Legion of Super-Heroes (2023) User Reviews

Annoyingly predictable

[robertdlar · 5/10 · 4 February 2023]

First off I gave it a 6 because of the descent voice acting and I liked the animation style and the Legion is one of the few DC titles I actually like.

Other reviewers who gave this less than a 7 already addressed many of the issues, plot predictablity and changes to characters and origins and backgrounds. I know people will say this is a reimagining and that is fine excepet, like science, if you have a frog and change its DNA a bit here and there that is ok, maybe you make the Frog greener or jump further, or give it a longer tongue and life span. At some point, however, if you change the DNA too much the Frog ceases to be a Frog and becomes a human. (Google is Frogs share about 90% of its DNA with humans) Point is, if you want to reimagine/reboot/remake something there is wiggle room for change but at some point you change the character too much and it is no longer that character.

That said these are my problems with the movie.

1) Mon El: Turning him into a villain was not only too radical and unbelievable of a change to the point that is no longer Mon El. I am going to guess the writers (wrongly) thought that this would be a "big reveal" but it wasn't. Most of the other reviewers saw it comming and I myself said "they are going to make him a traitor" after his exposition about the 'safe no one could break into'. They were clearly setting him up as the traitor and it was just a sigh moment for me. My management background has taught me to never complain unless you can offer a solution so here is mine: Mon El was lying to the Dark Ring (double agent) so he could infiltrate and learn who the Boss was. The movie chose to make a big deal over the mystery leader so why not run with it. Then at the end it turns out he knew the only way to end the threat was to bring the leader out into the open and then help the Legion take him down.

2) Brainiac. I suppose they wanted to make him into a horrible monster for some reason, but it was just the stupidest contrivance in the movie. With Braniac's intelligence and resources there is NO reason he could not have had a cybernetic body that functions 10 times better than that, monsterous defective form he used. I cannot imagine what they were thinking. The merging of the other Brainiacs was just stupid, and if Brainiac is supposed to be so smart why would he do that or even need to. (I miss the brainiac from the 90s cartoons he was the best).

3) Star Labs: So much is wrong with this. First Brainiac says the circle rescued him but Batman stopped them so....how, when? Second why on Gods green Earth would they keep Brainiacs remains. Batman himself would have seen that and figured out a) that is what they were after because he is The Detective. And b) he would destroy the remains utterly. Better writing would have shown the circle finding Brainiacs remains somewhere or maybe liberate it from some disreputable scientists not Star Labs. Also, going back to the title of this review, there was ZERO shock at who the big bad was cuz they FRIGGIN SHOWED YOU. Animators do not waist time drawing things that are not important to the plot so huge forshadowing.

4) The Legion, So the ENTIRE Legion of Superheroes (hundreds) were ALL at this one location? Why? It was obviously something ominous because the three left behind had NO IDEA where anyone was. Guess the writers couldn't figure out a solution so they just decided not to adress this oversight. Poor writing again.

5) Title: This movie should have been called Supergirl: and the Legion academy. I love the Legion and was excited about seeing a movie about them. If you had never read a comic or seen a show about the Legion this movie is going to confuse and agrivate you as you gain no insight into the Legion at all. You get zero interactions with Kara and anyone besides Brainiac, and the focus is on the terrible plot.

It was not horrible but it was a waist of money and time to make this. DC has (mostly) managed to create OUTSTANDING animation, from Batman, to Justice League Unlimited and on, but this was garbage for them. If you are going to do a Supergirl learning movie then focus on that more, not some training montage that doesn't even show her learning to use her powers which is why Superman sent her there in the first place. I would much rather has seen a story about Kara learning how to use her powers, work as a team while training with and meeting the other legionaires. Add in some exposition about the 31st century, history of the Legion and more antics and interactions with the trainees. Hell I would have watched a movie with NO villain or evil plot if it was well written and animated. This new generation of creators needs to take a hint from Anime. Sometimes (specially when the plot is weak and horrible like this) its better for the plot to take the back seat to the characters and their interactions.

It is mildly enjoyable so I give it a fair rating.

Could've been decent, but...

[jesssfrankel · 5/10 · 5 February 2023]

I'm always up for another DC animated feature, and while some have been better than others, this particular outing doesn't do it for me. We've got Superman's cousin, Kara Zor-el, come to Earth, no build-up to how she lands and adapts...

Oh, wait, she really doesn't, so Superman decides to take her to the 31st century and she enters a hero academy as a trainee. Yes, THAT Legion of Super-Heroes. And, like the spoiled and self-righteous stuck-up princess she is, she gets into trouble but eventually redeems herself.

On the plus side, the music is okay, the voices are decent enough, and the action sequences are pretty good. On the minus side, how the characters are drawn looks cut-rate to this viewer. It resembles The Man of Tomorrow with black outlines, but somewhat cheaper-looking. The story is all too predictable, and there's little sympathy built up for Kara during the proceedings.

On the whole, this isn't something I can recommend purchasing. I watched it because it's DC and DC superheroes/superheroines rock, but this...it's watchable, but no more. For something better featuring Supergirl, I'd suggest Superman Unbound. Kara is portrayed much more sympathetically in that movie.

Oh, and Arms Fall-Off Boy, he's just a little too creepy for me. Ick.

Really good animated adventure

[masonsaul · 7/10 · 12 February 2023]

Legion of Super-Heroes could've done with more of focus on the super hero team of the title but it remains a really good adventure that's a lot of fun and connects the wider Tomorrow-verse in satisfying ways that aren't too overbearing thankfully.

Meg Donnelly is a great Supergirl with lots of enthusiasm and some really endearing fish out of water antics. She has also solid chemistry with Harry Shum Jr. Who brings a suitably cold and calculating exterior to Brainiac 5 balanced by a warmer side under the surface.

The animation style carried over from Superman: Man of Tomorrow continues to impress, it still looks really nice and is way more colourful, stylised and detailed than what came before.

Supergirl goes to school...in the 31st century

[WarringtonOutbound · 6/10 · 2 April 2023]

Basically Supergirl travels into the future to train with the heroes of the title. There's kind of a Young Adult vibe, multiple romantic interests, Wolverine-like superhero Timberwolf, some interesting stuff about the Brainiac dynasty...and it begins with yet another depiction of the destruction of Krypton, although it's from Kara's POV.

Nice animation, good voice work, more instances of the needless gore that stops these movies being suitable for younger viewers...it's a decent enough entry, but there's not much to it.

It has similarities with the previous animated movie Batman/Superman: Apocalypse, which also featured an unhappy, fish-out-of-water Supergirl leaving Metropolis to train with a bunch of super beings - in that case, Wonder Woman's island of amazons.

The two most notable things are that the plot actually builds on a seemingly disposable moment from Justice Society - World War II; and the post-credit sequence, which nicely sets up a bigger story ahead.

Who Needs An Origin Story?

[tinkkytone · 7/10 · 7 April 2023]

Legion Of Super-Heroes was an unexpected addition to my watchlist recommendations. I wasn't expecting anything new from DC animation, which means this wasn't as well advertised as it should have been because my newsfeed usually includes big news from DC. I mention this because Supergirl usually gets the shaft from DC when it comes to marketing, and this should have been better marketed.

Overall, Legion Of Super-Heroes is not bad, but it lacks something and that something is a proper origin. The animated movie starts off on Argos, which introduces the viewer to Kara and her mother enjoying a lazy day right before Krypton explodes. Because we the viewer are familiar with Krypton and it's destruction, then there are only a few words given about Jor-El, baby Kal, and a space ship, before Kara is unceremoniously sent off to earth. The intro credits start, then we as the viewer are introduced to Supergirl in full regalia fighting crime in Metropolis. She's only been at the superhero gig a couple of months and she sucks. Batman wants her wings clipped and Superman has the better idea to send her to the 31st century to the Legion. If you are familiar with Supergirl comics, then you will recognize this story as a mishmash of a couple of different ones. The villain should be easily recognizable, though it's not really a mystery since they reveal themselves early on.

Personally, I would have liked to see them go in a different direction for Kara, yet it seems clear this story is more of a bridge way for future stories in the animated universe. There is very little character development beyond the basics and I would have preferred a team up with Kal, instead of the team up we got. I also found this to be a bit boring and lacking in humor. Though the action scenes are very good and it matches the animation style well. Yet, the lack of a proper origin limits Kara to being one-dimensional because she is less well known than Superman. Kara needs a proper origin unlike her cousin who doesn't because everyone already knows it. DC did something similar with the new GL animated movie, and it hindered Stewart's character development too. Hopefully they will fix this moving forward.

7/10.

In an era of extraordinary good animation, this is horrible

[siderite · 4/10 · 2 February 2023]

DC animations are fine, adequate cartoons, but they never excelled at anything except perhaps the occasional voice acting, but they are decent. Legion of Super-Heroes is NOT OK.

The lead character is Superman's female cousin who, as a spoiled and entitled teenager two months on Earth, cannot adapt to the primitive ways of the 21th century. So Superman uses a gimmick to send her to the 31th century, to train in a hero academy. Wait, what? Don't think about it, just go with it. In this academy there are only other teenagers, all speaking and acting exactly like teens today. After 1000 years of history!! Don't think about it, just go with it. The villain, then, is a shadow organization that exists in both timelines, known to no one, but exposes itself completely for the sake of the plot. Then there is some side-plot about acceptance regardless of relatives or origin and a ridiculous ending.

That's it. Everything is telegraphed tens of minutes ahead and that's saying something for a 80 minute film. There is nothing special in this thing except for how bad the story is. It's as bland as a corporate hallway. So if you want to spend the time to watch a completely forgettable hero in a made-up inconsequential pocket world that has nothing to do with the characters and universe you know from other DC stories, go ahead.

Alot better than what people are saying.

[mburrisnine · 7/10 · 3 March 2023]

This movie did have a lot of heroes I never heard of. But it does have a good story, suspense and an interesting take on the Legion. It also kept you guessing a little on who is in the Dark Circle. Personally I rather enjoyed it I think they are being to nitt-picky. I gave it a 7/10 because I seen better but I have seen a lot worse than this. I like how they design Brainiac and how they presented him in a way I would like to see more of because in my opinion it was unique and cool. I also liked how they presented Krypton too I thought it was beautiful looking. Personally I can't wait to see what the Tomorrowverse has in store for all of us.

Zero story and messes with character history

[darklordofthetroy · 1/10 · 3 February 2023]

Voice acting was good, animation was fine, what little story there was, was predictable. Where they lost me is by making Mon El the bad guy. A character with 50+ years of history, on par with Superman for nobility, and they made him a moustache twirling villian sidekick.

Whoever wrote this garbage should be fired.

Not a great start to the creation of a new DC animated universe, if this is the quality of material to be produced. I mean, seriously?

Its the Legion!! Thousands of worlds, decades of lore, diverse characters and whole army of unique villians, and they make Brainiac and Mon El the big bads.

Pfft.

A great start to DC Animated films in 2023

[anthonyfuca7 · 7/10 · 4 February 2023]

Legion of Super-Heroes is the newest 2023 DC animated movie of the year. This movie honestly should be called Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes sense she is the main character of the film. Many people dont know who the Legion of Super-Heroes are, so let me explain real quick. Pretty much the are the Justice League in the 31st century. Supergirl is able to get there but a Portal Superman has. She goes there to learn to be a better superhero cuz she is struggling to adjust her new life on Earth. Let me first start by saying this new animation style is BEAUTIFUL. I love it, I also really enjoyed the Super Sons CGI animation they had. But DC is always doing good in the animation department. The voice acting is pretty top notch all around. The only character I didnt really like was Batman. No offence to Jensen Ackles but I dont really like his Batman voice, it sounds like he is trying to hard. The story in this is pretty basic but that can be said about all of DC animated movies sense they are all about an hour and 20 mins long. So we cant get any super deep meaningful story or detailed twist. The Legion is under attack by the Circle and Supergirl has to help to stop them. We get some interesting and cool side characters as well like Brainiac 5 voiced by Harry Shum Jr. Mon El, Timberwolf, Triplicate Girl, Dawn Star ( Which if they ever do a live action version literally cast Cynthia Hamidi the voice actor, she is perfect looking for her. ) The action in this was really good as well. Some solid fights and we get like 8 action sequences through out the film. I also really enjoy the sound design of Supergirl fighting, the BOOMS you hear are a nice touch when she punches. In all this is another solid film from DC. 7.5/10.

Meh...

[paul_haakonsen · 4/10 · 6 February 2023]

I sat down to watch the 2023 animated superhero movie from DC with my 12 year old son. And I had to admit that I was harboring a little bit of expectations to this animated movie from writer Josie Campbell and director Jeff Wamester.

DC does have some fairly entertaining animated movies out there, and while I am not overly much a fan of the superhero genre, then I can still appreciate good storytelling and a properly entertaining movie, even an animated one, when I see it.

"Legion of Super Heroes", however, wasn't all that impressive. Sure, it was watchable, but the storyline was a bit of a swing and a miss for me. The whole thing with alternate universes or future universes just doesn't sit all that well with me.

I will say that the animation and art style in "Legion of Super Heroes" was good, and it made the 83 minutes runtime more bearable to sit through. However, the character gallery in the story was a bit of a swing and a miss as well for me. Supergirl was adequate, but the rest of the characters at that future academy just simply didn't pack any wow-effect.

The voice acting in "Legion of Super Heroes" was good, and that is really important for an animated movie, as it is a make or break kind of deal with the voices. I wasn't familiar with the voices though, but they did good jobs nonetheless.

"Legion of Super Heroes" was not the best of animated movies from DC in my opinion, but it was watchable enough for what it turned out to be. I doubt that I will ever return to watch "Legion of Super Heroes" a second time though.

My rating of "Legion of Super Heroes" lands on a four out of ten stars.

Guess what i am the only guy who enjoyed it lame..........

[bunditthedeadmen · 10/10 · 4 April 2023]

Legion of Super-Heroes is another solid entry in DC Animation's new "Tomorrowverse" series of films and follows in the line of its previous few movies in being a pretty fun superhero film. This one isn't as good as the Long Halloween two-parter but like with DC Animation's usual output, it's fast-paced, well-animated, and packed with action as it tells its simple, straightforward story well. Of course, there aren't many surprises here or anything and it hardly reaches greatness, but Legion of Super-Heroes is good fun overall and maintains the surprisingly consistent level of quality that stretches across most of these DC animated efforts.

DC Adult juxtaposed with DC Babies

[defmuse · 7/10 · 12 March 2023]

I have to admit that I'm a DC Universe Animation Original Movies fan overall. I've followed DCUAOM since Doomsday. They've made some really good ones like Flashpoint Paradox, etc. (Superman vs. The Elite being 1 of my favs).

Legion was fun, but I can't understand the decision to make an animated movie with adult themes consisting of violence, death, and horror (to a small extent - Braniac's demise), but then overlap it with dialog that felt broken (as if the actors were reading rather than acting), and dialog + voice acting that seemed aimed for toddlers.

In addition, personally, the voice actors didn't fit a majority of the characters.

I hope that the next installment will be made with a little more class (because DCUAOM has done it before), and better attention to the dialog and the voice actors chosen.

I still love, and remain consistently excited about all DCUAOM releases.

Interesting

[chamm-18893 · 4/10 · 13 May 2023]

It was definitely a movie. Probably one of the most predictable things I have ever seen. And there were so many scenes of just silence, like someone should've said something but they were just staring. Like towards the beginning when Kara's mom Is sending her off she puts Kara into the machine and Kara doesn't say a single word until it's closed. Like not a single "mom what's happening" "mom what are you doing don't do this" or even when they go to the pod Kara doesn't point out the fact that only 1 worked and only has space for 1 person. Like the beginning really bothered me. The rest of the movie moves really fast and not much is really explained. I hated the brainiac and Kara thing. I think they should've just become besties not whatever tf that was. Also no one apologized to brainiac 5... so many interesting choices with this movie.

fine

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 21 August 2023]

It's been a few months since Kara arrived on Earth after the loss of Krypton. She's trying to work with the Justice League but she is struggling to fit in even with Superman's help. She hates her primative new home. Superman takes her to 31st century Earth and the Legion of Super-Heroes. The Academy's vault stores all the powerful confiscated weapons. The Dark Circle is looking for a weapon stored in the vault.

I don't know these future characters. None of them are that memorable other than Arms Fall Off Boy and that's not necessarily good. Brainiac 5 is a fine character. This is fine for a animated TV movie. The romance is coming a little strong and I almost got whiplash. If this was a series, maybe they could stretch that out.

Why is everyone hating it?

[amirhhzadeh · 6/10 · 14 June 2023]

To be honest it's not perfect, the animation isn't eye-catching and the plot has some problems too, but it is sure much better than what people are saying.

My main issue with the movie is that Kara just becomes a superhero out of nowhere. It would've been OK if we already had a Supergirl animation that featured her origin, but right now it's weird! I know all about Supergirl, but not everyone is a DC geek, that should've been taken into consideration.

I quite liked the story, some say it's predictable but for me it was OK. The supporting characters were original and cool, and Kara was just adorable, the classic girl of steel!

To sum up, it has it's own flaws, but people are really underestimating it, and I don't know why!

Horrible animation, zero story

[roshaney · 1/10 · 2 February 2023]

First 5 minutes were garbage.

And then came superman and batman, i thought okay, and it was garbage again. The only time when it feels not so horrible to watch is when batman is on screen. Superman here looks as he is 16 and a boy and he seems too weak. Just as the Robin.

There are bunch of new superheroes and you'll think wow, perhaps i should watch it, new heroes, new powers, epic battles. NOPE. Nothing happens. This movie feels as it was written by Stewie Griffin if he and Chris Griffin swapped lives.

A huge disappointment. Brainiac deserves a better ending. Brainiac for DC is as Mysterio is to MCU.

Is good (animation is very good)

[zjrxhzjr · 7/10 · 28 September 2023]

1) The story is good but there are a couple of hiccups somewhere, otherwise it's a well written story and keeps the viewer from start to finish.

1) a The animation is great, you can see nice details. (in the faces it's very good)

2) Well the acting (dabbing) is good too but there are some parts where you can see a hitch. (there are more of those parts and I think that's the reason why the film is only a 5.8)

The film is a great looker and it can captivate, its big advantage is the animation and amazing details and the biggest disadvantage is the acting and the pace of the plot. (The questions don't get answered much until the end, like "where is superman" :D) The ending makes you want to watch the sequel (it worked :D) so my rating is 7 for the amazing animation and details and the engaging story.

DC presents ... an after-school special?

[A_Different_Drummer · 5/10 · 4 February 2023]

In the 1960s, DC discovered that you could color outside the lines of the accepted backstories with "imaginary" tales ... and nothing has been the same since. Sometimes this works. Kara was a fun and unpredictable character in the 10-year SMALLVILLE run, for example. (BTW, the same two creators who are doing the breakout Wednesday series today). And sometimes it does not work. Case in point, this movie. You may or may not like the vintage animation. But in a world that is contemplating locking down entire cities just to save the ecosystem (which is happening today), LEGION OF SUPER HEROES seems like a waste of valuable resources. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Not the best example of a DC animated movie...

[Movie_Rating_n_Ranking · 6/10 · 22 April 2023]

I usually really enjoy DC animated movies but sadly this one was pretty boring and predictable. Many of the character decisions were questionable and there were never any of them that I wanted to worry about. Kara was decent, but I didn't like Superman at all. Neither the character design, nor its development.

With respect to the Legion, they were quite diminished, when really they are much more powerful.

The level of animation maintains its quality, which is good, since it has already had a marked style for years. The action scenes weren't too bad, although they were very few and also quite predictable.

Finally, I found Supergirl's resemblance to Emma Stone very curious.

Anyway, if you want to see a DC animated movie, this would not be one of the first recommendations in mind.

Meh

[blaynepearson · 4/10 · 15 June 2023]

First time I've ever felt meh bout DC Animation. What a waste of amazing actors and a potentially interesting plot. It all just fell flat. I was so excited for a Supergirl movie that didn't center around Superman. The dialogue was okay. The story was okay. It was just major missed opportunities throughout. Nothing felt like it was consequential. I can't put my finger on the "why" but I do know that DC Animation has a recipe for success. Please don't mess with the recipe. This is the only DC superhero universe that is actually good. If you make this bad, there won't be any reason to watch DC superhero media anymore. I hope this isn't an example of what the Gunniverse is gonna be like from here on out. Oh well, maybe the next one will be better.

I liked it, but some things could be better I guess

[shadow-07153 · 8/10 · 8 February 2023]

I liked the story, not every animation needs to strive for a 10/10 rating. But this is more a sidestory to line up the future of DC.

Story was interessting, voice acting was really good. Animation was ok, could be much better of course, but then this not aspire to be a Ghibli Movie, liked some of the characters, but some were just straigt rip-offs, i liked voices of Batman, Superman, Supergirl and Brainiacs in particular. Awesome job. I wish they would really continue some of the stories in the same style, but it feels like theses days the are re-inventing the style of the animation and story telling with every new movie and every tv-series.

How about they would find a style, let the fans vote and then focus on that style, perfect it and use that same style for some time and invest more into the details of the story.

All in all, hardcore dc users, might be a little dissapointed, but the casual dc/marvel fan, who read all the comics at young age (like me) like those kind of movies. Give it a chance.

Surprisingly good at times

[jayssspare · 7/10 · 4 March 2023]

I'll admit that the pacing of this movie can be really off at times, with certain sequences dragging on, weird pauses, or scenes that really weren't necessary. I liked the animation style that they went with, although there were times that could feel off as well. However, the real gem of this movie is the relationship and chemistry between Kara and Brainiac 5. A fun enemies to lovers that made me smile even during some of the janky moments. Another win is I really liked the design of the characters of this movie, and I feel like if they focused more on the characters and their personalities and backstories then spending so much time on on a threat that never felt very threatening the movie could have been really good. It definitely needed more build up, but overall it was still enjoyable.

This animation style is terrible.

[fergusonsamuel-26414 · 2/10 · 16 May 2023]

This animation style is terrible. It feels like it was designed for a 12 year old girl. In this animation style, the characters are poorly designed with disproportionate bodies and awkward facial features. Their movements lack fluidity and appear jerky and unnatural. The overall animation quality is extremely low, with evident shortcuts and lack of attention to detail.

The color palette chosen for the animation is garish and clashes with the surroundings. Colors may be oversaturated or poorly blended, resulting in an unpleasant visual experience. The backgrounds lack depth and intricacy, often appearing flat and lacking any sense of realism or coherence.

The overall art style is simplistic and lacks creativity. The character designs may lack originality, with generic and uninspired features. The lack of attention to details is evident in things like static or poorly animated hair, lackluster clothing, and uninteresting props.

Frankenstainiac...or Frenkebnbrain...or brainkenstein

[chawk-76623 · 6/10 · 17 February 2023]

A colorful little DC and made it film that takes you into an alternate reality of the future... I think? The story is one that had predictable outcomes and many cliches. I could predict each so-called twist and turn. The main villain of this movie is the original Brainiac who has a body made of other clones of him. Brainiac 5, who is technically his grandson, is tasked with defeating his "granddad". Supergirl is along for the ride and learning how to use her powers. Nothing new of note is done in this movie but it is pretty fun I guess. I usually love DC animated films but this has to be one of the weakest yet, but it is still okay. Cool to see Brainiac 5 on the side of Justice.

Why?

[favchild-88988 · 2/10 · 4 April 2023]

Am I the only one who felt awkward when brainiac 5 kissed supergirl? First they have no reason to be together, Second, is Kara aware that she is kissing her cousin arch enemy's clone, you know the guy WHO DESTROYED KRYPTON?! And yes I know it's not 21st century brainiac but a clone is a well you know CloNe? That was my biggest problem with the movie, the characters were fine, plot was ok ig, brainiac was meh in fact the hole move was ok nothing was good but not horrible either. But if you want to watch the legion of superheroes that I recommend young justice or there show. I fell like they could have gone a better route than what they did. Im not a writer but I would have done a Hella lot better.