Truth be told, I've been sitting on a ton of reviews for a while now that have been growing dust in my notebook but I haven't just had the time nor Internet access to get these written. So, instead of cranking these reviews out in separate articles, I'm going to provide them all here in one spot in one shebang.
Each review will follow the usual format that I'm known for here while I'll provide a quickie rundown of my opinion of each said animated featurette for this DC Universe direct-to-video line-up. I'll be honest and say right off the bat that DC Comics may not be ahead of the game with Marvel Comics in terms of live-action cinematic dominance, but they definitely stand miles apart and above the rest when it comes to their animated films.
Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014)
The film is based on the universe of the Batman: Arkham video game franchise, and is a direct sequel to Batman: Arkham Origins.
The film is set in the universe of the Batman: Arkham video game franchise, occurring after Arkham Origins, though co-director Jay Oliva states it takes place about two years before Arkham Asylum. The story focuses primarily on the Suicide Squad, particularly Batman villains Deadshot and Harley Quinn, with Batman in a supporting role. In the film, a Suicide Squad of six criminals is dispatched by Amanda Waller to break into Arkham Asylum, where they must contend with the asylum's inmates and Batman as they attempt to complete their mission.
Cast:
Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne / BatmanNeal McDonough as Floyd Lawton / Deadshot
Hynden Walch as Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn
Matthew Gray Gubler as Edward Nygma / The Riddler
Troy Baker as The Joker
C.C.H. Pounder as Amanda Waller
Greg Ellis as Captain Boomerang
Giancarlo Esposito as Black Spider
John DiMaggio as King Shark
Jennifer Hale as Killer Frost
Nolan North as KGBeast, Oswald Cobblepot / Penguin
Plot: (FULL Spoilers)
When Riddler is rescued from a black ops assassination and returned to Arkham Asylum after being captured by Batman, Amanda Waller pressgangs criminals Black Spider, Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Killer Frost, KGBeast, and King Shark to break into hospital and finish the job. The Suicide Squad members are forced to comply by means of bombs surgically implanted at the base of their spines. KGBeast, who believes the bombs are a bluff, walks out on Waller and is killed as an example to the others.The six are deployed to Gotham City, where Penguin has been hired by Waller to give them arms and equipment. Tensions immediately arise among the squad members, particularly between Deadshot and Captain Boomerang, who resents Deadshot's assumption of the leadership role on the team. Meanwhile Batman ransacks the city in search of a dirty bomb that Joker had possessed prior to his own incarceration in the asylum.
Harley Quinn commits noisy petty crimes in Gotham until she is arrested and returned to Arkham, at which point she stages a distraction by arguing with and apparently attempting to murder her ex-lover Joker. This distraction allows the Suicide Squad to successfully infiltrate Arkham in a variety of disguises, and proceed smoothly with their mission until Batman arrives. Batman and Black Spider duel, and Batman defeats Black Spider and switches costumes with him, joining the Suicide Squad without their knowledge. Killer Frost locates Riddler, but decides against killing him when she learns the reason she was sent to snuff him out: Riddler knows how to disable the bombs implanted in members of the Suicide Squad. Joker escapes his cell, which was weakened by Harley Quinn's earlier assault, and frees all the Arkham inmates.
The Suicide Squad agree to spare Riddler in exchange for his help, and most are able to deactivate their bombs with the use of a device intended for electroshock therapy. Black Spider and King Shark, however, are messily executed by Amanda Waller when she learns what the Suicide Squad has done, which reveals Batman's impersonation of Black Spider. Chaos spreads across the Arkham island as police sortie with super-criminals, and teamwork in the Suicide Squad collapses as Harley Quinn reunites with Joker. Joker reveals that his dirty bomb was hidden within Harley Quinn's trademark mallet, which was stored at Arkham, and that he will detonate it in the city.
The remaining Suicide Squad members frantically and separately try to escape the island, but only Deadshot is successful. Deadshot travels to Gotham City by stolen helicopter, but discovers Joker and Harley Quinn were stowing away with him. Batman arrives on the scene and Deadshot battles the Joker as Batman subdues Harley Quinn. Batman defeats Harley Quinn and defuses the bomb hidden in her mallet, thus saving the city. A heavily-wounded Deadshot is likewise able to defeat the Joker, though the villain escapes through a fall. The epilogue shows Deadshot, a free man and reunited with his daughter, about to snipe Amanda Waller in retribution for forcing him into the Suicide Squad. The scene ends before he pulls the trigger.
The Verdict:
First things first, it's good to hear Kevin Conroy as Batman again. At the same time, I'm really starting to notice the old age in his voice. If he's going to bow out after Batman: Arkham Knight in terms of voice acting this character after the last few decades, then I have no problem with that. Maybe someone can get Anthony Ruvivar on board by then. Unlike most people, I loved him as Batman in Beware the Batman.
As for this animated feature itself, I loved this story focused around the Suicide Squad, but let's get one thing straight and admit that there are a TON of plot holes here if they are expecting to pass this story as a connection or bridge between the Arkham games. Let's review some of them from off the top of my head. Trust me there's a LOT more than this...
As for this animated feature itself, I loved this story focused around the Suicide Squad, but let's get one thing straight and admit that there are a TON of plot holes here if they are expecting to pass this story as a connection or bridge between the Arkham games. Let's review some of them from off the top of my head. Trust me there's a LOT more than this...
- Despite receiving an invitation from Amanda Waller during the post-credits teaser of Arkham Origins, Deathstroke is nowhere to be found in this film, nor mentioned as part of the Suicide Squad.
- If this is an immediate follow-up to Arkham Origins, exactly at what point did Harleen Quinzel snap and hook up with The Joker long enough to have all of the back history they have that's mentioned in this film? If you speak with her following her capture during the riot in Arkham Asylum during Arkham Origins' finale, she was completely sane during that point of Batman's history.
- No one seems to notice that Batman STOLE Black Spider's body armor and applies it to his own gear and equipment. I'm guessing this is the explanation for Batman's appearance in Arkham Asylum. Notice it's the EXACT same body armor.
- Deadshot is portrayed as an ideal leader for this team when he was barely capable of dealing with Batman in both Arkham Origins and Arkham City. Shouldn't Deathstroke be in that position?
Buy It? Rent It? Or Don't Bother?
Rent it if you're new to the Batman: Arkham universe, but other comic book fans will more likely want to buy this film and add it to their collections. Parents, please note that this film is rated Mature for some gory scenes and sexual content. There's a few scenes I definitely wouldn't allow my kids to watch in this.
It's about time we have a reason to root for the bad guys (and girls...). Besides, I wouldn't be surprised more people will be inclined to check this movie out once the release date for Warner Bros.' live-action Suicide Squad movie draws closer.
Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts (2015)
Cast:
Roger Craig Smith- Batman/Bruce WayneDana Snyder -The Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot
Chris Diamantopoulos -Green Arrow/Oliver Queen
Laura Bailey -Cheetah/Barbara Minerva, Newcaster
John DiMaggio -Killer Croc/Waylon Jones
Will Friedle -Nightwing/Dick Grayson
Yuri Lowenthal -Red Robin/Tim Drake
Phil LaMarr - Man-Bat/Kirk Langstrom
Charlie Schlatter -The Flash
Keith Szarabajka - Silverback
Richard Epcar -Commissioner James Gordon
Alastair Duncan -Alfred Pennyworth
Amanda Troop - Gladys Windsmere, Pretty Girl
Matthew Mercer - Mech Guard 1, Wealthy Jock
Eric Bauza - Punk #1, Rookie Cop
Mo Collins - Dispatch, Distinguished Woman
Keith Ferguson - Gruff Cop, Distinguished Man
Plot Synopsis:
Another storm is brewing in Gotham and it's not only raining cats and dogs but evil Cyber Animals! When the city is plagued by a slew of bizarre crimes committed by an animal-inspired villain squad known as the Animilitia -- comprised of Silverback, Cheetah, Killer Croc and Man-Bat -- Batman must swing into action to investigate. These animalistic villains bring new and exciting challenges for the hero of Gotham, and Batman must find a way to bring these criminal creatures to a halt! But could the Animilitia be working for powerful businessman Oswald Cobblepot a.k.a. The Penguin? How does The Penguin's new invention of robotic Cyber Animals fit into the mix? In the end, it'll the combined forces of Batman, Flash, Green Arrow, Nightwing and Red Robin to combat these Animal Instincts.The Verdict:
Right off the bat, I'll admit that I'm not too crazy about the new art style that DC Comics are going with this film. Fortunately, most of the same voice actors for DC-related cartoons and video games to date are here to reprise their roles as most of these characters. Will Friedle voices Nightwing, Roger Craig Smith voices Batman and so on.
To say that this is supposed to be a "fresh start" for Batman, there is no sense of when or where this takes place in Batman's lore. Batman has no idea that Kurt Langstrom is the Man-Bat Nightwing and Red Robin (Tim Drake) are around to help the Dark Knight along with Green Arrow and the Flash while Gotham looks oddly futuristic - too much like Batman Beyond's own Gotham City for my taste to be quite honest. On top of that, Gothamites aren't aware of the Penguin's criminal activities and see him as a philanthropist. Yeah... this storyline is pretty much everywhere at once. Then again, this film is marketed towards kids, so it's not supposed to make much sense.
Ugh, I just can't believe they cancelled Beware the Batman and replaced it with THIS?
Rent It? Buy It? Or Don't Bother?
This is easily a cop out just to sell the new "Batman Unlimited" toyline. Just about every character that the current line of figures are based off of make an appearance in this film. Definitely rent this one for the kids unless you want to buy an overpriced toy to go with a DVD/Blu-Ray that I doubt your kids would want to watch more than once. For everyone else, I suggest don't bother.Batman vs. Robin (2015)
This film serves as the sequel and direct follow-up to 2014's Son of Batman. This film continues Batman's journey into fatherhood while Damian Wayne struggles with finding his own identity as simultaneously being Batman's partner and Bruce Wayne's son.
Cast:
Jason O'Mara - Bruce Wayne / BatmanStuart Allan - Damian Wayne / Robin
David McCallum - Alfred Pennyworth
Troy Baker - Court of Owls Lieutenant
Sean Maher - Dick Grayson / Nightwing
Kevin Conroy - Thomas Wayne
Trevor Devall - Jack
Robin Atkin Downes - Court of Owls Grandmaster
Griffin Gluck - Young Bruce Wayne
Grey Griffin - Samantha Vanaver
Peter Onorati - Draco
Andrea Romano - Jill
Jeremy Sisto - Talon
"Weird Al" Yankovic - Anton Schott / The Dollmaker
Plot: (FULL Spoilers)
During an investigation of missing children, Damian Wayne, still fighting crime as Robin, has taken the Batmobile out to an abandoned toy factory without Batman's consent, where he finds Anton Schott, who is responsible for the children's disappearance and has also transformed some of them into grotesque, mutilated "Dolls". Damian's father, Bruce, arrives as Batman to aid Damian in the resulting battle, with Damian chasing after the Schott while Batman knocks out the Dolls with gas and frees the remaining children. Damian chooses to spare Schott, only for an owl-masked assassin to kill him, telling Damian to never doubt his instincts. The assassin leaves Damian and the Schott's body behind, leading Batman to accuse Damian of murdering him when he arrives. Damian insists he spared Schott out of respect for Batman, and after inspecting the body further, Batman discovers an owl feather.The next night, Bruce has dinner at Wayne Manor with Samantha Vanaver, a wealthy woman whose family, like the Waynes, have had positions of influence in Gotham for hundreds of years. After dinner, Bruce shows Samantha his plans to make Gotham City a better place. Samantha then meets Damian, and after she leaves, Bruce tries to connect with Damian by watching a movie with him. However, Damian later tries to sneak out of the mansion, but is thwarted by Bruce's security systems. Damian voices his frustration of being "kept prisoner" as both Damian and Robin, saying that Bruce never trusts him. Bruce tells Damian he needs to earn his trust, with Damian telling him it should work both ways. Bruce goes out as Batman, leaving Damian with Dick Grayson to look after him, as he investigates the owl feather he found, leading him to the Gotham Museum of Natural History's Hall of Owls. Bruce is reminded of a story his father, Thomas, told him when he was a child; a story about the Court of Owls, a secret society of rich men who ruled Gotham from the shadows and killed any who opposed them by sending agents called "talons". Although Thomas insisted it was just a story, the night Thomas and Bruce's mother Martha were murdered, Bruce saw an owl clutching a bat flying away from the scene of his parents' murder, and became convinced the story was true and that the Court of Owls was to blame. Bruce swears vengeance, and takes his frustrations out by killing an owl nesting in the attic of Wayne Manor, but after finding no evidence of the Court of Owls from his search of a high society club, Bruce conceded and dismissed the legend.
In the present, Batman is attacked by three owl-masked assailants, all seemingly inhuman and impervious to harm. Although he manages to destroy one with explosives, the other two nearly kill Batman before they suddenly liquefy into black ooze, and Batman sends out a distress beacon to the Batcave before losing consciousness. Damian, having escaped Grayson and the mansion, stops a mugging and is again approached by the assassin he met, who introduces himself as Talon. Talon encourages Damian's choice of punishing criminals, and offers Damian a chance to join him. Damian is unsure of this decision, and returns home where Bruce is waiting, disappointed that Damian sneaked out again. Bruce warns Damian that he will be sent away to a school in Switzerland unless he learns to discipline himself. However, the next night, Damian sneaks out again.
On the way to a date with Samantha, Bruce is attacked by white owl-masked people and brought before the Court of Owls, who offer Bruce a chance to join them as a member of one of Gotham's wealthiest families. After Bruce leaves, given time to consider the offer, it is revealed that Talon is working for the Court of Owls, who are secretly raising an army of the inhuman warriors, also known as "talons", through a process similar to the Lazarus Pit, so that they can destroy Gotham City and allow the Court to rebuild it as they see fit. Unfortunately, the serum they have developed to awaken the talons only lets them last for 24 hours at a time outside of their storage tanks before they rot and dissolve. Also, the talons will become brittle and become vulnerable to being shattered if they are exposed to extreme cold. Talon will soon be forced by the Court to undergo the process himself and become one of these monsters and the general of this army, but not before bringing Damian over as his apprentice and replacement.
Damian, having contacted Talon, has gone out on missions with him to take out some criminals. Damian has constantly hesitated to kill due to Batman's code, which frustrates Talon. Sensing how Damian looks up to Batman as a father, Talon tells his story about how he and his own father were thieves; Talon looked up to his father and wanted to be just like him, but could not, and was always punished for it. One night, Talon gave his father up to the police, who shot him, and afterwards, Talon was recruited by the Court of Owls. Batman shows up, having tracked Damian's activity, but is blocked by Damian from capturing Talon. Batman tries to convince Damian that Talon and the Court of Owls are using Damian to get to him, but Damian believes Batman is selfish, trying to hold him back from his potential. A confrontation breaks out between father and son, with Damian almost killing Batman before leaving.
Talon is revealed to be in a relationship with Samantha, who is secretly the Grandmaster of the Court of Owls. Despite their social class divide, Samantha wants to spare Talon from the ritual and have him stand by her side, as they plan to destroy Batman with Robin. Batman sneaks into the Court of Owls through the sewers which has been flooded with a psychotropic gas by the Court, causing Batman to hallucinate the night his parents were murdered when he finally reaches their headquarters. There, he sees the shooter is revealed to be not Joe Chill, but a grown up Damian as Batman. Bruce realizes as Batman will cause Damian the same rage and hatred as the Court of Owls and has the potential to turn him into a villain that will bring destruction on the world. He asks the grown up Damian for forgiveness, who reverts to the child Damian.
Bruce awakens from his hallucination, finding himself back at the Batcave with Alfred Pennyworth and Grayson. Meanwhile, Talon introduces Damian to the Court of Owls, but when Damian reveals himself to the Grandmaster, Samantha realizes that if Robin is Bruce's son, then Bruce must be Batman. Ordering Talon to kill Damian, Talon instead turns against the Court of Owls, murdering every member, including Samantha. Now in control of the Court's army of resurrected talons, Talon leaves Damian behind at the Court, offering him another chance to join him once he has killed Batman.
Talon and his undead soldiers attack the mansion, breaking into the Batcave as Batman, Grayson, and Alfred fight them off. Batman utilities a mechanized battle armor in the fight, while Nightwing is wounded and crippled by the talons attacks. Alfred activates a coolant system that freezes all the talons in the cave solid. Batman and Talon ultimately face off, with Talon gaining the upper hand and wounding Batman, before Damian, who escaped from the Court, enters and fights Talon to protect Batman. Damian eventually defeats Talon, holding a sai to his throat. After telling Damian one last time never to doubt his instincts, Talon commits suicide by forcing Damian's sai through his neck, leaving Damian stunned and confused.
Bruce tries to welcome Damian back home, but Damian refuses, claiming he needs to sort out who he is. Damian leaves for a monastery in the Himalayas that Bruce told him of when he was leaving.
The Verdict:
Much like the predecessor to this animated film, Son of Batman, this is more about Damian Wayne than it is about Batman, but Bats gets a lot more screen time this time around.I personally found it hilarious that both Batman AND Nightwing were getting their asses kicked by Robin/Damian Wayne and the featured villains in this film. It was to the point where I honestly felt bad on how pathetic this film went to the extremes to portray them as weak and more notably - mortal. It definitely wasn't a good time in Gotham for the old school Dynamic Duo.
This film serves as a pseudo adaptation of the Court of Owls storyline from DC Comics, using undead warriors at the disposal of the Owls.
The leader of the Owls and Talon were playing with a bloody obvious mock Romero and Juliet plot until Talon slaughters all of the Owls and his beloved all for Damian as own protégé and surrogate son.
(Laughs) You can't deny that Batman doesn't kill people after seeing this film. In the film's finale, Batman hops into the BatMech to battle Talon's undead soldiers that were invading the Batcave (all this while Alfred is clearly using a shotgun to fend off attackers) and he used C4 and explosives on the Owls without even a second thought when he first encountered them. This was even BEFORE he was aware that they were zombies/undead.
Rent It? Buy It? Or Don't Bother?
Much like the predecessor to this film, Son of Batman, you're getting about the same thing here. More violent action on top of a narrative that continues the journey of Batman dealing with the trials of fatherhood while Damian Wayne attempts to cope and adapt into his new life with Batman. I honestly wouldn't pay $14.99 to $19.99 but it definitely deserves a rental at least. The introduction of the Court of Owls makes me wish that I read the comics based on this storyline prior though.Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015)
This film acts as the direct follow-up to Justice League: WAR, as the Justice League deals with a new threat to Earth. This time it's not an extraterrestrial threat, but one from their own planet as the people of Atlantis sought out to claim the world as their own, unless Arthur Curry (Aquaman) can realize his true destiny as heir to the throne.
Cast:
Matt Lanter as Aquaman / Arthur CurrySumalee Montano as Mera
Sam Witwer as Ocean Master
Sirena Irwin as Queen Atlanna
Jerry O'Connell as Superman / Clark Kent
Jason O'Mara as Batman / Bruce Wayne
Rosario Dawson as Wonder Woman / Diana Prince
Christopher Gorham as Flash / Barry Allen
Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern / Hal Jordan
Shemar Moore as Cyborg / Victor Stone
Sean Astin as Shazam / Billy Batson
Harry Lennix as Black Manta
George Newbern as Steve Trevor
Melique Berger as Sarah Charles
Steven Blum as Cyborg's Armor, Lex Luthor
Patrick Cavanaugh as Jimmy Olsen
Larry Cedar as Thomas Curry
Barry Dennen as Defense Advisor
Paul Eiding as Captain
Jay K. Johnson as Sam Lane
Matthew Yang King as Dr. Shin
Juliet Landau as Lois Lane
Khary Payton as John Henry Irons
DJ Price as Young Arthur Curry
Andrea Romano as Elderly Atlantean Woman
Michael Rosenbaum as Drift Leader
Cedric Yarbrough as Submarine Technician
Plot: (FULL Spoilers)
In the Atlantic, the U.S.S. California submarine picks up incoming human-like threats approaching the sub by sonar. The sub is attacked, leaving the entire crew dead by the invading hostiles. At S.T.A.R. Labs' Justice League headquarters, Cyborg is given news by Colonel Steve Trevor over the sunken sub. Cyborg decides to check it himself, deciding against Trevor's idea of calling the other superheroes, as he puts it "there is no Justice League".At Mercy Reef, Arthur Curry, drunk over the death of his father, picks a fight with a group of tough guys over them wanting to eat the lobster Arthur was talking to. He defeats them, but is watched by Mera and Dr. Shin. At the sunken sub, Cyborg discovers hand prints on the hull, and that the missiles are missing. He is then attacked by the same hostiles that attacked the sub, and suffers damage through his escape.
Back at their HQ, Cyborg gets help from Flash and Shazam to get Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern, leaving Batman the last one remaining. Green Lantern decides to head to Gotham City to get Batman, who is currently chasing henchmen of the Scarecrow. Green Lantern captures them for Batman, but Batman is angry as he needed them to head to where Scarecrow was. With the entire team together, they check the raised sub and Cyborg's assault. They realize the enemy isn't related to Darkseid, but warriors from Earth's origin. Thanks to Diana's knowledge, she reveals these warriors are from Atlantis with the theory of war related to the missing missiles Using Shazam's suggestion, Superman and Batman decide to meet Atlantis-expert Dr. Shin, while the others are tasked in finding Atlantis.
At Atlantis, Orm and Black Manta meet with Orm's mother, Queen Atlanna. They argue over declaring war on the surface world because of the damage during the events of Darkseid's attack, and Atlanna asks Mera to bring Arthur, her other son, to Atlantis. Black Manta uses a fake submarine to attack Atlantis using the same stolen missiles, framing the surface for the attack. Arthur answers the door to Dr. Shin, who tries to tell him that his father contacted him before his death to help Arthur. Moments later, Dr. Shin is killed by Atlantean soldiers. Arthur is overwhelmed by the attack until he is saved by Mera. Batman and Superman enter Dr. Shin's home discovering that his work is destroyed. Superman recreates a photograph of Arthur Curry and a letter from his father revealing that his son is half-Atlantean. Batman decides they must find him. The attack on Atlantis leads the citizens to demand for war, but Queen Atlanna decides that they might need to reveal themselves after centuries of being hidden, and decides to contact the Justice League. Arthur wakes up underwater next to Mera who reveals the situation: Atlanna met Arthur's father and gave birth to him. But because of royalty, she couldn't be with him nor Arthur so had to leave to be with her king and Orm. Now, Atlanna believes Arthur can help Atlantis be the bridge between the two worlds. Mera shows him ancient ruins where she dresses him with his royal garb. Arthur can't take the news and heads to surface with Mera following him. Soon, they are attacked by the Trench. The battle is tough with Arthur bleeding for the first time in his life. The Justice League arrive in time to defeat the Trench. Orm hears from Black Manta that the Trench failed to kill Arthur. Orm and Queen Atlanna argue because Orm wants to start a war as per his late father's wishes and reveals his knowledge of Arthur Curry. Queen Atlanna reveals to him that she knows he attacked Atlantis. With this news, Black Manta and Orm murder Queen Atlanna and take over.
Arthur, Mera, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Cyborg arrive at Atlantis and learn of Queen Atlanna's death, and are defeated by Orm (who has now become the super villain "Ocean Master"). The group is sent to be consumed by the monstrous Dark Trench, while Ocean Master leads Atlantis' army to the surface. Arthur breaks from his bonds and with Superman's help, they save the rest and defeat the monster. In Metropolis, a tidal wave, Ocean Master's army in disguise, reaches the shores and begins the attack. The military fight back but are powerless until the League arrive. During the fight, Superman saves John Henry Irons, and Wonder Woman saves Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. Arthur fights Black Manta, who reveals his plan to have manipulated Ocean Master and will soon get kill him and take over; just as he explains this, he doesn't realize Arthur calling a great white shark to attack him killing Black Manta. Mera fights Ocean Master, but is taken down. The League come in, but one by one, some (Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, and Shazam) are defeated, or (Superman and Cyborg) severely wounded. Arthur becomes the last to face Ocean Master, who has an upper hand during the fight until the end. Batman saves Cyborg from dying, and he reveals that he got video of Ocean Master confessing to killing his mother when they were captured. Cyborg broadcasts Ocean Master's confession all over Metropolis for Atlantis' soldiers to see. Arthur takes the upper hand and defeats Ocean Master, then he leads his soldiers to bridge Atlantis and the surface together in peace instead of war. With that, the attack ends.
Later in Atlantis, Arthur is crowned as king, with the Justice League among the audience celebrating. Batman suggests that with new threats appearing, they need to solidify the team and Cyborg reveals plans for a watchtower. Arthur joins as Aquaman and soon heads with now love interest Mera against the Trench outside Atlantis.
In the post-credits, Ocean Master is jailed at Belle Reve and is approached by Lex Luthor who has a proposition for him to consider.
The Verdict:
Going into this review, I have to say that if you've seen the two-parter of Justice League that introduced Aquaman and Atlantis into the DC Animated Universe during that cartoon's tenure on Cartoon Network, then you should already know what to expect here. I honestly felt that cartoon did this story MUCH better.
Much like Justice League: WAR, Throne of Atlantis continues the trend of ultra-violence from the members of the Justice League in combat. They are obviously still showing shades of Warner Bros.' recent partnership with NetherRealm Studios (creators of the beloved Mortal Kombat franchise) for the DC Comics-inspired fighting game, Injustice: Gods Among Us. Can someone remind DC Comics that they don't have to have their main canonical universe as violent as their Injustice/Justice Lords counterparts?
Superman and Wonder Woman's relationship continues but I'm sure that it's going to hit some bumpy territory later down the road if DC Comics are drawing inspiration from the current New 52 comics. Continuing their romance tends to take a backseat to establishing Arthur (Aquaman) and Mera's (voiced by Beware the Batman's own Summalee Montano) relationship.
Unfortunately, this film tends to recycle a lot of same material from the original film - i.e. everyone making fun of Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and Superman straight up slaughtering minions in combat, Cyborg continues his role as tech expert, Batman is the strategist, while Green Lantern is more comedy relief than Shazam and Flash combined.
To be quite honest, this isn't a must-see film like the original Justice League film was, unless you must see the small teaser/cliffhanger for the Legion of Doom in a potential sequel.
Rent It? Buy It? Or Don't Bother?
Definitely rent this one. I can't see any reason to buy it for $14.99 to $19.99 when the Justice League animated series told this story in a MUCH more satisfying manner. As a result, this film comes off as a lot of "been there, done that." If you enjoyed Justice League: War then you will enjoy this, but hardcore Justice League fans will be itching for more by the time this is said and done.
Son of Batman (2014)
This DC Universe Original Movie serves as Damian Wayne's formal introduction into DC Comics' animated universe.
Cast:
Jason O'Mara - Bruce Wayne / BatmanStuart Allan - Damian Wayne / Robin
Morena Baccarin - Talia al Ghul
Giancarlo Esposito - Ra's al Ghul
Xander Berkeley - Dr. Kirk Langstrom
Thomas Gibson - Slade Wilson / Deathstroke
David McCallum - Alfred Pennyworth
Dee Bradley Baker - Joker, Man-Bat Commandos
Sean Maher - Dick Grayson / Nightwing
Diane Michelle - Francine Langstrom
Andrea Romano - Suit #2
Fred Tatasciore - Waylon Jones/Killer Croc
Bruce Thomas - Commissioner James Gordon, Ubu
Kari Wahlgren - Rebecca Langstrom
Plot: (FULL Spoilers)
At the headquarters of the League of Assassins, Ra's al Ghul grooms Damian Wayne (son of his daughter, Talia, and Batman) to succeed him as head of the league. The league is attacked by a group of assassins led by Slade Wilson, Ra's al Ghul's initial choice for successor before Ra's met Batman. Feeling betrayed, Slade decided to seize power. During the battle Ra's is fatally wounded after being caught in an explosion, dying before he reaches the Lazarus Pit. Although Damian stabs Slade in the eye, Slade escapes. Talia takes Damian to Gotham City to protect him.
In Gotham City, Batman confronts Killer Croc, who is stealing mutagenic chemicals and steroids to enhance himself, to the point were he grew a reptilious tail. Before Batman can be eaten by Croc when Batman is subdued during their fight, Talia electricutes Croc from behind. She tells Batman about her father's death and leaves their son in his care. Although Damian wants to avenge Ra's al Ghul by killing Slade, Batman objects. Slade, now calling himself Deathstroke, captures Dr. Kirk Langstrom, who was working with Croc to enhance him in return for the mutagenics he stole, and his family to force him to recreate the Man-Bat formula. Batman follows a lead about the formula's mutagen to Langstrom's apartment, where he finds evidence of Deathstroke's involvement. Talia is captured by Deathstroke when she attacks him.
Against Batman's orders, Damian leaves the Batcave and defeats one of Deathstroke's men, Ubu. Before Damian can kill him, Nightwing arrives, mistakes him for a criminal and subdues him before bringing him back to the Batcave. Batman berates Damian for his recklessness and willingness to kill and expose their operation, and he makes Damian Robin to teach him discipline. Searching for a lead on Langstrom's location, goes to Arkham to interrogate Killer Croc, who supplied the mutagens to Langstrom in exchange for his enhancements and is currently going through drastic, agonizing withdrawal symptoms that cause him to shed his scales and tail. Since other doctors are too afraid of him to medicate him, Batman promises Croc help for information. Commissioner Gordon warns them about an abandoned stadium believed to house Deathstroke's men.
At the stadium, Batman and Damian question Langstrom but are attacked when Damian becomes violent. In the cave, Langstrom reveals Deathstroke's plan to create superhuman, flight-capable assassins. While Nightwing works with Langstrom on an antidote, Batman and Damian rescue his family. Batman guesses that Talia has been abducted when he finds evidence of torture in an empty cell, but is unaware that Deathstroke challenged Damian to a duel in exchange for Talia's life.
Nightwing learns that Deathstroke is operating in an oil rig off the Scottish coast, and when Batman is distracted, Damian goes to the rig. He finds Deathstroke and Talia in an underwater base with a swarm of Man-Bats and another Lazarus Pit, whose fluid Deathstroke intends to sell. Damian pulls a gun on Deathstroke, who holds one against Talia's head. Damian drops his gun; Deathstroke fires at him, but Talia jumps out and takes the shot. As Deathstroke corners Damian, Batman appears and the Man-Bats attack. Batman wards them off with sonar-emitting devices, and Deathstroke flees.
Batman heals Talia in Lazarus Pit, while Nightwing and Langstrom reach the oil rig and cure the Man-Bats. Damian defeats Deathstroke, refusing to kill him because he is his father's son. The elevator from the rig to the underwater base is destroyed, flooding the base. Batman, Talia and Damian escape, but Deathstroke is left behind. Batman and Talia argue over Damian. She decides to let him care for their son, and leaves with the League of Assassins.
The Verdict:
I thought it was funny that DC Comics wanted to tackle Damien Wayne's introduction into their "new" DC Animated Universe to say that he died in the comics prior to this film's release.
This is an action-heavy narrative, starting off with Deathstroke slaughtering most of the League of Shadows right from the start of the film. The degree of violence in this opening sequence pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the film as they don't pull any punches from here in the least. These action set pieces range from visually amazing to absolutely ridiculous.
The best moments of the film are a result of the hilarious dynamic between Damien Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, and Batman/Bruce Wayne throughout the film. Damien doesn't know how to behave like a child after being trained as an assassin for his entire life under the League of Shadows and by his own mother, Talia Al Ghul, Batman doesn't know how to act like a father figure (ironic to say that he has a knack for taking in all of these troubled kids throughout the last few decades), while Alfred keeps things classic with his sarcastic and witty comebacks.
This film is more about Damien than it is about Batman for sure. The film's events are a learning experience for both Batman and this newfound Robin as Batman has to adapt (unlike never before) as a dad to this kid, while Damien has to adapt to the role of being a son with his father properly injected into his life.
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