Superman & Batman: Apocalipse

Good follow-up to Superman/Batman: Public Enemies. As with that movie, this is adapted from a comic book story written by Jeph Loeb. The story introduces Superman's cousin, Kara Zor-El (aka Supergirl). Not long after she arrives on Earth, Kara is kidnapped by the evil Darkseid. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman must travel to the planet Apokolips to rescue her before Darkseid can brainwash her into becoming one of his Furies.

Enjoyable and fun, with some pretty intense action scenes. The dialogue and characterizations are good. Love the voicework from old pros Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, Susan Eisenberg, and Ed Asner. Summer Glau does a great job as Supergirl. Andre Braugher's Darkseid is unimpressive. Nice music and animation. The story is a little rushed and probably could've used more build-up before all of the Apokolips stuff, which is the weakest part of the movie. The action is exciting, particularly the climactic fight scene. It probably plays better to fans than people unfamiliar with these characters' histories but I don't think casual viewers will be completely lost. There's enough to enjoy that I doubt you'll regret trying it out.

The Superman/Batman comic stories' main attraction has always been the character interplay. How the two famous superheroes, different in every aspect like oil and water, lend their perspective on similar situations and in the end, pull together for the greater good. In that respect, "Superman/Batman: Apocalypse" does not disappoint as Superman, Batman and even Wonder Woman bring their unique personalities to the table when they face their latest little "problem".

The "problem" in question is the unexpected arrival of Kara Zor-El (Summer Glau), Superman's cousin who crash lands to earth, disoriented, unclothed but unhurt and lost in Gotham. In perhaps an intentional homage to Glau's previous Terminator character in "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles", She "procures" a coat from a trio of overly eager warehouse workers, but not before almost accidentally killing them. The unintentional destruction she causes while trying to flee from the cops alerts both Batman and Superman who take her into their custody. While Superman is overjoyed at finally meeting a fellow survivor of his home planet, Batman is skeptical and naturally suspicious (she did trash Gotham without even trying). More trouble follows when Superman tries to get Kara assimilated into earth culture but Wonder Woman has other plans for her as she too fears Kara's lack of control over her powers. But on the burning planet of Apokolips, the dreaded DarkSeid has his sights on the young kryptonian girl to be the latest addition to his warriors. What follows is a perilous incursion into Darkseid's palace with one deadly confrontation after another with the forces of Apokolips.

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse adapts the "Supergirl" story arc (NOT "Death of Superman" as another review mistakenly pointed out) of the Superman/Batman comic series by Jeph Loeb and the late Michael Turner. It is a rather faithful adaptation barring a few changes here and there and as such shares both the good points and the shortcomings of its source material. For one thing, the story proceeds at a rather fast pace, which is good as it keeps things from getting boring. However that means the time frame of the tale is difficult to follow. For example Kara was supposed to have been training with the Amazons for a few months but it seemed like only yesterday. We only know about the time skip thanks to some mandatory exposition.

Rather than its truncated story, it is the snappy character interplay, well written dialog and a top notch cast of actors that carry this show. Tim Daley, Kevin Conroy and Susan Eisenberg return comfortably to their DCAU roles of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. Everyone else is perfectly cast, especially Summer Glau, lending much emotional weight and realism to the characters. The only role that did not seem to fit as well was Andre Braugher's unmistakably African American sounding DarkSied. The tone of voice was right but a more neutral accent would have fit better.

Judging from the way the characters are handled, the target audience is most definitely long time fans who are already familiar with the personalities of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. That is because the "DC trinity" get little character development here, allowing Supergirl to take most of the development spotlight. That is not to say that the main trio do not get their chance to shine. Their differing views on life clash often and shed some light on their inner natures. There is even a dramatic comparison between Batman and one of the villains regarding Batman's code of ethics.

Viewers who have watched the previous "Superman/Batman: Public enemies" can treat this as a sequel despite the differing art styles. As the previous movie replicated Ed McGuinness's muscular look, this one manages to translate Michael Turner's bold designs barring a slight drop in art detail. The animation by "MOI Animation" is very fluid with no visible short cuts and a high frame rate.

For DC animation fans, readers who loved the Superman/Batman comics and superhero action junkies, "Superman/Batman: Apocalypse" would no doubt be a hit. More time could have gone into letting the story "breath" a little or making it a smart anecdote about growing up, stepping out from under a overprotective sibling/parent's shadow and finding one's place in the world. But no point lamenting what it could have been. Rather, enjoy it for what it is.

The DC Comics Animated Universe has another high quality, fun DTV animated film in its' library, the sequel to "Superman/Batman: Public Enemies". A little longer, "Superman/Batman: Apocalypse" is darker and effective.

If you haven't seen the first one, don't read this and see it. If so, you know a big meteor, composes of Kryptonite, has landed in Gotham City Harbor, containing a Kryptonian spacecraft, containing Kara Zor-El (voiced by the cherub Summer Glau of "Firefly" and "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles"), Superman's adolescent cousin. The Man of Steel (Tim Daly of "Private Practice" is more than welcoming to her than the brooding Batman (Kevin Conroy of "Dynasty"), who sees her as a potential weapon.

Apokolipian monarch Darkseid (Andre Braugher of "Men of A Certain Age") takes advantage of that point by kidnapping Kara and molding her to be his captain of his Femme Furies squad. Even with the help of Amazonian princess Wonder Woman (Susan Eisenberg reprises her role from "Justice League: The Animated Series") and ex-Furies leader/Mr. Miracle's wife Big Barda (Julianne Grossman), can the Big Blue Boy Scout and the Dark Knight save Kara from Darkseid's clutches?

Nicely adapted from the story arc/graphic novel, "The Supergirl from Krypton" by Jeph Loeb ("PE") and the late Michael Turner (miss him), "Apocalypse" packs a punch at 78 minutes, giving an ode to anime, with a fun script by Oscar nominated scribe Tab Murphy ("Gorillas In The Midst" and the animated takes on "Tarzan" and "Atlantis") and crackerjack direction by Lauren Montgomery ("Green Lantern: First Flight").

As usual, Daly and Conroy are perfect reprising the roles they did when they had solo shows. Braugher's no Mike Ironside, who voiced Apokolips's lord in "Superman: The Animated Series" and "JL", but is dutiful. The female voice actors are equally superb, yet it's screwball funny to head Ed Asner ("The Mary Tyler Moore Show", "Up") as Darkseid's lieutenant, Granny Goodness.

Like the other recent DC Comics animated films, "Apocalypse" has a hard PG-13 rating; this isn't light kids' fare. Still, it's damn cool.

Honestly, an average movie, a good story, but the narration was a bit fast, the characters were mostly average, except for Batman of course, the voice acting of Darkseid was not good, the drawing and the soundtrack are good. A good movie that's all there is to it.

Of all the animated feature length superhero-movies I have seen lately, this has got the best fighting "choreography". You clearly see what is happening, the timing is good, you feel the impacts. It was just very entertaining. Very well done action.

Not loving the look of Supermans and Batmans face in this one, they look a little douchy. I liked their faces in Justice League: War, better. This is just personal taste of course. But a review is personal, right..?

Anyhow, the movies is really good. Good action, and not boring in the slower parts. Most of the drama works well too. I'm really impressed by these animated superhero features, they are well written, and really entertaining.

And again, the real star of this movie is the action and fighting. Very good indeed!