Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Superheroes encounter brutal villains from future; violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Justice League vs. the Fatal Five
What's the Story?
A terrifying battle in the 31st century finds three powerful members of the Fatal Five seizing a time travel capsule in JUSTICE LEAGUE VS THE FATAL FIVE. Their mission -- to capture Jessica Cruz (Diane Guerrero), a young member of the Green Lantern Corps. As the time capsule makes its way to 21st century Earth, the heroic Star Boy, aka Thomas Kallor (voiced Elyse Gabel), holds on, trying to stop them. On earth when the capsule is unsealed, mayhem erupts. The Justice League attempts to thwart the time travelers, but are stymied by their extraordinarily-powerful weapons. Star Boy, helpless in this new environment, exhibits bizarre behavior and is taken into custody. Soon aware that the strange young man may have the answers they desperately need, the Justice League calls upon Miss Martian's (Daniela Bobadilla) telepathy powers to reach him. Events escalate; the remaining members of the Fatal Five join their comrades and the planet is in dire danger yet again.
Is It Any Good?
Innovative, potent new weapons and dangerous time-travelers landing on earth to do battle with the League (highlighting some of its youngest members) makes this a satisfying entry for DC Comic fans. The fact that the movie is drawn in the style of 1990s' animator Bruce Timm is also a plus for long-time buffs. In an interesting twist, two of Justice League vs The Fatal Five's heroes, Jessica Cruz and Star Boy, have psychological issues that initially hamper their heroic efforts. Clearly not explored in depth, such issues plaguing even powerful superheroes helps keep the characters relatable and contemporary. Another action-packed Sam Liu adventure, the movie is too violent for younger kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the animated violence in Justice League vs The Fatal Five. Do you think kids react differently to real versus animated violence? What, if anything, makes the animated action less troubling? Why is it important to be aware of how exposure to violent media make kids more aggressive?
Have you noticed the expansion of females and characters of color in the Justice League franchise? How does this development reflect the changes in today's society? Do you like this adjustment? Why or why not?
How does your family evaluate a film's suitability for the kids in the house? How do age, maturity, and sensitivity factor into the decision-making?
What makes "time travel" stories so appealing? This adventure involves characters from a thousand years in the future. Create (draw or write) your own character from the year 3000. What will he/she/it look like? Can you imagine what the environment and technology might be like?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 16, 2019
- Cast : Diane Guerrero , Elyse Gabel , Kevin Conroy , Susan Eisenberg
- Director : Sam Liu
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros. Animation
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures
- Run time : 77 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sci-fi violence, some bloody images, language, and partial nudity
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate