should think about forming a team.” – Proposed to Superman after returning to his own Earth, directly laying the groundwork for the formation of the Justice League.

💰Box Office

Budget: N/A
Domestic Gross: N/A
Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Justice Society: World War II Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I just finished watching *Justice Society: World War II*, and wow, I was genuinely impressed! I went in expecting a fun superhero romp, but it really delivered on the heart and emotion. Seeing Barry Allen stumble into that WWII era and interact with the JSA was so cool; I especially loved the dynamic between him and Jay Garrick. That scene where they’re trying to figure out how to work together with their powers? Fantastic! And honestly, the Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor subplot got me right in the feels. It was unexpected depth in a movie filled with great action and a really cool, retro-inspired animation style. Definitely a must-watch for DC animation fans.

Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of DC Comics and superhero animation, particularly those interested in alternate universe stories.”
- “Viewers who enjoy action-packed animated films with a blend of sci-fi and fantasy.”
- “Audiences interested in the Justice Society of America and classic Golden Age heroes.”
- “Those who appreciate time-travel narratives and multiverse concepts in superhero stories.”
Content warnings ⚠:
- “Rated PG-13 for sequences of animated violence and some bloody images.”
- “Contains mild language.”
- “The World War II setting includes sensitive topics related to conflict and war.”

Professional Reviews

IGN: “Justice Society: World War II delivers a surprising emotional punch alongside its fast-paced action. The unique animation style brings a fresh, Golden Age feel, perfectly suiting the wartime setting. Matt Bomer and Stana Katic lead a strong voice cast, particularly excelling in the nuanced character dynamics between Barry Allen and the JSA. While the plot takes a few unexpected turns, it ultimately offers a compelling and heartfelt narrative about heroism and connection across time.
Collider: “This animated feature proves DC’s continued strength in the medium. Justice Society: World War II shines brightest in its character interactions, especially the chemistry between the two Flashes. The action sequences are fluid and exciting, showcasing each hero’s abilities effectively. Some narrative shifts might feel a bit abrupt, moving from expected WWII foes to more fantastical threats, but the core themes of legacy and sacrifice resonate deeply, making it a worthwhile watch.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the unexpected emotional depth and the chemistry between the classic JSA characters and the modern Flash.: The animation style, strong voice acting, and the heartfelt moments, particularly the sacrifices made by the heroes, were highly praised. Many enjoyed seeing lesser-known JSA members get the spotlight.

The dynamic between Barry Allen and Jay Garrick, including their shared speedster moments, was a standout for many.: Audiences appreciated the fluid action sequences and how the film subtly explored themes of legacy, duty, and finding purpose, beyond just the superheroics.

Overall Consensus: A surprisingly heartfelt and action-packed entry in the DC animated universe, praised for its unique art style, strong character dynamics, and emotional depth, despite some plot complexities.

Awards

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🛠️ Behind the Scenes

“The film was originally conceived as an animated Wonder Woman series set in World War II, which was later retooled into a Justice Society team-up film.”
“Aquaman’s distinct yellow/gold gloves are a deliberate design choice that pays homage to his original Golden Age comic book appearance from the 1940s, aligning with the film’s Earth-2 setting.”
“To establish the period, the opening and part of the closing credits are stylized to resemble a black-and-white World War II newsreel.”
“Stana Katic, the voice actress for Wonder Woman, adopted a specific accent for the character, which some viewers interpreted as having a ‘Soviet block’ or Russian inflection.”

🖥️ How to Watch Justice Society: World War II?

Justice Society: World War II is available for digital purchase or rental across major platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. For physical media collectors, the film is also available on Blu-ray. Check your preferred digital retailer for pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Justice Society: World War II, you might like these similar films:

Justice League: The New Frontier (2008): Features an ensemble of classic DC heroes forming a team in a post-WWII era, exploring similar themes of heroism and societal change during a critical historical period.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013): Explores the concept of alternate timelines and realities caused by Flash’s actions, a central thematic element in ‘Justice Society: World War II’.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011): A quintessential superhero film set during World War II, showcasing a hero fighting against Nazis and engaging in period-specific action and espionage.
The Flash (2023): The live-action film directly tackles Barry Allen’s multiverse travel and interactions with alternate versions of heroes, echoing the core plot of this animated movie.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018): An acclaimed DC animated feature that transports a familiar hero to an alternate historical setting (Victorian era), appealing to fans who enjoy unique takes on established characters.

🛒 Justice Society: World War II Related Products

Justice Society: World War II (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital): Experience the animated film in stunning 4K resolution, accompanied by a Blu-ray disc and a digital code for convenient viewing on all your devices. Includes exclusive bonus features like ‘The Lost City of Atlantis’ and ‘Time-Travelers of WWII’.
Funko Pop! DC: Justice Society – Wonder Woman (WWII), Flash (Jay Garrick), Hawkman Bundle: A collector’s set of stylized vinyl figures featuring key members of the Justice Society in their movie-specific Golden Age designs. Perfect for display and completing your DC Funko Pop! collection.
DC Comics: The Golden Age Omnibus Vol. 1: Delve into the foundational stories of the Justice Society of America with this comprehensive omnibus. Features classic tales from the Golden Age of comics that inspired the movie’s characters and setting.
The Flash: Speed Force Crossroads (Digital Game Download): An action-adventure video game where players control both Barry Allen and Jay Garrick, navigating time anomalies and battling villains across historical periods, including WWII-era missions inspired by the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Justice Society: World War II features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

Is Justice Society: World War II connected to other DC animated movies?

Yes, ‘Justice Society: World War II’ is part of a new DC Animated Movie Universe initiated by ‘Superman: Man of Tomorrow’. While it doesn’t directly follow the continuity of the previous DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAU), it establishes a new shared universe for future films like ‘Batman: The Long Halloween’.

Does Justice Society: World War II feature the original Justice Society lineup?

The film features key members of the classic Justice Society, including Wonder Woman, Jay Garrick (The Flash), Black Canary, Hawkman, and Hourman. While Superman is present, he is not a founding member of this Earth’s JSA, and some other Golden Age JSA members like Green Lantern (Alan Scott) or Doctor Mid-Nite are not prominently featured, or are portrayed differently (e.g., Doctor Fate’s role).

Why does Wonder Woman have a different accent in Justice Society: World War II?

In ‘Justice Society: World War II’, Wonder Woman is voiced by Stana Katic, who portrays the character with a noticeable accent. This creative choice aimed to give Wonder Woman a distinct vocal identity in this new animated universe, though it has garnered mixed reactions from viewers, with some comparing it to Gal Gadot’s live-action portrayal.

Do the heroes primarily fight Nazis in Justice Society: World War II?

While the film begins with the Justice Society actively fighting Nazis as part of the World War II effort, the primary antagonist shifts significantly. The central conflict evolves to involve manipulated Atlantean forces and monstrous creatures, orchestrated by a telepathic villain, rather than solely focusing on direct combat with Nazi Germany throughout the entire narrative.

Who are the main voice actors in Justice Society: World War II?

The main voice cast includes Stana Katic as Wonder Woman, Matt Bomer as The Flash (Barry Allen), Omid Abtahi as Hawkman, Chris Diamantopoulos as Steve Trevor, Darren Criss as Superman, Elysia Rotaru as Black Canary, Matthew Mercer as Hourman, and Armen Taylor as Jay Garrick (Earth-2 Flash).

🔥 Bonus Content

The Flash Accidentally Travels To WW2 Where The Superheroes are NAZIS!

This video breaks down the exciting plot of *Justice Society: World War II*, perfect if you want to quickly grasp the main story points and why this timeline twist is so wild! I found it super helpful for getting a quick overview without missing any of the key action.

What Happened to DC Animated Movies?

Curious about where *Justice Society: World War II* fits into the larger DC animated universe, and what fans are saying about the recent films? This analytical video dives deep into the state of DC’s animated movies, offering some interesting takes on where things went right – or wrong! It definitely made me think more about the overall direction of the franchise.

CMV/SABATON – Defence Of Moscow/Justice Society: World War II

Ever wondered how *Justice Society: World War II* footage would look set to an epic Sabaton track? This fan-made music video is a fantastic, high-energy compilation that really captures the intense wartime vibe of the movie. It’s a fun and unique way to revisit some of the film’s coolest moments!

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