Superman/Batman: Public Enemies - Review

The short version; 'Superman/Batman: Public Enemies' is an explosively enjoyable and stupendously stupid romp through the Superhero battlefield.

You really don't need to know much more than that. The title clues you in as to whether you're predisposed to liking it (I partially am), its typical of DC animation that its full of well animated destruction, however, it also finds itself lacking in the story and character department. I'm a Batman fan, at least in regards to animation, and one of the compelling aspects of that character is his intelligent approach to problems. This is not that movie. This story is essentially an excuse for a series of knockdown brawls, pushing anything resembling interesting character moments or intricate plotting. However, and its a big caveat, is that those brawls are awesome, and the roster of characters is some impressive fan-service, and it delivers some big and silly blockbuster entertainment.

Public Enemies starts with America being saved from economic turmoil by Lex Luthor (Clancy Brown), who is elected President and implements a sort of Superhuman Registration Act. A Kryptonite Meteor is headed for Earth and its a planet killer, so Luthor reaches out for Superman's 'help'. Since Luthor is insane, this is merely an opportunity for him to frame Superman (Tim Daly) for the murder of Metallo and send his newly recruited Superhumans after him. With nowhere left to turn, Superman seeks the help of Batman (Kevin Conroy). Together they set out to prove Superman's innocence, then save the world from the Kryptonite Meteor and a maniacal Luthor!)

Superman & Batman get ready to throw down. Image belongs to WB Animation.

Based on the mini-series by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness, Public Enemies is more than happy to eschew any of the complicated dynamics between Batman and Superman, instead intent on focusing on delivering as many epic confrontations as possible. Normally I might hold that against a film (oh who am I kidding?), but these sorts of stories do serve a purpose in balancing out the more mature productions coming out of DC and Warner Bros Animation. Placing it within the context of the DC direct-to-video productions that had been released you had; Superman: Doomsday, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern First Flight all tackling more mature content. Doomsday grappled with the death of Superman and the rather complex relationship between he and Luthor. Wonder Woman's depictions of violence via the Aries, God of War was quite severe and Green Lantern felt like Training Day in space. Public Enemies is exactly what was needed, some light hearted butt-kicking, and it is more than happy to deliver in spades.

They actually make a joke about Powergirl's ... attributes. Image credited to Warner Bros Animation

Adapting the art style of McGuiness, Public Enemies looks a treat (especially in HD) with lots of care and attention put into the each of the melees. Just as they start to get repetitive, the film shifts location and combatants then starts over. By the point you've just about seen enough animated mayhem, the film abruptly ends at 65 minutes. That's a pretty lean running time when you consider the list of characters who show up. Luthor's government approved Supers' include; Captain Atom, Power Girl, Starfire, Black Lightning, Kitana and Major Force. They initially show up as Luthor's lackeys, going toe to toe with Supes and Bats, but naturally they end up on the same side (I said the plot holds no surprises didn't I?). That's already a decent line up when you consider Luthor dons his power armour for the final fight, but Public Enemies isn't ready to quit. Going up against the Supes/Bats combo for various reasons (bounty, government lackey) are; Mongol, Banshee, Captain Cold, Icicle, Dr. Freeze, Bane, Grundy, Nightshade, Grodd, Black Manta, Captain Marvel, Hawkman and many more!

A whole bunch of crazy D-List cameos. Fanboys should love it. Image credited to Warner Bros Animation.

It may not live up to some of the loftier expectations people have due to Timmverse of DC animation, but I thoroughly enjoyed Public Enemies. Maybe it was hearing Conroy and Daly in their signature roles again, or Clancy Brown's exceptionally demented voice work, but there's something about how these filmmakers do these that makes it all feel like a classier effort that it should. I know this film gets a bad rap, but I like it. For me it's better than Justice League: New Frontier (that one just didn't sit with me) and Superman: Doomsday. That may be damning with faint praise, but this movie really sells itself. You're either on board, or you're not. I am.