Divide & conquer.
It's a simple strategy that enabled villains to get the best of the Justice League in many an issue of Justice League of America over the years.
2012's "Justice League Doom" uses six of the original seven League members, subbing in Cyborg (Bumper Robinson, ex-Night Court) for the absent Aquaman, in a tale pitting the League against a newly formed Legion of Doom, led not by Lex Luthor, but, rather, by the immortal Vandal Savage (Phil Morris).
Had they ever considered to make a feature film based on the 1978-9 Challenge of The Super Friends series, which introduced the Legion, this would've been a good idea, except that this is far more violent than media nannies would've ever allowed the TV series to be back then. In fact, only one original Legion member, Cheetah, appears here.
Since Savage hadn't initially accounted for Cyborg, he's the only one without a Legion counterpart. The Martian Manhunter (Carl Lumbly, ex-Alias) is poisoned by his own brother, Malefic (Lumbly again), wearing the form of a human female. Wonder Woman (Susan Eisenberg) clashes with Cheetah, who also uses a form of poison on her nemesis. Batman (Kevin Conroy), in his civilian identity as Bruce Wayne, is ambushed by Bane after the latter relocates the graves of Wayne's parents as a lure. Green Lantern (Nathan Filion, Castle) is similarly trapped by Star Sapphire, the alter-ego of his on-again, off-again, girlfriend/employer, Carol Ferris, using some of the Scarecrow's fear toxin. More poison. Superman (Tim Daly) tries talking down a suicidal Daily Planet employee, only to discover said employee is a disguise for Metallo (Paul Blackthorne, 8 months before Arrow made him a household name). The Flash (Michael Rosenbaum, ex-Smallville) is in a race for his life thanks to Mirror Master.
It should be pointed out here that Rosenbaum is voicing Barry Allen here, instead of Wally West, as he did on Justice League/Justice League Unlimited (2001-4), and thus sounds a little more serious here than he did as the clowny, flirty Wally. Had to get that in there.
Here's the trailer:
A classic Silver Age plot with modern technology and storytelling. One of the better entries in the DCAU DTV series.
Rating: A+.
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