Writer: Jonathan Sullivan
Voices: Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, Clancy Brown
Writer: Stan Berkowitz
Director: Sam Liu
Writer: Stan Berkowitz
Director: Sam Liu
The Plot
Source: Comics Worth Reading
United States President Lex Luthor uses the oncoming trajectory of a Kryptonite asteroid to frame Superman and declare a $1 billion bounty on the heads of the Man of Steel and his “partner in crime,” Batman. Heroes and villains alike launch a relentless pursuit of Superman and Batman, who must unite — and recruit help — to stave off the action-packed onslaught, stop the asteroid, and uncover Luthor’s devious plot to take command of far more than North America.
United States President Lex Luthor uses the oncoming trajectory of a Kryptonite asteroid to frame Superman and declare a $1 billion bounty on the heads of the Man of Steel and his “partner in crime,” Batman. Heroes and villains alike launch a relentless pursuit of Superman and Batman, who must unite — and recruit help — to stave off the action-packed onslaught, stop the asteroid, and uncover Luthor’s devious plot to take command of far more than North America.
The Review
After the boring mess that was Green Lantern: First Flight, I got myself pumped for their next release, Superman/Batman: Public Enemies. I actually own the graphic novel it was based on (I know, winner) and the fact that they recruited the old voices from the 90's TV shows (Conroy as Batman, Daly as Superman) made me even giddyer. Too bad that my giddyness wasn't warranted.
There is some good to be had here. The animation is beautiful, and definitely a step above Marvel's lackluster animation branch. Having Conroy and Daly lend their iconic voices was a nice touch for all the old school fans who grew up watching their series on the WB. The story itself is interesting as well: Luthor, the most evil person on the planet, using the fear and economic downturn of the United States to become President, is a scary thought, especially if you're a comic book nerd who knows the stuff Luthor is truly capable of. The voice actors are not scrubs: John C. McGinley (DR. COX!) and Alison Mack (Smallville) are decent thespians.
The problem I have with the movie is that it felt very by the numbers and almost like a machine. Everyone is going through the paces, and while the animation and action are good, the story itself lacks because of the lack of effort of the cast. I could imagine everyone reading from their scripts as I progressed through this film and it was very disappointing.
S/B: Public Enemies is only 65 minutes long, but it feels longer, and if you read the graphic novel, there isn't much for you here. If you are a diehard DC nerd, though, obviously rent it as your fanboy bone will be tickled. Just don't expect anything to stick out or for something truly monumental...and do your best to ignore the obvious boredom and lack of effort of the cast.
There is some good to be had here. The animation is beautiful, and definitely a step above Marvel's lackluster animation branch. Having Conroy and Daly lend their iconic voices was a nice touch for all the old school fans who grew up watching their series on the WB. The story itself is interesting as well: Luthor, the most evil person on the planet, using the fear and economic downturn of the United States to become President, is a scary thought, especially if you're a comic book nerd who knows the stuff Luthor is truly capable of. The voice actors are not scrubs: John C. McGinley (DR. COX!) and Alison Mack (Smallville) are decent thespians.
The problem I have with the movie is that it felt very by the numbers and almost like a machine. Everyone is going through the paces, and while the animation and action are good, the story itself lacks because of the lack of effort of the cast. I could imagine everyone reading from their scripts as I progressed through this film and it was very disappointing.
S/B: Public Enemies is only 65 minutes long, but it feels longer, and if you read the graphic novel, there isn't much for you here. If you are a diehard DC nerd, though, obviously rent it as your fanboy bone will be tickled. Just don't expect anything to stick out or for something truly monumental...and do your best to ignore the obvious boredom and lack of effort of the cast.