The thing about that line that's always stuck with me is that if even one of the infinite versions of Owlman had stopped the bomb from detonating right then, he could have sent it back to Earth Prime and detonated it there. Since the multiverse continues to exist, I think that means that *every* version of Owlman who gets to that point chooses not to save himself. And I think that means it *does* matter.
@@Grizabeebles There’s also the possibility that there is no Earth Prime. Because every decision made on Earth Prime makes another universe, meaning Earth Prime will never be destroyed
My favourite Batman line to this day is still "There is a difference between you and me. We both looked into the abyss. But when it looked back at us, you blinked"
In my opinion the standout of this film is James Woods as Owlman. His cold, distant and relaxed demeanor really makes Owlman feel as though he's always in charge of any given situation and as if nothing will ever faze his calculating and emotionless nature.
This is James Woods' best voice work. Hades is his most iconic voice acting role but whenever Woods delivers a line as Owlman, he delivers it with the uncaring attitude of a true nihilist. And he manages to do it without being outright bland. When he said "There are alternate versions of me that you could find quite charming" some of Woods' natural charm seeped into the line without changing Owlman's overall demeanour. It would be so easy to just deliver every line in a dull monotone to convey that Owlman doesn't care but instead, Woods speaks with a silky smoothness and an underlying sense of danger which makes Owlman sound like a living, breathing being instead of a soulless robot.
Owlman is a Batman taken to 100% of his potential. Unlike Batman, Owlman ended his crusade. There is no crime in Gotham beyond himself. There is no rogue gallery. All of their cadavers are mounted in his trophy room, like some stuffed animals. And the ONLY reason Owlman does not kill Crime Syndicate is because their existence serves as a deterrent for others to try anything in Gotham. Imagine if Solomon Grundy/Killer Crock bursts into Gotham. What would Batman do? Be stubborn self and try to take on metahumans few levels above him. And then try to put them in prisons that cannot contain such super-powered monsters, or are ticking bombs. What Owlman does? Dials Ultraman/Johnny Quick and they turn that problem into paste on a pavement. Permanent solution. Batman has access to Godkiller armours, and yet reduces himself to “fair fight” with his normal street level gear. Owlman ALWAYS wears n-metal suit (think Black Panter level of durability/invincibility) with exoskeleton capable of overpowering Demi-gods. Owlman does not mess around. He uses every advantage he has to win, because that is cold and calculative. There is no fair - there are only survivors and corpses. Owlman is essentially Batman in every way but approach. He ENDS things. But does so at the cost of his humanity. He is stripped of any. Just raw intelligence focused on utilitarian goals, without any constraints. For Batman, means are above ends. For Owlman, ends are above means.
@@kingol4801 This here also shows us the difference between them, Batman is deeply sick, yet he accepts his sickness and carries on with his moral code evading the bad ending, Batman cares, and Owlman decides to reject himself without a single care about what happens next as he "does not care"
Crises on two earths is such a DC story. It distinguishes itself with conflicts and events that not many other comic properties can emulate. The crime syndicate is so outlandishly cartoonish that it comes back around to being serious. Owl Man's existential crisis is so good.
The CS is pure evil/evil version done right. They're absolutely cruel and bad, but are pulled off in such a fantastic way that they're endearing characters in their own right, and johnny quick's death hits you.
@@98loud That's what happens when you setup a solid narritive. Too often the "redemption" aspect is told too early. Sometimes just letting characters be themselves and then making a choice is much better than. "Pity this character's evil acts because they're really good when you know them"
I love that last line of yours. "In a multiverse with so many different places and people, infinite in fact, it only means there's so much more to love."
In the comic where the film is based on Owlman did try to be a hero, but then he realised his parents were worse then the man who killed his parents. He lost all hope in humanity.
"No. Not good. After all, I'm only human" is also a very good line, but in my opinion, the best line in any DC animated movie would be the line "Every decision you ever make, you literally create a world where you made the opposite choice. We're nothing. destroying the multiverse is the only action one could take, that would actually matter" Or something around those lines I don't exactly remember the full quote
@justasentientmclarenp1879 there's different ones.of his backstory the one I know is that his butler alfred killed bruce,martha and thomas wayne in the alley and alfred said it was the first time he saw his master cry alfred was narrarating it btw i think i didnt actuallyread it but i know allot about it(owlman is thomas wayne jr in most universes he's born stull born or dies really young)
My favorite scene is when Batman gets back from the Owl man fight and immediately screams “JOHNNY STOP!” Like he was hoping there was a chance he would be okay, but he already knew he was done, and Johnny just looks at him and goes “All that shit you said about me being faster than the Flash, you knew this would happen….good one mate.”
The thing that gets me thinking everytime I watch this film is that technically Owlman survived. He had just barely enough time to abort the detonation, grab the portal gun and switch Earth's, but he chose not to because "It doesn't matter." He chose not to save himself to attempt again, and that would create another universe where he chose differently and saved himself.
Perhaps, but doing so would betray his own core belief that ‘nothing matters’, not even his own life. Regardless of what would’ve happened, I doubt this other Owlman would be the same person.
@@NexusBurning True. But his motivation could outweigh his belief. Batman believes he is dead. He has a gun to go across the multiverse, and a bomb ready to be armed again. He could easily continue his mission and wait until Bruce leaves Earth-Prime, and use the portal gun to go back, and once again, make the only decision to ever matter. Destroy all of the multiverse.
Pretty sure that in that place where both fought there's no splits, but that it "doesn't matters" because there's likely another Owlman that will come try to do this again anyway, so "it doesn't matters" if he does something or not, because if he escapes and keeps trying then it's not too different from dying there and another him trying.
It's like he knows in the vastness of the multiverse for as many different versions of Batman that can stop him there also infinite of Owlman that'll all try. And one is bound to be right and destroy everything. So his life as a singular Owlman doesn't matter.
I just noticed that Dwayne McDuffie wrote the script for this film. While James Woods expertly delivered a cold, calculating nihilist in Owlman, it's his lines that really stick with us. That was McDuffie. A true giant and genius of a writer & creator. R.I.P.
I have to say J'onn is one of the most consistent characters in all JL media. And I love how he is used as a trope of being an outsider not afraid to be his true self and share his personal beliefs with others.
I don’t think Batman risked flashes life, he knew for certain that the teleporter would work and since it’s been shown multiple times that Batman is fond of flash, I believe it’s one of the few times he was pulling a small prank.
Yeah thats the point,they even say right after the scene it was a prank and that Batman was totally sure it would work and if he had the slightest doubt he wouldnt do that,but Flash doesnt believe it,he thinks Batman dislikes him. So in the end when Batman "tricks" Johnny Quick into doing it instead of the flash,because he knew something dangerous could happen he finally understood.
@@zemox2534 okay so your choice is to let your friend die to save every human to exist or that is going to or let some other person do it it’s pretty simple
@@zemox2534 JQ accepted the task of maintaining the portal, so he did indeed sacrificed himself, he just didn't understand the full consequences of that choice. JQ also volunteered before Flash; Batman only chose the lesser of the two evils. Sacrifice the volunteer of the evil group, or sacrifice the volunteer of the good group, which might cause the good group to spiral when their moral compass is gone?
@@lordanonimmo7699 You are right . batman knew it would be incredibly dangerous and possibly even lethal , so he lied and said that Jonny was faster to protect flash closing out the ark showing Barry that he loves him . And yes the teleporter thing was batman pranking flash (batman even took flashes churro) but batman's poca faced expression made it seem like it was for real . Batman knew it was dangerous so much and wanted to protect flash so much that He picked Jonny out of him and flash When he came out he hurriedly asked Jonny to stop And Jonny said "good one mate" Batman saved his friend
"There is a difference between you and me. We both looked into the abyss, but when it looked back at us, you blinked" Anyone can look into the well of madness we call life the key difference is whether you break from the pressure or become stronger
Owlman is so underrated, and this movie finally does him justice. Until Dark Nights Metal, he was the most dangerous character in the multiverse-Batman's genius without Batman's limitations. The guy who can take down anyone, but now looking out only for himself. And ultimately, the only way he can lose is by Batman's morality. Batman can only defeat Owlman because he is good, but he will always defeat Owlman because he is good. Because caring for others gives strengths and advantages greater than willingness to kill or use a gun. So ironically, Owlman is a symbol of how good will always win, even against the evil that holds all the cards. And Batman who Laughs ended up proving that too-the way he was handled is how Owlman should have been treated long ago. I'm glad the movie pulled off what the comics never did.
Dark Nights Metal actually brought him back to his spot, I'd argue, at least at the end. Because he took down a number of the Dark Multiverse Bats and was integral to the "Darkest Knight's" plan failing.
I know he’s not a major focus in this film but I honestly think this ultraman is a fantastic version of the “evil Superman” because instead of just being a sociopathic, emotionless overlord he’s the evil equivalent to Clark Kent. The whole thing about Superman is that he’s basically just a neighborhood Good Samaritan but on an epic scale so here he’s the equivalent of that, that being a gang leader on a large scale. So while Clark is the sweet farm boy from Kansas, ultraman is inner city New York punk. Like look at the scene where he threatens the president, any other evil Superman would act a mad god threatening a lowly human here he talks like a mobster threatening someone for their “protection money”
I've heard people say the universe is so large that people and our decisions are insignificant. That isn't the way to live and this movie helps illustrate why. Life is special and should be treated with care along with the choices you make
Yes. The universe is so large that our choices impact so many things. Our choices will echo across all of time, even if no one mortal remembers them. The significance is not just enormous; it's infinite.
From Stargate SG1: Oma Desala : The Universe is vast and we are so small. There is really only one thing we can ever truly control. Dr. Daniel Jackson : What's that? Oma Desala : Whether we are good or evil.
@@Grizabeebles Is it freedom if a fish climbs out of the water and dies? Or is that merely death? Freedom is not "whatever you want." Freedom is being unrestricted from fulfilling the good you were created to do.
Owlman never considers the concept that choices have meaning because they can result in entirely new worlds and timelines forming. But that's why he's Owlman: an outward appearance of intelligence masking how foolish his negative nihilism really is. Just like real owls who aren't actually that intelligent compared to other bird species.
This is one of my favorite animated films and I love the parallels between each leaguer no matter how small the interaction was. Batman and Owlman hopefully gets adapted to live action. One of my favorite scenes between the two.
‘To grief deeply is to have loved fully, we open our hearts to it. Open your heart to the world and you’ll find every reason to keep living in it.’ -Faye of Jötunheim
I love this movie, and the graphic novel too. I still go back to it whenever I rewatch Justice League and JLU. I know it doesn't fit perfectly, but it fits _enough_ to serve as a good bridge.
it was originally a JL/JLU between movie to explain some things like WW's invisible jet, but was rewritten a bit to make it just different enough, although I still don't get why they did that.
@@ProjektTakuit was cause the movie was delayed and it came out after JLU was finished. So they wanted to make it part of their new movie line and art style
@@michaellabonte6390 eh fair, I do like the art style (aside from Power Ring's and ultraman's design's). Personally one of my favorite changes from book to movie is how the crime syndicate function as an actually criminal syndicate, with territories and made men.
It's really interesting how different the comic and movie are, but I don't think it's a bad thing. The fact that two different ideas can exist within similar stories with only a few alterations is very amazing.
This movie is really great at showing despite there being infinite number of realities and infinite worlds the Justice League shows that they are truly special because of their compassion and love towards people of other worlds not just their world!
I kinda dig it. So many people today, and especially younger people like me, want to drown in this nihilism and the idea that nothing matters, either as an escape or as a way to find happiness, but I just can't get behind that.
Nothing TRULY matters. That’s the important part. There is no big law about this is important and this isn’t and yada yada. But, when nothing matters, anything can matter.
Owlmans last words "it doesnt matter" was a good ass line. Its his sudden realization that he was wrong, but the calm acceptance of his fate that got me.
I don’t think he believes he is wrong, but that it don’t matters if he makes a choice because other him will make the choice of stop the bomb, if his teory of how the multiverse works it’s true, so that “it doesn’t matter” show his nihilism to the end.
During that whole fight I had the sense that Owlman deeply wanted Batman to agree or at least to understand where he was coming from. He could have won earlier.
The idea of "when there are an infinite number of people and universes, the ones who love you and that you love are all the more precious." Is a great outlook.
I love the irony that this was made into a stand alone movie instead of the kick off to the JLU and how it “doesn’t matter” in contrast to owl man’s whole thesis
The climactic conflict is a great one, and only becomes more pertinant in the context of so many people thinking superheroes should be edgy antiheroes who readily kill and mangle. Batman's riposte - the title of this video - is perfect.
A world where nothing matters, also means everything you do are of equal impact. A world like that is a world where we ourselves choose what has meaning to us
Fun fact owlman in 1 dc comic universe is Bruce Wayne's brother named Thomas Wayne Jr who tried to convince Bruce to help kill their parents for inheritance but in the end Bruce was against it so he killed Bruce too. Which when Owlman says" not good,never good, after all I'm only human" indicates that he really was Bruce Wayne's brother in that timeline. Making it more meaningful as it shows how the brothers from two different universes compare to one another. How their paths differ. How Bruce's life would've led out had he'd be alive and that while Thomas Wayne might’ve been more prepared with his gear and such( like how he was prepared to kill his parents) but he never quite had the heart Bruce has that allowed him to see the bigger picture and overall allowed him to continue fighting despite the disadvantages he had against owlman. In the end despite the fact that owlman could've continued to struggle like Batman he decided to give up which lead to his death. As Batman said "You blinked" indicating that while he is while he isn't bound by morals allowing him to be more free he still in the end could not keep striving no matter the cost the way Batman does. Since much like how Owlman have up on relying on his parents(which caused him to kill them) Bruce Wayne never did to the point where it lead to his death in that timeline.
holy shit why have i never heard of this perfect villain? like, he's got a good motive, a sick animal theme, a great voice actor, and a great plan. man what a role model **furiously takes notes**
I’ve been watching this fight a lot lately because I feel like it’s the perfect analogy for the duality of man. Owl man is evil because he’s completely lost faith in humanity and realizes how truly meaningless our existence is. Batman on the other hand acknowledges this but continues to remind owl man that you have to be that good man to see good in the world and no one else is going to do it for you, the challenge of being a good person is what keeps you going “you must’ve been a good man once” he knows that deep deep down inside owl man knows he’s wrong but he’s too afraid too admit it because he’s already come this far and done so much evil he thinks he and everyone else can never be ok so he has to wipe it all away. Owl man is just so hopeless and sad he really thinks that the nature of man cannot be saved. And I have to say some days I’m Batman but most days I’m Owlman
I was just thinking about this movie and how I liked the contrast between characters along with their counterparts. We need more of these movies us the entire team having evil counterparts. A God's and monster's video will probably come out in the future.
Owlman is literally just Batman if his ego ruled over his mind. Batman’s awareness of his weaknesses and uselessness makes him better because of his ability to address those weaknesses. Nothing is stronger than a man that can better himself.
One thing I think gets glossed over is the real meaning behind Owlman's last line. Yes he is suicidal and accepts his death in that moment, but he also must have realized that if his conjecture about the multiverse is right, then that means that somewhere there must be a version of him who won that fight, and thus if everything can be destroyed by blowing up Earth prime, then it will happen anyway. And if he's wrong and it can't, then surviving means continuing to live in the reality he has rejected.
If this was true that dc multiverse wouldve been gone by the end of the movie, more likely is any choice owlman couldve made resulted still in batman winning no? Infinite choices doesnt necessarily mean infinite different outcomes
Both Batman and Owlman have faced pain and darkness in their lives, but whereas Owlman developed a nihilistic outlook and committed to a life of crime, Batman decided to respond by becoming a force for good and justice. When Batman says, "We both looked into the abyss," he's referring to the fact that both he and Owlman have encountered the worst sides of human nature. Yet when he says, "But when it looked back at us, you blinked," he is saying that although Batman was able to become stronger and stand up for what is right, Owlman was unable to endure the darkness and fell into despair. Ultimately, the quote emphasises how Batman and Owlman have very different worldviews and how their respective upbringings have formed them into the heroes or villains they are today.
The most underrated video ever; you managed to expertly explain the relevance of a movie that went off the track of its inspiration- when the movie was (assumedly maybe) made for a younger audience, and in doing so you were able to convey the idea of hopelessness and being filled with hope in JUST EIGHT MINUTES, you are hands down one of the best video essay creators on the platform
It's hard to care when things often feel like Murphy's Law is just out there hovering over people and waiting for its chance to say "Here, hold my beer..." Many people I've met who claim to be nihilists or cynics do so with an austerity where it's more about claiming superiority over others, as if not giving a shit or distrusting people's motives constantly makes them some sort of edgy ubermensch. Caring hurts. Trying to do better, to be better, and to make something of what you have possess meaning can be painful. Take me for example: I spent my whole childhood being beaten down verbally, emotionally, and physically. I've run the gamut of human abuse. There were times I did struggle with suicidal thoughts and feelings. Even tried and failed a dozen or so times. And it wasn't due to some bright shining moment that made me stop. Hell, I only started to get better through neurological therapy that started repairing some of the systemic brain damage caused by untreated and unmitigated trauma. What made me stop was the congenial and caring nature of the people who helped me through that therapy. Hell, one of the TMS techs accidentally stopped my heart by accident by nailing the wrong part of my brain with the magnetic coil and his senior technician and I just laughed it off. Poor guy was so scared he couldn't keep his Mandarin and his English separated. I almost died due to a mistake from an entry-level employee and I just laughed. It was in that moment that I realized that I actually cared about my life but could still find humor in the risk of my own death. By that point I'd been car accidents, I'd been shot at, I'd been nearly trampled by horses and deer herds, attacked by coyotes, stabbed at school, set on fire, struck by lightning, drowned, and more. And what came closest to killing me was a TMS tech and a small wave of energy to the wrong part of my brain during a therapy session. It's the fucking absurdity of it all that I found so goddamn funny. And that's what helped me to find meaning in my life again. Just the sheer comical amount of shit that I'd survived and been involved in. Finding hilarity within the darkness and cowing my own inner demons into submission with a laugh. Because at the end of the day, when life gives you reasons to scream, sometimes you just have to assert a reason to laugh at it instead.
I loved this movie as a kid and seeing evil versions of my favourite heroes was such a novel idea to me before Injustice and The Boys made it mainstream
Despite it not being from my favorite Batman (Conroy), the “you blinked” line is imo the most powerful DCAU Batman line of all time. I love this movie, from the castings to the philosophy to the dialogue and action. It still tops my DCAU movie rankings. You make such thoughtful and insightful videos, great stuff. 👏🏽
4:00 To be fair, just from looking at their outfits, you can tell that they're that universe's version of the Shazam family. And Shazam is no joke himself.
Owlman to Batman: What I gather, we're very much alike. Everything about you tells the tale. Your attitude, your costume, your tactics. They all scream of outrange, despair, vengeance. What terrible wrong was done to set you on this path? It doesn't really matter. Nothing matters.
James woods really stood out in this movie, first him voicing hades which is my favorite Disney villain. Now the the performance of owl man was different, felt like a batman that lost faith in life.
There is a thought that I have about Owlman that I think would make his nihilism all the more tragic: what if entering Earth Prime caused a split? What if his mere existence on that planet ensured that his plan could never succeed? He never even had a choice, and yet he was still hateful enough to think it was worth something to kill everyone in some stupid symbolic way, when really he could've done the same thing by walking out onto an interstate.
1:15 I have the opposite thought process: if there are infinite possibilities and every different decision has been made, that makes your decision more important because *you're* the one making that particular decision. If "choosing to go left doesn't matter because in another universe you chose to go right", "that" doesn't matter because *you're* the one who chose to go left. And even if multiple versions of you chose left as well, that doesn't matter either because you'll eventually make a choice that only *you* have made. And if not you, then someone, in *your* universe, will
I loved this movie especially James Woods as Owlman. In college I actually wrote a thesis paper about nihilism and the multiverse. And it all did originally stem from Owlman's monolog to Superwoman in this movie. That learning about the vastness of the universe let alone the multiverse can create a cosmic nihilism that renders every decision every action or inaction meaningless. We become greater and greater at becoming insignificant.
Yes! This is one of my favorite DC movies, my dad and I use to watch it together. Also, so glad you referenced that quote in the title, it completely confused me when I first saw it. But the then I saw the thumb nail and I was like “Heck ya!”
The message of the film, and the theme of infinitum, actually play into each other nicely. The message, plain and simple, is that the universe leans towards right, even when it takes something as extreme as a bridge across the multiverse for it to do so.
Great video! I rewatched this movie last week and it was surprising how much it kicks ass. Owlman is a really terrific performance from James Woods, and everyone gets a chance to shine, even Firestorm and the others. Plus my boy Hal is here!
Owlman's plan was fundamentally idiotic. Every action is a decision. From the moment he arrived, every action he took - every word he spoke, every step he took, every moment when he did not change his mind about destroying the multiverse was a decision branching him away from Earth Prime. Earth Prime can only exist as a completely static universe in which no choices are ever made. As soon as anybody arrived to choose anything, to make any decision at all, that person was no longer on Earth Prime.
Fantastic job, the only thing I would note is that I don't think Batman risked Flash's life with the teleporter. He knew it was going to work but it played it off to mess with him
*This* version Owlman scares me and that’s what makes him the best character in this film. You can tell he was absolutely born evil, he has no conscience or empathy, not even a sense of right and wrong. He’s not good or bad, he’s just, nothing. He just seems like he shouldn’t exist but does, he’s like a reverse wild card. He was willing to and almost destroyed everything and everyone not because he had one bad day, or someone hurt him or cause he woke up on the wrong side of the bed but simply just because he decided he could and that is terrifying. It’s why in his mind nothing matters
Dude! You have a beautiful sense of musicalization. Everything was so well timed and appropriate for the atmosphere. Paired with some exemplary editing and voice over work. Just excellent
James Woods as Owlman is so creepy. He is one of my favorite DC animated villains. Also, just making the decision to go to Earth Prime would have created another Earth. Every decision he or Batman makes on Earth Prime creates another Earth. It was literally impossible to destroy Earth Prime. Congratulations, you now have a headache.
I have a different proposal: Owlman was wrong. There might be gobs and gobs of Earths, but that doesn't mean each one was a branching path along human choices. Maybe Owlman's view was just that: a view he imposed on his data, rather than one that arose from it.
@@peturgullak4527 He was acting under the assumption that any "earth" could only exist as long as earth prime existed. Being Earth prime the existence of all others was subordinate to its own existence. Under this paradigm ,once Earth prime cease to exist, so do all subordinate universes, all branches born from it. That is of course assuming the rule: "earth prime is the root of all universe and its existence is necessary to theirs" is true. But If not, then Earth prime is nothing special, and destroying it would mean nothing, as would this movie as its premise would not work - So it is best to assume this premise is true for the sake of the story, and the story set its rules.
@@peturgullak4527 If he won, he would have destroyed the entire multiverse. He didn't win, in any universe. His theories were probably wrong anyway, though.
Mr prenticious, I would like to personally thank you for continuously releasing more and more fantastic videos. They mean allot to the community you've created, and they mean allot to me because your unique perspective has helped me work through my trauma. Helping me love a little bit more the I thought I could. Thank you
Honestly, this movie is one of my favorite DC films to watch along with so many other older DC films. The plot, the characters, and the meanings were honestly great, and it was one of many reasons why I still stand with DC more than Marvel.
just watched this for the first time last night. the movie hugely missed all of the OG voice actors (S/B: Apocolypse hits differently now knowing that Kevin is gone😢) BUT the character of Owlman was amazing. he was the one standout performance for me. his ending felt like something straight out of Neon Genesis, more anime than Saturday morning cartoons.
I always took owlman realizing that he was in a cartoon, and he was trying to kill the author to end the pointless suffering. and Batman was like no the author needs money.
I've only recently gotten into DC animated movies, watched a few DCAMU movies, watched almost every animated batman movie, and a few others, and so far, crisis on two earths might be my favourite one I've watched. It's just so goddamn good, the story may be simple, but the characters and the interactions make it amazing. I'd really like to know why barely anyone talks about this one.
Action wise, this is my favorite animated dc film. The way each character used their powers and abilities felt unique to them, and the matchups always felt interesting. Batman actually felt like "just a guy without powers doing his best and ultimately outsmarting his enemies." And his fights against Superwoman felt more tense as a result. But it's not just Batman because each of the characters felt that way. The real standout to me was actually Jester though, who did A LOT in a very short amount of time, and will sadly never get brought up again. The ending and themes though were a little muted though. And it felt weird saying there were infinite earths but for some reason taking out the original would take all of them out. Also, if there were really infinite earths, some Owlman would fight some Batman in the exact same situation, and end up winning, only to blow them all up anyway (especially since Batman is fighting with broken ribs at this point and owlman is basically fresh), so it's not really a plot that holds up well to scrutiny or close reading.
I didn't even realize it was james woods Voicing owlman. I love this guy. But the fact he was able to put on something so strong that I couldn't even tell it was him. That is just proof of top quality chops. The man truly is a legend
I think James Woods was a perfect cast for Owlman, that smirk and line, “ It doesn’t matter.” Always stuck with me.
Top 10 James Woods role of all time. He's amazing as that character. He completely got it.
The thing about that line that's always stuck with me is that if even one of the infinite versions of Owlman had stopped the bomb from detonating right then, he could have sent it back to Earth Prime and detonated it there.
Since the multiverse continues to exist, I think that means that *every* version of Owlman who gets to that point chooses not to save himself.
And I think that means it *does* matter.
@@Grizabeebles There’s also the possibility that there is no Earth Prime. Because every decision made on Earth Prime makes another universe, meaning Earth Prime will never be destroyed
same here
Same!! I watch this movie regularly and James Wood’s voice and line delivery is grand. “ it doesn’t matter! Chilling
My favourite Batman line to this day is still
"There is a difference between you and me. We both looked into the abyss. But when it looked back at us, you blinked"
I used this bit in my college Ethics class final. Since we studied Batman in class, there was no way I was going to pass up on this. It got me an "A".
@@shawnoleary6031 you studied batman in class?! Demn that's awesome.
I wish we did when I was back in school 😔
can you explain what this line means?
@@69nadyacole69 It means they both suffered tragedy, but Batman didn't become a monster because of it.
@@69nadyacole69 At 2:19 the video's author comments on it.
"The bloody universe is at stake, of course it's dangerous"
Never forget Jonny Quick, lived a villain, died a hero.
I actually got a bit teary at that scene.
I love how Johnny isn't even mad that he was tricked
"You either die a villain, or live long enough to see yourself become the hero..."
Wait a minute...
@@julianparsons3027 Fits the mirror universe narrative, I guess.
nah he died of old age
In my opinion the standout of this film is James Woods as Owlman. His cold, distant and relaxed demeanor really makes Owlman feel as though he's always in charge of any given situation and as if nothing will ever faze his calculating and emotionless nature.
This is James Woods' best voice work. Hades is his most iconic voice acting role but whenever Woods delivers a line as Owlman, he delivers it with the uncaring attitude of a true nihilist. And he manages to do it without being outright bland. When he said "There are alternate versions of me that you could find quite charming" some of Woods' natural charm seeped into the line without changing Owlman's overall demeanour. It would be so easy to just deliver every line in a dull monotone to convey that Owlman doesn't care but instead, Woods speaks with a silky smoothness and an underlying sense of danger which makes Owlman sound like a living, breathing being instead of a soulless robot.
Owlman is a Batman taken to 100% of his potential.
Unlike Batman, Owlman ended his crusade. There is no crime in Gotham beyond himself. There is no rogue gallery. All of their cadavers are mounted in his trophy room, like some stuffed animals.
And the ONLY reason Owlman does not kill Crime Syndicate is because their existence serves as a deterrent for others to try anything in Gotham.
Imagine if Solomon Grundy/Killer Crock bursts into Gotham.
What would Batman do? Be stubborn self and try to take on metahumans few levels above him. And then try to put them in prisons that cannot contain such super-powered monsters, or are ticking bombs.
What Owlman does? Dials Ultraman/Johnny Quick and they turn that problem into paste on a pavement. Permanent solution.
Batman has access to Godkiller armours, and yet reduces himself to “fair fight” with his normal street level gear.
Owlman ALWAYS wears n-metal suit (think Black Panter level of durability/invincibility) with exoskeleton capable of overpowering Demi-gods.
Owlman does not mess around. He uses every advantage he has to win, because that is cold and calculative. There is no fair - there are only survivors and corpses.
Owlman is essentially Batman in every way but approach. He ENDS things.
But does so at the cost of his humanity. He is stripped of any. Just raw intelligence focused on utilitarian goals, without any constraints.
For Batman, means are above ends. For Owlman, ends are above means.
@@kingol4801 This here also shows us the difference between them, Batman is deeply sick, yet he accepts his sickness and carries on with his moral code evading the bad ending, Batman cares, and Owlman decides to reject himself without a single care about what happens next as he "does not care"
Until he looked into the abyss
Crises on two earths is such a DC story. It distinguishes itself with conflicts and events that not many other comic properties can emulate. The crime syndicate is so outlandishly cartoonish that it comes back around to being serious. Owl Man's existential crisis is so good.
+
The CS is pure evil/evil version done right.
They're absolutely cruel and bad, but are pulled off in such a fantastic way that they're endearing characters in their own right, and johnny quick's death hits you.
@@ProjektTaku I think it hits so hard because he died a hero
@@98loud which is still really only possible thanks to him being developed beyond "evil flash".
@@98loud That's what happens when you setup a solid narritive. Too often the "redemption" aspect is told too early. Sometimes just letting characters be themselves and then making a choice is much better than. "Pity this character's evil acts because they're really good when you know them"
Batman knows the darkness that nihilism can bring into the world because he conquered it
He did play an American Psycho so thats expected
Nihilism is not about how there is no meaning but about how you have to make your meaning.
Exactly
I haven’t even seen the vid yet just always felt that’s what that line had to mean
@@kintsuki99 Exactly, unfortunately people have used the term incorrectly
@@kintsuki99 I think that's absurdism
I love that last line of yours.
"In a multiverse with so many different places and people, infinite in fact, it only means there's so much more to love."
i wish someone said that to rick sanchez
"If we really are alike. Then you know this is wrong. You must've been a good man once."
I love that line.
In the comic where the film is based on Owlman did try to be a hero, but then he realised his parents were worse then the man who killed his parents. He lost all hope in humanity.
"No. Not good. After all, I'm only human" is also a very good line, but in my opinion, the best line in any DC animated movie would be the line "Every decision you ever make, you literally create a world where you made the opposite choice. We're nothing. destroying the multiverse is the only action one could take, that would actually matter" Or something around those lines I don't exactly remember the full quote
"No, not good. Never good. After all, I'm only human."
@Shredder_Animations nah it's "we both looked into the abyss but when the abyss stared back you blinked"
@justasentientmclarenp1879 there's different ones.of his backstory the one I know is that his butler alfred killed bruce,martha and thomas wayne in the alley and alfred said it was the first time he saw his master cry alfred was narrarating it btw i think i didnt actuallyread it but i know allot about it(owlman is thomas wayne jr in most universes he's born stull born or dies really young)
My favorite scene is when Batman gets back from the Owl man fight and immediately screams “JOHNNY STOP!” Like he was hoping there was a chance he would be okay, but he already knew he was done, and Johnny just looks at him and goes “All that shit you said about me being faster than the Flash, you knew this would happen….good one mate.”
The thing that gets me thinking everytime I watch this film is that technically Owlman survived. He had just barely enough time to abort the detonation, grab the portal gun and switch Earth's, but he chose not to because "It doesn't matter." He chose not to save himself to attempt again, and that would create another universe where he chose differently and saved himself.
Perhaps, but doing so would betray his own core belief that ‘nothing matters’, not even his own life. Regardless of what would’ve happened, I doubt this other Owlman would be the same person.
@@NexusBurning True. But his motivation could outweigh his belief. Batman believes he is dead. He has a gun to go across the multiverse, and a bomb ready to be armed again. He could easily continue his mission and wait until Bruce leaves Earth-Prime, and use the portal gun to go back, and once again, make the only decision to ever matter. Destroy all of the multiverse.
@@nofacedgoldfish6216 He realizes that blowing up Prime earth wouldnt destroy reality at the end,thats why he says it doesnt matter.
Pretty sure that in that place where both fought there's no splits, but that it "doesn't matters" because there's likely another Owlman that will come try to do this again anyway, so "it doesn't matters" if he does something or not, because if he escapes and keeps trying then it's not too different from dying there and another him trying.
It's like he knows in the vastness of the multiverse for as many different versions of Batman that can stop him there also infinite of Owlman that'll all try. And one is bound to be right and destroy everything. So his life as a singular Owlman doesn't matter.
Beware when fighting monsters that you do not become a monster, for when you gaze into the abyss the abyss gazes into you.
so deep..... very cavernous....... echo.... echo..... echo....
I just noticed that Dwayne McDuffie wrote the script for this film. While James Woods expertly delivered a cold, calculating nihilist in Owlman, it's his lines that really stick with us. That was McDuffie. A true giant and genius of a writer & creator. R.I.P.
Greatest effin' writer since Alan Moore. Better, in some ways.
McDuffie was a superb talent.
On a related note, the second Milestone Comics compendium is now out for those who don't have the originals from in the 90s.
More comic writers should take notes on him instead of just focusing on the usual Frank Millers, the Grant Morrisons and Alan Moores.
@@rayvenkman2087
Amen. McDuffie deserves more love.
I have to say J'onn is one of the most consistent characters in all JL media. And I love how he is used as a trope of being an outsider not afraid to be his true self and share his personal beliefs with others.
Does it need to be live-action? It's already amazing
I don’t think Batman risked flashes life, he knew for certain that the teleporter would work and since it’s been shown multiple times that Batman is fond of flash, I believe it’s one of the few times he was pulling a small prank.
Yeah thats the point,they even say right after the scene it was a prank and that Batman was totally sure it would work and if he had the slightest doubt he wouldnt do that,but Flash doesnt believe it,he thinks Batman dislikes him.
So in the end when Batman "tricks" Johnny Quick into doing it instead of the flash,because he knew something dangerous could happen he finally understood.
@Lordanonimmo He sacrifice another human being. Batman would never do that.
@@zemox2534 okay so your choice is to let your friend die to save every human to exist or that is going to or let some other person do it it’s pretty simple
@@zemox2534
JQ accepted the task of maintaining the portal, so he did indeed sacrificed himself, he just didn't understand the full consequences of that choice.
JQ also volunteered before Flash; Batman only chose the lesser of the two evils.
Sacrifice the volunteer of the evil group, or sacrifice the volunteer of the good group, which might cause the good group to spiral when their moral compass is gone?
@@lordanonimmo7699 You are right . batman knew it would be incredibly dangerous and possibly even lethal , so he lied and said that Jonny was faster to protect flash closing out the ark showing Barry that he loves him . And yes the teleporter thing was batman pranking flash (batman even took flashes churro) but batman's poca faced expression made it seem like it was for real .
Batman knew it was dangerous so much and wanted to protect flash so much that
He picked Jonny out of him and flash
When he came out he hurriedly asked Jonny to stop
And Jonny said "good one mate"
Batman saved his friend
"There is a difference between you and me. We both looked into the abyss, but when it looked back at us, you blinked"
Anyone can look into the well of madness we call life the key difference is whether you break from the pressure or become stronger
Really wish we got Kevin Conroy to voice that line. Or Bruce Greenwood.
Owlman is so underrated, and this movie finally does him justice. Until Dark Nights Metal, he was the most dangerous character in the multiverse-Batman's genius without Batman's limitations. The guy who can take down anyone, but now looking out only for himself.
And ultimately, the only way he can lose is by Batman's morality. Batman can only defeat Owlman because he is good, but he will always defeat Owlman because he is good. Because caring for others gives strengths and advantages greater than willingness to kill or use a gun. So ironically, Owlman is a symbol of how good will always win, even against the evil that holds all the cards.
And Batman who Laughs ended up proving that too-the way he was handled is how Owlman should have been treated long ago. I'm glad the movie pulled off what the comics never did.
Dark Nights Metal actually brought him back to his spot, I'd argue, at least at the end. Because he took down a number of the Dark Multiverse Bats and was integral to the "Darkest Knight's" plan failing.
I know he’s not a major focus in this film but I honestly think this ultraman is a fantastic version of the “evil Superman” because instead of just being a sociopathic, emotionless overlord he’s the evil equivalent to Clark Kent. The whole thing about Superman is that he’s basically just a neighborhood Good Samaritan but on an epic scale so here he’s the equivalent of that, that being a gang leader on a large scale. So while Clark is the sweet farm boy from Kansas, ultraman is inner city New York punk. Like look at the scene where he threatens the president, any other evil Superman would act a mad god threatening a lowly human here he talks like a mobster threatening someone for their “protection money”
I've heard people say the universe is so large that people and our decisions are insignificant. That isn't the way to live and this movie helps illustrate why. Life is special and should be treated with care along with the choices you make
Yes. The universe is so large that our choices impact so many things. Our choices will echo across all of time, even if no one mortal remembers them. The significance is not just enormous; it's infinite.
From Stargate SG1:
Oma Desala : The Universe is vast and we are so small. There is really only one thing we can ever truly control.
Dr. Daniel Jackson : What's that?
Oma Desala : Whether we are good or evil.
If nothing we do matters to the cosmos, then we get to decide what matters to us.
That's the positive side of nihilism - everyone is truly free.
@@Grizabeebles Is it freedom if a fish climbs out of the water and dies? Or is that merely death? Freedom is not "whatever you want." Freedom is being unrestricted from fulfilling the good you were created to do.
@@BladeOfLight16 -- Since I don't start from a belief that there is only one universal set of values, I can't argue with yours.
Go and be happy.
Owlman never considers the concept that choices have meaning because they can result in entirely new worlds and timelines forming.
But that's why he's Owlman: an outward appearance of intelligence masking how foolish his negative nihilism really is. Just like real owls who aren't actually that intelligent compared to other bird species.
This is one of my favorite animated films and I love the parallels between each leaguer no matter how small the interaction was. Batman and Owlman hopefully gets adapted to live action. One of my favorite scenes between the two.
'Everything all at once' is a very good take on the multiverse.
Yeah, I could not stop thinking about EEAOO while watching this video.
That's because googly eyes don't blink.
‘To grief deeply is to have loved fully, we open our hearts to it. Open your heart to the world and you’ll find every reason to keep living in it.’
-Faye of Jötunheim
One of the best quotes in the game.
I love this movie, and the graphic novel too. I still go back to it whenever I rewatch Justice League and JLU. I know it doesn't fit perfectly, but it fits _enough_ to serve as a good bridge.
it was originally a JL/JLU between movie to explain some things like WW's invisible jet, but was rewritten a bit to make it just different enough, although I still don't get why they did that.
@@ProjektTakuit was cause the movie was delayed and it came out after JLU was finished. So they wanted to make it part of their new movie line and art style
@@michaellabonte6390 eh fair, I do like the art style (aside from Power Ring's and ultraman's design's). Personally one of my favorite changes from book to movie is how the crime syndicate function as an actually criminal syndicate, with territories and made men.
@@ProjektTaku I completely agree
When Batman stares, the abyss blinks.
Congrats. You've given the abyss eyelids.
It's really interesting how different the comic and movie are, but I don't think it's a bad thing. The fact that two different ideas can exist within similar stories with only a few alterations is very amazing.
This movie is really great at showing despite there being infinite number of realities and infinite worlds the Justice League shows that they are truly special because of their compassion and love towards people of other worlds not just their world!
Something about James Wood's Owlman sits so well with me. Wish he returned to that role in later movies.
I kinda dig it. So many people today, and especially younger people like me, want to drown in this nihilism and the idea that nothing matters, either as an escape or as a way to find happiness, but I just can't get behind that.
Nothing TRULY matters. That’s the important part. There is no big law about this is important and this isn’t and yada yada. But, when nothing matters, anything can matter.
Can you tell me what reason? Feels like you can't stay in the Void of Existence & Reality and decided to cope all around in this Existence
@@Huskylogic2 yeah nah
Remember those younger people won't simply say "it doesn't matter" when push come to shove like owlman did
Owlmans last words "it doesnt matter" was a good ass line. Its his sudden realization that he was wrong, but the calm acceptance of his fate that got me.
I don’t think he believes he is wrong, but that it don’t matters if he makes a choice because other him will make the choice of stop the bomb, if his teory of how the multiverse works it’s true, so that “it doesn’t matter” show his nihilism to the end.
he wasn't wrong, he was right it didn't matter...
During that whole fight I had the sense that Owlman deeply wanted Batman to agree or at least to understand where he was coming from. He could have won earlier.
The idea of "when there are an infinite number of people and universes, the ones who love you and that you love are all the more precious." Is a great outlook.
I love the irony that this was made into a stand alone movie instead of the kick off to the JLU and how it “doesn’t matter” in contrast to owl man’s whole thesis
The climactic conflict is a great one, and only becomes more pertinant in the context of so many people thinking superheroes should be edgy antiheroes who readily kill and mangle. Batman's riposte - the title of this video - is perfect.
A world where nothing matters, also means everything you do are of equal impact.
A world like that is a world where we ourselves choose what has meaning to us
Fun fact owlman in 1 dc comic universe is Bruce Wayne's brother named Thomas Wayne Jr who tried to convince Bruce to help kill their parents for inheritance but in the end Bruce was against it so he killed Bruce too. Which when Owlman says" not good,never good, after all I'm only human" indicates that he really was Bruce Wayne's brother in that timeline. Making it more meaningful as it shows how the brothers from two different universes compare to one another. How their paths differ. How Bruce's life would've led out had he'd be alive and that while Thomas Wayne might’ve been more prepared with his gear and such( like how he was prepared to kill his parents) but he never quite had the heart Bruce has that allowed him to see the bigger picture and overall allowed him to continue fighting despite the disadvantages he had against owlman. In the end despite the fact that owlman could've continued to struggle like Batman he decided to give up which lead to his death. As Batman said "You blinked" indicating that while he is while he isn't bound by morals allowing him to be more free he still in the end could not keep striving no matter the cost the way Batman does. Since much like how Owlman have up on relying on his parents(which caused him to kill them) Bruce Wayne never did to the point where it lead to his death in that timeline.
holy shit why have i never heard of this perfect villain? like, he's got a good motive, a sick animal theme, a great voice actor, and a great plan. man what a role model
**furiously takes notes**
I’ve been watching this fight a lot lately because I feel like it’s the perfect analogy for the duality of man. Owl man is evil because he’s completely lost faith in humanity and realizes how truly meaningless our existence is. Batman on the other hand acknowledges this but continues to remind owl man that you have to be that good man to see good in the world and no one else is going to do it for you, the challenge of being a good person is what keeps you going “you must’ve been a good man once” he knows that deep deep down inside owl man knows he’s wrong but he’s too afraid too admit it because he’s already come this far and done so much evil he thinks he and everyone else can never be ok so he has to wipe it all away. Owl man is just so hopeless and sad he really thinks that the nature of man cannot be saved. And I have to say some days I’m Batman but most days I’m Owlman
I was just thinking about this movie and how I liked the contrast between characters along with their counterparts.
We need more of these movies us the entire team having evil counterparts.
A God's and monster's video will probably come out in the future.
Owlman is literally just Batman if his ego ruled over his mind. Batman’s awareness of his weaknesses and uselessness makes him better because of his ability to address those weaknesses. Nothing is stronger than a man that can better himself.
One thing I think gets glossed over is the real meaning behind Owlman's last line. Yes he is suicidal and accepts his death in that moment, but he also must have realized that if his conjecture about the multiverse is right, then that means that somewhere there must be a version of him who won that fight, and thus if everything can be destroyed by blowing up Earth prime, then it will happen anyway. And if he's wrong and it can't, then surviving means continuing to live in the reality he has rejected.
If this was true that dc multiverse wouldve been gone by the end of the movie, more likely is any choice owlman couldve made resulted still in batman winning no? Infinite choices doesnt necessarily mean infinite different outcomes
Notification squad? Always love some implicit pretentionsness
Owlman: Try getting Reservations at Dorsia now Bruce, well you already look dressed for the Occasion, but you could be paler.
Both Batman and Owlman have faced pain and darkness in their lives, but whereas Owlman developed a nihilistic outlook and committed to a life of crime, Batman decided to respond by becoming a force for good and justice.
When Batman says, "We both looked into the abyss," he's referring to the fact that both he and Owlman have encountered the worst sides of human nature. Yet when he says, "But when it looked back at us, you blinked," he is saying that although Batman was able to become stronger and stand up for what is right, Owlman was unable to endure the darkness and fell into despair.
Ultimately, the quote emphasises how Batman and Owlman have very different worldviews and how their respective upbringings have formed them into the heroes or villains they are today.
This movie is such a w
The most underrated video ever; you managed to expertly explain the relevance of a movie that went off the track of its inspiration- when the movie was (assumedly maybe) made for a younger audience, and in doing so you were able to convey the idea of hopelessness and being filled with hope in JUST EIGHT MINUTES, you are hands down one of the best video essay creators on the platform
It's hard to care when things often feel like Murphy's Law is just out there hovering over people and waiting for its chance to say "Here, hold my beer..." Many people I've met who claim to be nihilists or cynics do so with an austerity where it's more about claiming superiority over others, as if not giving a shit or distrusting people's motives constantly makes them some sort of edgy ubermensch. Caring hurts. Trying to do better, to be better, and to make something of what you have possess meaning can be painful. Take me for example: I spent my whole childhood being beaten down verbally, emotionally, and physically. I've run the gamut of human abuse. There were times I did struggle with suicidal thoughts and feelings. Even tried and failed a dozen or so times. And it wasn't due to some bright shining moment that made me stop. Hell, I only started to get better through neurological therapy that started repairing some of the systemic brain damage caused by untreated and unmitigated trauma. What made me stop was the congenial and caring nature of the people who helped me through that therapy. Hell, one of the TMS techs accidentally stopped my heart by accident by nailing the wrong part of my brain with the magnetic coil and his senior technician and I just laughed it off. Poor guy was so scared he couldn't keep his Mandarin and his English separated. I almost died due to a mistake from an entry-level employee and I just laughed. It was in that moment that I realized that I actually cared about my life but could still find humor in the risk of my own death. By that point I'd been car accidents, I'd been shot at, I'd been nearly trampled by horses and deer herds, attacked by coyotes, stabbed at school, set on fire, struck by lightning, drowned, and more. And what came closest to killing me was a TMS tech and a small wave of energy to the wrong part of my brain during a therapy session.
It's the fucking absurdity of it all that I found so goddamn funny. And that's what helped me to find meaning in my life again. Just the sheer comical amount of shit that I'd survived and been involved in. Finding hilarity within the darkness and cowing my own inner demons into submission with a laugh. Because at the end of the day, when life gives you reasons to scream, sometimes you just have to assert a reason to laugh at it instead.
This is much later, but thank you, you put in words what I thought a lot, inspired now.
This movie is one of the best. Great art-style great story great everything
I loved this movie as a kid and seeing evil versions of my favourite heroes was such a novel idea to me before Injustice and The Boys made it mainstream
Despite it not being from my favorite Batman (Conroy), the “you blinked” line is imo the most powerful DCAU Batman line of all time. I love this movie, from the castings to the philosophy to the dialogue and action. It still tops my DCAU movie rankings. You make such thoughtful and insightful videos, great stuff. 👏🏽
Reasons like this is why I see Batman & Owlman true leaders for both of their teams
4:00 To be fair, just from looking at their outfits, you can tell that they're that universe's version of the Shazam family. And Shazam is no joke himself.
Owlman to Batman: What I gather, we're very much alike. Everything about you tells the tale. Your attitude, your costume, your tactics. They all scream of outrange, despair, vengeance. What terrible wrong was done to set you on this path? It doesn't really matter. Nothing matters.
It’s funny to think crisis on two earths, was originally supposed to be in the DCAU.
James woods really stood out in this movie, first him voicing hades which is my favorite Disney villain. Now the the performance of owl man was different, felt like a batman that lost faith in life.
There is no justice other than the justice we make. An incredibly important lesson that I feel most people learn, but then unlearn at some point.
There is a thought that I have about Owlman that I think would make his nihilism all the more tragic: what if entering Earth Prime caused a split? What if his mere existence on that planet ensured that his plan could never succeed? He never even had a choice, and yet he was still hateful enough to think it was worth something to kill everyone in some stupid symbolic way, when really he could've done the same thing by walking out onto an interstate.
1:15 I have the opposite thought process: if there are infinite possibilities and every different decision has been made, that makes your decision more important because *you're* the one making that particular decision. If "choosing to go left doesn't matter because in another universe you chose to go right", "that" doesn't matter because *you're* the one who chose to go left. And even if multiple versions of you chose left as well, that doesn't matter either because you'll eventually make a choice that only *you* have made. And if not you, then someone, in *your* universe, will
I loved this movie especially James Woods as Owlman. In college I actually wrote a thesis paper about nihilism and the multiverse. And it all did originally stem from Owlman's monolog to Superwoman in this movie. That learning about the vastness of the universe let alone the multiverse can create a cosmic nihilism that renders every decision every action or inaction meaningless. We become greater and greater at becoming insignificant.
I wanna meet the version of Owlman that is super upbeat and cheerful.
Yes! This is one of my favorite DC movies, my dad and I use to watch it together. Also, so glad you referenced that quote in the title, it completely confused me when I first saw it. But the then I saw the thumb nail and I was like “Heck ya!”
I'm so happy I found this channel
“It only means there’s so much more to love.”
God, I love your videos. Don't ever blink man.
My favorite thing about your videos is the cute little guinea pig in the opening. I show it to my piggy everytime.
The message of the film, and the theme of infinitum, actually play into each other nicely. The message, plain and simple, is that the universe leans towards right, even when it takes something as extreme as a bridge across the multiverse for it to do so.
I literally watched this movie last night and then you decide to put out a video about it. Guess I gotta rewatch more of my favorite DC movies.
There is nothing better than beating the world in it's own game.
Great video! I rewatched this movie last week and it was surprising how much it kicks ass. Owlman is a really terrific performance from James Woods, and everyone gets a chance to shine, even Firestorm and the others. Plus my boy Hal is here!
I just watched the show great timing 😁
Owlman's plan was fundamentally idiotic.
Every action is a decision. From the moment he arrived, every action he took - every word he spoke, every step he took, every moment when he did not change his mind about destroying the multiverse was a decision branching him away from Earth Prime. Earth Prime can only exist as a completely static universe in which no choices are ever made. As soon as anybody arrived to choose anything, to make any decision at all, that person was no longer on Earth Prime.
My favorite DC animated movie. I also really liked the Justice League team lineup this movie had.
Fantastic job, the only thing I would note is that I don't think Batman risked Flash's life with the teleporter. He knew it was going to work but it played it off to mess with him
*This* version Owlman scares me and that’s what makes him the best character in this film. You can tell he was absolutely born evil, he has no conscience or empathy, not even a sense of right and wrong. He’s not good or bad, he’s just, nothing. He just seems like he shouldn’t exist but does, he’s like a reverse wild card.
He was willing to and almost destroyed everything and everyone not because he had one bad day, or someone hurt him or cause he woke up on the wrong side of the bed but simply just because he decided he could and that is terrifying. It’s why in his mind nothing matters
Man if I ever become a relief teacher of some sorts I am playing some of your videos and there’s no doubt about it
Arguably the best use of a multiverse to tell a story in any work.
can i say your theme song is top tier, hits so hard every time imo
I just learned of owl man and I already love him! He's got it right.
Dude! You have a beautiful sense of musicalization. Everything was so well timed and appropriate for the atmosphere. Paired with some exemplary editing and voice over work. Just excellent
My absolute favorite line. Sent chills down my spine.
James Woods as Owlman is so creepy. He is one of my favorite DC animated villains.
Also, just making the decision to go to Earth Prime would have created another Earth. Every decision he or Batman makes on Earth Prime creates another Earth. It was literally impossible to destroy Earth Prime. Congratulations, you now have a headache.
It would have created another universe, but not another earth prime.
I have a different proposal: Owlman was wrong. There might be gobs and gobs of Earths, but that doesn't mean each one was a branching path along human choices. Maybe Owlman's view was just that: a view he imposed on his data, rather than one that arose from it.
Dose it matter? If owlman won a different owlman loses in a different universe so ever choice is meaningless in that universe
@@peturgullak4527 He was acting under the assumption that any "earth" could only exist as long as earth prime existed. Being Earth prime the existence of all others was subordinate to its own existence.
Under this paradigm ,once Earth prime cease to exist, so do all subordinate universes, all branches born from it.
That is of course assuming the rule: "earth prime is the root of all universe and its existence is necessary to theirs" is true.
But If not, then Earth prime is nothing special, and destroying it would mean nothing, as would this movie as its premise would not work - So it is best to assume this premise is true for the sake of the story, and the story set its rules.
@@peturgullak4527 If he won, he would have destroyed the entire multiverse. He didn't win, in any universe. His theories were probably wrong anyway, though.
Mr prenticious, I would like to personally thank you for continuously releasing more and more fantastic videos. They mean allot to the community you've created, and they mean allot to me because your unique perspective has helped me work through my trauma. Helping me love a little bit more the I thought I could.
Thank you
I sincerely think that at its core, this was a Batman movie
Honestly, this movie is one of my favorite DC films to watch along with so many other older DC films. The plot, the characters, and the meanings were honestly great, and it was one of many reasons why I still stand with DC more than Marvel.
just watched this for the first time last night. the movie hugely missed all of the OG voice actors (S/B: Apocolypse hits differently now knowing that Kevin is gone😢) BUT the character of Owlman was amazing. he was the one standout performance for me. his ending felt like something straight out of Neon Genesis, more anime than Saturday morning cartoons.
I always took owlman realizing that he was in a cartoon, and he was trying to kill the author to end the pointless suffering.
and Batman was like no the author needs money.
Less than 1k views, I'm early. Also this comic is excellent and so is the film, thanks for covering it!
You're such a positive dude.
I love how no matter what you can always find something positive to focus on in the things you review
You have a gift for telling beautiful analytics of DC story craft. Love your channel, man. You're awesome
I've only recently gotten into DC animated movies, watched a few DCAMU movies, watched almost every animated batman movie, and a few others, and so far, crisis on two earths might be my favourite one I've watched. It's just so goddamn good, the story may be simple, but the characters and the interactions make it amazing. I'd really like to know why barely anyone talks about this one.
You done did it again. Nice video.
Action wise, this is my favorite animated dc film. The way each character used their powers and abilities felt unique to them, and the matchups always felt interesting. Batman actually felt like "just a guy without powers doing his best and ultimately outsmarting his enemies." And his fights against Superwoman felt more tense as a result. But it's not just Batman because each of the characters felt that way.
The real standout to me was actually Jester though, who did A LOT in a very short amount of time, and will sadly never get brought up again.
The ending and themes though were a little muted though. And it felt weird saying there were infinite earths but for some reason taking out the original would take all of them out. Also, if there were really infinite earths, some Owlman would fight some Batman in the exact same situation, and end up winning, only to blow them all up anyway (especially since Batman is fighting with broken ribs at this point and owlman is basically fresh), so it's not really a plot that holds up well to scrutiny or close reading.
I didn't even realize it was james woods Voicing owlman. I love this guy. But the fact he was able to put on something so strong that I couldn't even tell it was him. That is just proof of top quality chops. The man truly is a legend
Thanks man you just gave me my valedictorian speech
The delivery of owl man is spectacular
“It was me Barry.” - Thawne 8:50
If all actions are rendered useless, then all evils are harmless, and humanity will never be happy again in the beginning.
Wish I could upvote this one more than once.
Beautiful end sentence to the video essay @Leo Dryden. "...more to love." Absolutely
Perfectly title for one of the best stone cold killing lines in fiction