Common Sense Media Review
By JK Warm
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 10+
An action-packed time travel clash; lots of cartoon violence.
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What is the story?
In JLA ADVENTURES: TRAPED IN TIME, the Justice League is once again called upon to defeat Lex Luthor and his Legion of Doom. In the present, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the others work together to trap Luthor in ice for a thousand years. But in the future, he is accidentally freed by young wannabe superheroes named Dawnstar (Laura Bailey) and the Karate Kid. He then promptly escapes, steals a time travel device, and returns to the present to get rid of the Justice League for good. How can the Justice League defeat the time-traveling Lex Luthor? Could there be a greater threat? Will Dawnstar and the Karate Kid make amends?
Is it good?
The action starts right away in this fun but shallow ramble through space and time. Nice to see JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time features the return of Dawnstar, brilliantly played by the always good Laura Bailey. Dawnstar is a decent role model for young girls, but unfortunately not enough on screen. Wonder Woman is also unfortunately relegated to a “needs to be rescued” role, the comedy plays out a questionable taxi scene that may be poking fun at the taxi driver’s accent, and every problem is quickly resolved with violence. Furthermore, there are supervillain characters that might be too scary for some viewers. Also, there are moments of danger and seemingly inevitable death that can be too scary, like when the Time Traveler, who looks like Death minus the hair, wipes all superheroes out of existence.
Talk to your kids about…
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Families can talk about cartoon violence JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time. Was there a moment that seemed too violent? Did the action and fight scenes enhance the fun? How come?
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What lesson does the Karate Kid learn by the end? Do you think it’s important that movies like this have lessons? Why or why not?
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Do you think superheroes are good role models for children? Why or why not?
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Do you think kids will be more likely to buy DC Comics action figures, games, toys or other merchandise after seeing this movie?
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Which is better, DC or Marvel? Why?
Did we miss something about diversity?
Research shows a link between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews that will be published on an ongoing basis. You can help us help children