FrankYaegerBot Returns with his review from the premiere of Superman/Batman Apocalypse. Check his interviews with those responsible from the premiere here!
The Review:
You’ll Believe A Girl Can Fly
It is simple fact that every man was once a child. Though as time passes, society dictates that we grow and put away our childish loves and desires. For some, that is the point where the spirit of the child stops growing and adulthood takes hold. The precious joys of childhood are neglected and omitted never again to be enjoyed or consumed. We are however bound to encounter an array of images, songs or objects that can remind us of those vital youthful days of amazement and adventure. But seldom are there encounters that can uproot us back to that point in our own personal histories and transform us again into enraptured, awestruck and slack jawed observers. If, like me, you have been waiting for an experience of that nature, well my friends, it has finally arrived.
On Tuesday, September 21 2010, this reporter bore witness to the world premiere screening for Superman/Batman: Apocalypse presented by Warner Brothers Home Video and UGO.com, at the Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles.
The project overseen by executive producer and creative genius Bruce Timm, is the ninth entry from Warner Brothers Animation and the sequel to 2009’s Superman/Batman: Public Enemies. After a spaceship crash lands down in Gotham City Harbor, Batman and Superman encounter a mysterious Kryptonian with powers as great as those of the Man of Steel. The Kryptonian is soon revealed to be Kara, cousin of Superman. He takes her under his wing to educate her about the ways of Earth. However, the villainous Darkseid has other plans. Seeing an opportunity to finally defeat Superman, Darkseid abducts and gains control of Kara, utilizing the powerful Kryptonian to do his bidding. It is up to Batman and Superman to save Kara, but they’ll have to take the fight to Darkseid within his hostile world where unknown, deadly threats lurk around every corner, including a brain washed Kryptonian able to match Superman blow-for-blow. As some of you may know this film is based on the Superman/Batman: Supergirl comic written by Jeph Loeb and inked by the late and great Michael Turner. Coming in with fresh eyes, this is one instance where I felt lucky in having not read the source material beforehand. I will break this review down into three categories to try and paint the picture for you as best I can.
Presentation
Within in the first fifteen minutes of this feature it is apparent that what you are watching is the most polished piece of animated work DC has put out to this date. When the film opens we are shown the shadowy Gotham cityscape and your heart begins to tremble lingering for the first glimpse of the dark knight. A meteor crash lands into Gotham Harbor, creating a tidal wave that topples ships, boats and nearby cars. Within a moments notice Batman races onto the scene with triumphant flair. Once again, director Lauren Montgomery has more than proved her merit as the breath of fresh revitalizing vision for DC’s animated universe. Staying true to the art style of Michael Turner and bringing it to life with her distinct style. The animation is crisp, fluid and beautiful. Every frame is a masterpiece. This certain adventure takes our heroes to many vistas, each with its very own well-defined feel, which only adds to the grand scope of the piece. Credit must be given to Adam Van Wyk and the rest of storyboard artists for the sensational action sequences that push this movie’s badass meter to the brink. The fight scenes in this movie are edge of your seat visceral and the action is unreservedly beyond compare. The team has gone to great lengths to give the fans more than they could have dreamed. John Paesano’s original score is an indispensable layer that helps to plunge us into each and every moment. This entire film is delivered in a commanding fashion with compelling punctuation.
Story
Of all the DC animated films, in terms of reaching every type of fanboy or fangirl, this is by leaps and bounds the most complete. By which I mean there is something for everyone skillfully tied into one concrete story. The telling of Supergirl’s origin may be directed at the female audience as most clearly depicted by the scenes of Kara Zor El adapting to life on earth. But there are more than enough elements infused into such scenes to keep from isolating any one demographic. In adapting this material, writer Tab Murphy, has done a supreme job in bringing this story cohesively to the silver screen. Following the source material and all the while, interjecting moments of humor and heart. This is one well rounded screenplay. An remarkable balance of emotion, action and adventure that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Each character is brought to life with dialogue that perfectly suits their individual persona. Upholding Jeph Loeb’s outline the story flows without pause and never slows down building to its amazing ending. From what I was told, the only departure from the original story comes in the form of the films ending, which you will have to watch to see. The word epic only begins to describe what’s in store.
Voice Directing and Voice Talent
This I feel is the most crucial part of any animated feature and this is where the film delivers in multitudes. Voice director and legend Andrea Romano has out done herself yet again in bringing the vocal merit of this project to major motion picture quality. I literally forgot I was watching animation. Every single voice in the film, whether it be from main cast or even in background is fittingly alive and serves to immerse you wholly and completely into the experience of the film. The fans will be happy to know that both of the iconic and quintessential voices of Superman and Batman have returned for this outing. Tim Daly reprises his role as Clark Kent and Superman and brings his innate vocal class of honesty and strength back to the character. Kevin Conroy reprises his role as the voice of Batman and reminds why we love him so, bringing with him that unique and stoic tone to every bit of dialogue. Summer Glau shines as Supergirl, delivering a compelling depth that makes Kara’s struggles relatable and real. Susan Eisenberg returns for the first time since her run on Justice League Unlimited to lend her voice to Wonder Woman. With Ed Asner also revisiting his role as the deviant and devilish Granny Goodness one could only assume that Michael Ironside would return to voice the evil Darkseid, but they decided to recast his role with the talented Andre Braugher. It is here that I have found my single infinitesimal qualm with the film. While Andre Braugher is a tremendously talented actor on television and film, he falls short in my opinion vocally as the ruler of Apokolips. His voice is fittingly deep but tonally not to the level of fear inflicting terror or force that Ironside brought to the character. Braugher’s lines often sound rushed and played at, though this doesn’t take away from the film as whole.
Thus concludes this reporter’s review of DC and Warner Brothers Animation’s latest masterpiece. Overall this film is built to please and please it will. Why this film wasn’t released in theatrically in theaters near you or me is beyond my comprehension but you will be more than thankful for it in any its many forms. You can get your hands on it on September 28 2010, on Dvd, Blu-ray hi-def, On Demand and for download. In conclusion to twist a quote from Macbeth, “Disdaining fortune with its brandished steel, this movie smokes with bloody execution.”
And with that, this reporter is signing off.