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Blackhawk Strike

Blackhawk Strike

Justice League: The New Frontier

Plot

The film (set from 1953-1960) begins with an unknown entity (voiced by Keith David) explaining how it has witnessed the evolution of life on Earth:

Like all things on this hurtling sphere, I emerged from the molten center of creation. But mine has been a unique path. Isolated, I developed attributes beyond those of lesser beings. Then the sphere was struck by a vast celestial stone. Black chunks of death filled the skies and the world became a chaotic garden of doom. Soon the sphere began to nurture new kinds of life. And there was one that stood above the rest. Its fragile shell belied its vicious nature. And in what seemed like a heartbeat, these things proliferated in both number and destructive means. Now they have harnessed the most destructive force. And I, The Centre, have concluded that the sphere must be cleansed of them.

This explanation is shown being written and illustrated under the title "The Last Story" by a mysterious person who then shoots himself.

The film cuts to the end of the Korean War, where United States Air Force pilot Hal Jordan (voiced by David Boreanaz) and his wingman, Kyle "Ace" Morgan (voiced by John Heard), are attacked by enemy pilots not yet informed of the cease-fire. Hal is shot down in the ensuing conflict, and forced to kill a North Korean soldier after ejecting to safety. The trauma of this event leads Hal to a mental ward within a hospital for two years.

Elsewhere, at Gotham Observatory, the last survivor of the Green Martian race, J'onn J'onzz (voiced by Miguel Ferrer), is inadvertently teleported to Earth by a scientist, Dr. Saul Erdel. The shock of J'onn's appearance causes Erdel to succumb to a heart attack, though not before he apologizes for stranding the Martian. Unable to return to Mars, he disguises himself as Dr. Erdel.

The following year, Superman (voiced by Kyle MacLachlan) meets Wonder Woman (voiced by Lucy Lawless) in Vietnam, where she celebrates with a group of women she rescued from political rebels. The Amazon allowed them to exact their own brand of fatal justice upon their captors, which Superman is horrified to learn. He reminds Diana that the government is distrustful at best of the heroes, which has led to the Justice Society's disbanding and Hourman's death, as well as Batman's branding as a fugitive vigilante. Superman also tries to remind her that mitigating the general public's fear is why they signed loyalty oaths to the United States government. Diana, however, resolves that she must do what she feels is right. The two part at odds, and Diana later leaves America to return to Paradise Island. Superman later confides in Lois Lane (voiced by Kyra Sedgwick) about Wonder Woman and Batman, neither of whom, he says, would sacrifice their principles for each other.

In Gotham City, J'onn J'onzz has been living quietly under the guise of Dr. Erdel, while learning what he can about humans and Earth society through television. He shape-shifts into different guises during his nightly viewing, such as Groucho Marx and Bugs Bunny, before settling on the form of a film noir detective.

In Las Vegas, reporter Iris West (voiced by Vicki Lewis) is on assignment to interview singer Buddy Blake, at the same casino where Hal Jordan and Ace Morgan are enjoying themselves. While Iris is on the phone with her boyfriend Barry Allen (voiced by Neil Patrick Harris), Captain Cold (voiced by James Arnold Taylor) arrives to rob the casino. Hearing the events on the phone, Barry races to Vegas from Central City as The Flash and confronts Cold, who tells him he has hidden six cryogenic bombs around Vegas set to go off in 90 seconds. Flash zips around the city and locates five of the bombs, but deduces the sixth is a decoy, and captures Cold before he can escape by helicopter. Before being subdued, Cold is possessed by the unknown entity from the prologue, who asks Flash why he is faster than "the other lesser beings" before leaving the Rogue.

Hal and Ace leave the casino and head into the desert. Hal is unclear about their destination, which Ace keeps a surprise. Ace notices Hal has been acting differently, and Jordan confesses things haven't been the same since the war and his time in the hospital. He also admits his past hospitalization has kept him from getting a job with a top aircraft company. It's after Hal confides in Ace that the two arrive at Ferris Aircraft, where an opening as a test pilot is indeed waiting for Hal, thanks to a recommendation from his friend.

Back in Gotham, J'onn joins the Gotham City Police Department under the name John Jones, and with his integrity, cunning analytical skill, and telepathy, quickly rises to the ranks of detective in just two years. After investigating a kidnapping of a child which was later discovered to be part of a sacrificial ritual for a cult that worships something called The Centre, J'onn and his partner Slam Bradley (voiced by Jim Meskimen) meet Batman (voiced by Jeremy Sisto) for the first time as he is also investigating the kidnapping. The two cops join Batman in battle against the cult, but a fire is started during the fight, rendering J'onn powerless until Slam extinguishes it. Afterward, when Batman attempts to free the boy from his bonds, the child is terrified at the sight of him. J'onn arrives to calm the boy down and then he and his partner free the child themselves. The entity which possessed Captain Cold speaks through the incapacitated cult leader, identifying itself as "The Centre" and warning of an impending judgment.

Hal Jordan begins training exercises under Col. Rick Flagg (voiced by Lex Lang) at Ferris Industries. His joking, devil-may-care attitude rubs Flagg the wrong way, but Carol Ferris (voiced by Brooke Shields) is understanding and recognizes Hal's natural ability. Carol also recognizes that Hal needs to know the true nature of his training, which she soon reveals to him: the government has commissioned Ferris Aircraft to build a spacecraft capable of travel to Mars. Special agent King Faraday (voiced by Phil Morris) is assigned to oversee the project, which is in response to Dr. Erdel's contact with Mars and J'onn's arrival.

Back in Gotham, the Dark Knight reveals his knowledge of J'onn's true nature in his apartment, as he is able to find a way to shield his mind from J'onn's telepathy, and suggests that they should form an alliance as they are both investigating the cult that is rising throughout the world cult that worships the Centre. J'onn's demonstration of kindness toward the boy led Batman to believe that he can be a trusted ally. However, he warns J'onn that should he betray him, he is fully aware of and willing to use the Martian's vulnerability to fire against him.

In Central City, The Flash defeats Gorilla Grodd (or, rather, a robotic duplicate), but is targeted by government agents, as they attempt to capture him in an effort to learn the secret of his powers. Though he narrowly escapes, the experience leads the Flash to consider retiring from his crimefighting career.

J'onn J'onzz interrogates Harry Leiter, a former Ferris employee apprehended for murder while under the influence of the Center. During the questioning, Harry lets word slip about the launch to Mars. Leiter's ramblings are confirmed when Faraday arrives to take him into custody. J'onn briefly glimpses into the agent's mind and learns the truth. After watching the Flash announce his retirement on live television, and seeing the public contemptuous response, a disheartened J'onn attempts to stow away on the rocket so that he may return home. Before leaving, he arrives in Batman's headquarters, the Batcave, revealing that he's been aware of Batman's secrets for quite some time (using his cunning detective skills instead of his telepathy), and gives him the last of his research on The Centre. J'onn reveals to Batman that he's losing faith in humanity, as he sees that there's too much hatred, ignorance, and conformity within the people around him, which made him decide to leave Earth. Batman's response is cold and brief, as he tells J'onn some people don't have the luxury of leaving Earth.

While attempting to board the ship, J'onn is seen on camera by Faraday, who confronts J'onn and fights him on the launchpad. J'onn is able to beat Faraday, but saves him from the rocket exhaust by flying him to a platform before collapsing. The rocket is damaged and malfunctions shortly after exiting the atmosphere. Hal wants to attempt a landing, but his co-pilot, Col. Rick Flagg, reveals that the rocket is loaded with weapons of mass destruction, and as such he won't risk it. After a brief struggle, Hal is ejected from the cockpit. Though he is saved by Superman, the distraction allows Flagg to detonate the rocket.

J'onn J'onzz is held as a prisoner by Faraday. Superman blasts Faraday for treating J'onn differently from him (a Kryptonian and thus also an alien), just because J'onn looks radically different. He also points out the captivity is entirely J'onn's decision because he can escape at any time using his powers.

On Paradise Island, Wonder Woman trains with Mala, and tells her of how America has changed since the war. Her training partner says the island has changed as well, and that many Amazons desire a change in leadership. Though Diana quickly fends off a challenge from her fellow Amazon, the two of them are soon beset upon by the approaching Center.

Hal Jordan is later found by Abin Sur (voiced by Corey Burton), the Green Lantern of Sector 2814. The destruction of the rocket badly wounds him as he enters Earth's atmosphere, so he instructs his ring to find a worthy replacement. He leaves his ring with Hal, and tells him of The Centre, which he describes as a "monstrous creature" that fears humans and seeks their destruction.

In the Batcave, Superman reviews J'onn's research with Batman and meets Robin (voiced by Shane Haboucha) for the first time. Batman has altered the design of his suit so it won't frighten an innocent, but is still able to strike terror in the heart of a guilty. As they discuss the Centre, they hear Lois reporting on the attack of a giant pterodactyl at Cape Canaveral. Superman arrives at the scene and quickly defeats the creature. Almost immediately afterwards, Wonder Woman's invisible jet makes a crash landing, its cockpit smeared with blood. Before losing consciousness, Wonder Woman warns Superman that the Centre is coming.

Faraday eventually befriends J'onn who saved his life, and occasionally plays chess with him. J'onn reveals to Faraday that he decided to remain at the agent's base willingly because of the upcoming battle with The Centre, and had telepathically looked into the agent's mind during their battle at the platform. J'onn found that Faraday believes that one day the world won't be living in fear and hate. Finding that within Faraday, J'onn has renewed hope for humanity and decides to participate in the battle to save Earth. Before leaving with Faraday, J'onn adopts a new Martian/human superheroic hybrid form as the Martian Manhunter, believing it is honest to his heritage with a friendly appearance to human perception.

The Centre

Following this, the Centre begins its attack in earnest at the coast of Florida, finally revealed as a massive flying island, with an army of mutated dinosaurs to guard it. The threat draws heroes such as Flash (whom Iris talks into coming out of retirement), Green Arrow, Adam Strange, the Challengers of the Unknown, and the Blackhawks, who clash with the soldiers on base. The conflict is stopped by Superman, who advocates cooperation between the two sides. He is unexpectedly seconded by Faraday, accompanied by J'onn, who agrees that the government and the heroes must work together for freedom. With that, Superman heads out to do reconnaissance on the Centre, but is swiftly and shockingly defeated.

Moved by his effort, the rest of Earth's superheroes and military forces band together to defeat the Centre. Batman interrupts a meeting between Faraday, J'onn, Will Magnus (voiced by Townsend Coleman), and the Challengers. Batman brought with him Ray Palmer, a scientist known for his work with matter reduction. When one of the Challengers argues the technology is too unreliable, destabilizing anything it shrinks, Batman replies that's exactly the point, and a plan is formed to use Palmer's reduction ray to destabilize the island. The heroes will distract the Centre with a frontal assault (while Hal and Ace fly a bombing mission into the creature), leaving Flash to quickly crisscross the island with the ray.

While the aerial assault (including Batman and Green Arrow as pilots) is nearly outmatched before the intervention of the Blackhawks, Faraday's ground forces are ambushed by a herd of rampaging mutant dinosaurs. J'onn is overwhelmed by the psychic impact from The Centre and is rescued by Faraday, who is shortly thereafter captured by a dinosaur. As he is about to be eaten by a tyrannosaurus, Faraday grabs two hand grenades and pulls the pins. The dinosaur swallows Faraday and immediately afterwards its head explodes from the grenade detonation, killing both it and Faraday. The shock of his friend's death helps J'onn shake off the Centre's hold, and he and a recovered Wonder Woman help turn the tide of the ground battle.

Hal Jordan and Ace Morgan manage to shoot their way into the core of the creature, but are disoriented at first by its hallucinogenic effects. The creature secretes a thick red fluid that jams their weapons and almost suffocates them. It is then that Hal's ring activates, relaying instructions from the Guardians of the Universe (voiced by Robin Atkin Downes) as to its use. Ace manages to detonate his payload, and is rescued by Hal--now dressed in a costume identical to Abin Sur's--just before his plane explodes.

The explosion gives the ground crew their opening as they prepare to send Flash to finish the creature. The speedster is struck by the gravity of the situation and his role in it, but J'onn reassures him that everyone will be behind him. Flash races across the ocean and leaps onto the Centre's surface, covering the entire surface on foot before leaping into the ocean. The Centre begins to shrink, but realizing its imminent destruction, it heads toward land to destroy the humans along with it. Hal realizes what he must do, and envelops the island in green energy, then tows it into space where it explodes.

The entire world celebrates the Centre's defeat. As many participants in the battle attend a ceremony, Hal celebrates the victory his own way by pursuing his lifelong dream: flying through space with the aid of his new power ring. During the celebration, Superman is revealed to be injured but still alive, saved by a man named Arthur (voiced by Alan Ritchson) who claims to be from an underwater kingdom. He and his subjects treated Superman's wounds during the battle with the Centre. Superman is reunited with Lois and the rest of the heroes, who are touted so on the front page of the Daily Planet.

This monumental victory and display of teamwork changes public opinion about superheroes, and a montage of various heroes and villains (with cameos by Supergirl, the Teen Titans, Black Manta, Brainiac, Captain Marvel, Darkseid, Black Canary, Doctor Light, Doctor Sivana, Gentleman Ghost, Harley Quinn, Joker, Key, Lex Luthor, Monocle, Plastic Man, Ra's al Ghul, Riddler, Robin, Star Sapphire, Two-Face, and Ultra-Humanite) as well as the birth of the world's second generation superhero team: Justice League, set to the titular John F. Kennedy speech, is shown just before the film ends.

Cast

Voice actor

Character

David Boreanaz

Harold "Hal" Jordan/Green Lantern

Miguel Ferrer

J'onn J'onzz/John Jones/Martian Manhunter

Neil Patrick Harris

Bartholomew "Barry" Allen/The Flash

John Heard

Kyle "Ace" Morgan

Lucy Lawless

Princess Diana of Themyscira/Wonder Woman

Kyle MacLachlan

Kal-El/Clark Kent/Superman

Phil Morris

King Faraday

Kyra Sedgwick

Lois Lane

Brooke Shields

Carol Ferris

Jeremy Sisto

Bruce Wayne/Batman

Alan Ritchson

Orin/Arthur Curry/Aquaman

Keith David

The Centre

Vicki Lewis

Iris West

Lex Lang

Rick Flagg

Shane Haboucha

Dick Grayson/Robin

Townsend Coleman

Dr. Will Magnus

James Arnold Taylor

Leonard Snart/Captain Cold

Robin Atkin Downes

Guardians of the Universe

Corey Burton

Abin Sur

Jim Meskimen

Samuel "Slam" Bradley

Critical reception

Justice League: The New Frontier received mostly positive reviews. Screener copies were sent to those who reviewed them on websites a month prior to the DVD's official release. Even then, most of the reviews were positive and geared up the film's release even more.

Newsarama reviewed the DTV before its Feb. 26th release, saying that it was "one of the best things to ever come out of [Bruce] Timm stable." Commenting also that the acting was exceptional. The World's Finest, a fansite dealing with DC Animations, said that it was "the first animated feature in a long time that Ie felt completely satisfied while walking away from." A reviewer from Ain't it Cool News said that it was "my favorite film of 2008" and also said that it was "everything I had hoped for." Other sites, including some non-fansites, had similar reactions. From IGN giving the film and DVD total an 8.0, ENI saying it was enjoyable, and DVDTalk.com labeling its advice as "Recommended".

Entertainment Weekly, talking about direct-to-videos and Superman Doomsday, revealed that pre-orders for The New Frontier were tracking further ahead than expected.

The New Frontier was nominated for an Emmy under the category of Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming One Hour Or More) in 2008.

DVD

Justice League: The New Frontier is available in both single and two-disc editions. The cover of the single disc includes the pan shot from DC: The New Frontier with the heroes going forth, while the two-disc, HD DVD and Blu-ray editions includes Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman above the title logo with Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern, Flash and others below it. Best Buy had an exclusive with a Green Lantern action figure from DC Direct with the DVD package. This Green Lantern figure stands under 3 inches tall. Wal-Mart had a single DVD package exclusive with "The New Frontier Green Lantern" CD-ROM Comic Book inside. The single, two-disc and Blu-ray editions were released on February 26, 2008, with the HD DVD edition released on March 18, 2008.

The special features range from a documentary on the forty-seven year history of the Justice League, commentaries, a documentary on how the early mythological villain archetypes were adapted into the Justice League stories, a featurette on the themes, elements from the comic to film versions of New Frontier, three episodes of Justice League Unlimited and finally a 10 minute preview to the next animated film; Batman: Gotham Knight.

Soundtrack

Like Superman: Doomsday, Justice League: The New Frontier had a soundtrack released by La La Records on March 18, 2008. The music was composed by Kevin Manthei, the track listing is as follows.

Justice League: The New Frontier (Soundtrack From The DC Universe Animated Original Movie)

Film score by Kevin Manthei

Released

March 18, 2008

Label

La-La Land Records

"Main Titles" (2:01)

"The Centre / Hal Shot Down" (2:50)

"J'onn J'onzz Arrives" (0:51)

"Wonder Woman Recounts / J'onzz Watches TV" (2:11)

"The Flash Saves Las Vegas" (3:32)

"J'onn Becomes John / Church Brawl" (3:12)

"Carol & Hal Banter" (0:22)

"Driving to Ferris / The Real Ferris" (1:34)

"Hal's Mission Revealed / Batman Surprises J'onzz / The Flash Fights Gorilla" (2:52)

"Crazy Scientist" (1:37)

"J'onzz Contemplates / J'onzz is Leaving" (1:18)

"To Space" (1:27)

"Mars Mission Mess" (4:13)

"New Green Lantern" (3:56)

"Superman Ties It Up / J'onzz Bonds" (2:41)

"Island Revealed / Superman Down" (5:22)

"Plan to Action" (2:35)

"Thick of Battle" (4:32)

"The Flash vs. Centre / Last Bit of Business" (3:37)

"Victory" (3:09)

"End Credits" (3:01)

References

^ Justice League DVD news: Release Date for Justice League: The New Frontier | TVShowsOnDVD.com

^ Animated Shorts: Justice League: The New Frontier Review - Newsarama

^ Harry discovers JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE NEW FRONTIER!!! - Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news

^ IGN: Justice League: The New Frontier Review

^ Entertainment Reviews - Justice League: The New Frontier - ENewsI.com

^ DVD Talk Review: Justice League - The New Frontier

^ Direct-to-DVD movies growing in popularity - Entertainment News, Weekly TV, Media - Variety

^ The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards and Creative Arts Emmy Awards Nominees are...

^ The World's Finest

^ The World's Finest

^ The World's Finest

^ The World's Finest

External links

Justice League: The New Frontier Official Movie Site

Justice League: The New Frontier at the Internet Movie Database

Justice League: The New Frontier Myspace page

Justice League: The New Frontier @ The World's Finest

First article releasing on the DTV

Justice League: The New Frontier Press Release

Justice League: The New Frontier Trailer Trailer (Windows Media)

Justice League: The New Frontier Trailer Trailer (Quicktime)

v  d  e

DC Comics animated films

Stand-alone films

Superman (1941) Gen (1998) The Batman vs. Dracula (2005) Superman: Brainiac Attacks (2006) Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo (2006)

Original Animated Movies

Superman: Doomsday (2007) Justice League: The New Frontier (2008) Batman: Gotham Knight (2008) Wonder Woman (2009) Green Lantern: First Flight (2009) Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009) Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010)

Batman: Gotham Knight

Have I Got A Story For You Crossfire Field Test In Darkness Dwells Working Through Pain Deadshot

DC animated universe

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (1998) Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000) Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (2003)

v  d  e

Justice League

Creators

Gardner Fox

Founding Members

Superman  Batman  Wonder Woman  Green Lantern  Flash  Aquaman  Martian Manhunter

Related teams

Justice League Elite  Justice Society of America  Justice League Antarctica  Justice League (Smallville)  Outsiders  Super Buddies  Teen Titans  Young Justice  Justice Guild of America

Enemies

Amazo  Amos Fortune  The Appelaxians  Asmodel  Brainiac  Crime Syndicate of America  Copperhead  Darkseid  The Demons Three  Despero  Doctor Destiny  Doctor Light  Doomsday  Eclipso  Epoch the Lord of Time  The Extremists  Felix Faust  Funky Flashman  Gamemnae  The General  Gentleman Ghost  The Injustice Gang  The Injustice League  Kanjar Ro  The Key  Kobra  Lex Luthor  Libra  Magog  Morgaine le Fey  Neron  Professor Ivo  Prometheus  Queen Bee  The Queen of Fables  Qwsp  Rama Khan  Red King  The Royal Flush Gang  The Secret Society of Super Villains  Shaggy Man  Starbreaker  Starro  T. O. Morrow  The Ultra-Humanite  Vandal Savage  The Wizard  The White Martians

Headquarters

Secret Sanctuary  Justice League Satellite  Justice League Watchtower  The Hall

Current series

Justice League of America (vol. 2)  Super Friends

Previous series

Justice League of America  Justice League International  Justice League Europe  Justice League Quarterly  Justice League Task Force  Extreme Justice  JLA  Justice  Justice League Antarctica  JLA: Classified

Storylines

"World War III"  JLA: Earth 2  JLA/Avengers  "The Lightning Saga"  "Pain of the Gods"

Limited series

The Nail  Created Equal  Act of God  Destiny  Age of Wonder  Another Nail  Justice League: Cry for Justice

Animation

The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure  Super Friends  Justice League  Justice League Unlimited  Justice League: The New Frontier  Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths

Live-action

Legends of the Superheroes  Justice League of America  Justice League (Smallville)

Miscellanea

In other media

Video games

Justice League Task Force  Justice League: Injustice for All  Justice League: Chronicles  Justice League Heroes

Categories: English-language films | 2008 films | Warner Bros. Animation films | DC animation | Justice League films | Warner Bros. Batman films | DC Universe Original Animated Movies | Superhero films | Direct-to-video films | Films set in the 1950s | Animated Batman films | Animated Superman filmsHidden categories: Film articles using deprecated parameters | Wikipedia articles with plot summary needing attention from February 2009 | All Wikipedia articles with plot summary needing attention
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Hammer action on Ruger Blackhawk?

Okay so I have taken most everyone's advice and went with the purchase of a Ruger Blackhawk in .357 (personal caliber preference). I went to a gunshop and their price on a 6in barrel version was okay- could have been lower, but I'm still thinking about it.
Anyways, I pulled back on the hammer, and I noticed there really wasn't much tension at all, it was really easy to pull it back completely.
I've had a revolver or two in my life and both the hammers had enough tension to fly forward and strike the pin.

My only concern is that with the ease of the hammer pull, I mean.... is that normal for a Blackhawk? If not, is there a way to tighten the action a little?

That would be unusual for a new Blackhawk. But if its used there are many possible reasons. The hammer spring may have been modified, or replaced with a lighter spring or its lost some tension. They sell main springs that are 17, 18 or 19 lbs for the Blackhawks. (The 17 is not strong enough for my likes) So maybe some one added one of those. As said in the other answer they sell stronger ones.
Here is a bit on how some modify them;

http://www.curtrich.com/ruger.html

It would help to know if that is a new or used one. If its new the warranty will cover it. If its used it doesn’t cost much to replace the main spring. But I advise you have a gun smith do the work. I have had several friends take their Blackhawk apart and couldn’t get it back together. I had to reassemble two last year.
Here is a link on customizing a Blackhawk with pictures that show how its put together;

http://www.hobbygunsmith.com/Feature.htm

As long as it can set off the primer it should be fine. If it’s a used gun look at the transfer bar. If its worn badly consider looking for another blackhawk. It takes a hell of a lot of shooting to wear down the transfer bar and if its been shot that much you will likely have cylinder play, a worn cylinder pin, gas checking in the top strap next to the forcing cone and a possible worn cylinder stop and pawl. You really need to know what to look for with used revolvers. Its much better for the novice just to buy a new one.

By the way some revolvers have a very light hammer so they need a very strong spring for it to have enough impact. But some revolvers like the Blackhawk have a heavy hammer that doesn’t require as much tension on them to have enough impact.

BLACKHAWK STRIKE RECON CHEST RIG