Yesterday, "Superman Batman: Public Enemies" was released, which I purchased on BluRay. Here is my review... spoilers ahead.
In the midst of an economic crisis, Lex Luthor pulls the United States out of an economic meltdown, eventually gaining the public's trust and becoming President of the United States. Superman's arch nemesis is now leader of the free world. What does he do with this political power you ask? He uses it to bring down Superman... what else? Employing Captain Atom, Powergirl, Black Lightning and Major Force as a federal arm of law, Luthor uses the power of media and his newly formed team to discredit Superman, making him a wanted criminal.
Tim Daily, the original voice of Superman The Animated Series, returns for this film. It was a nice touch as I consider him a definitive voice for Superman much like I do Kevin Conroy for Batman. This movie is filled with action! If you followed the comic series this was inspired from, written by Jeph Loeb and illustrated by Ed McGuiness, they follow the story fairly closely (giant BatSup robot included). There is a ton of action in this film, with some pretty long fight sequences. Most of the villains were literally appearances without speaking roles, simply to give or take a beating from Batman or Superman. The animation was handled quite well, incorporating the muscle-bound style of Ed McGuiness. One of my favorite parts of the film was when Batman and Superman were both heavily injured from a battle with Metallo. After fleeing due to heavy injury, they both help each other to journey through underground tunnels to reach the Batcave. Their cannon fodder chit-chat was pretty funny, displaying their friendship for each other. At one point, Superman calls Batman his best friend.
There is a definite air about this film being geared towards adults, especially hearing Lex yell "bitch" so prominently. The young-adult direction of DC's Animation is fantastic, without underestimating a younger audiences intellect. At the same time, not short-changing the adult audience.
What stood out in the "extras" that were included in the BluRay edtion was the dinner with Kevin Conry, Andrea Romano, Bruce Timm and Greg Noveck. In a candid and open discussion, they talk about how far along the DC Animated Universe has developed and all the ins-and-outs of working together. Being a long time fan, it was cool being able to understand the time lines and inside jokes they were referencing. I couldn't help but think that Mark Hamil would've been a great addition to that discussion, but something in side me wondered if he'd try to steal the spot light.
Overall, great BluRay purchase! I highly recommend buying it.
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