We are now one week from the epic battle that is Batman v. Superman. To get us ready for this showdown, I have five recommended films to share with all of you.
Superman: Doomsday (2007) This animated feature is a loose adaptation of the popular and news worthy DC Comics storyline, The Death of Superman(1992) by Dan Jurgens. This groundbreaking story focused on the supposed death of Superman by the monster Doomsday who was accidently unleashed by Lex Luthor and LexCorps. Doomsday who was created on Krypton as the ultimate solider of defense, will prove to be Superman’s greatest challenge ever. The film version deviates a tad from its original source but the underlying story remained the same. It’s very clear from the trailers that director Zack Snyder was highly inspired by this part of the storyline. How much so? We’ll have to wait till March 26 to see.
Voice actors: Adam Baldwin as Clark Kent/Superman, Anne Heche as Lois Lane & James Marsters as Lex Luthor
***1/2
Wonder Woman (2009) This animated feature is an origin story of the Amazon Princess and agreat introduction into her history. Centuries ago the Amazons defeated the ancient war god Ares. He is imprisoned on the hidden island of Themyscira. Fast forward to the present and when Air Force pilot Steve Trevor crash lands on the island, this distraction leads to Ares’ escape. After winning a competition, Princess Diana is tasked with the responsibility to bring Steve Trevor home and capture Ares. Trevor offers to help Princess Diana to track down Ares and bring him back to the island. In order to do so, they would have to set aside and conflicting feelings and worldviews they clearly have.
Voice actors: Keri Russell as Wonder Woman, Nathan Fillion as Steve Trevor, Alfred Molina as Ares, Rosario Dawson as Artemis, Marg Helgenberger as Hera, Oliver Platt as Hades and Virginia Madsen as Hippolyta
***1/2
Superman Batman Public Enemies (2009) this animated feature is also loosely based on the popular comic book title of the same name. And yes Virginia, Batman and Superman have a long history of working together as allies. In one of the better DC Animated features, Lex Luthor is President of the United States and when a kryptonite meteor threatens to strike the Earth, Luthor sees this as the perfect opportunity to pin this threat on Superman. Batman who shares a common distrust for Luthor, comes to Superman’s aid to not only clear Superman’s name but also help put a stop to the meteor. This is one of my personal favorites and highly recommended to all fans.
Voice actors: Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor, Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Tim Daly as Clark Kent/Superman, Xander Berkeley as Captain Atom, CCH Pounder as Amanda Waller, John C. McGinley as Metallo
****
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (2012) This animated feature is based on the Frank Miller classic that is most responsible for the modern day standard of who and what Batman is. In many ways, Miller brings him back to creator Bob Kane’s original vision. It was also very instrumental in both Tim Burton’s film version and what Zack Snyder has done with Ben Affleck in Batman v Superman. In TDKR, following the death of Jason Todd as Robin, the streets of Gotham has gone nearly 10 years without The Batman patrolling her. Now a gang calling themselves the Mutants runs Gotham as has forced Bruce Wayne to don the cape and cowl once again as Batman. Batman’s reappearance has caused a divided stir not only in his city but has also caught the attention from the President himself. The President orders Superman who is now reduced to a Government agent, to stop Batman once and for all. Oh and did I mention the Joker makes an appearance? The Dark Knight Returns is not only a first-rate graphic novel but this faithful adaptation is one of DC’s best animated features to date.
Voice actors: Peter Weller as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Ariel Winter as Carrie Kelly/Robin, David Selby as Gordon, Paget Brewster as Lana Lang and Michael Emerson as Joker
****
Man of Steel (2013) Ironically this is the only feature film of this list and it’s also the weakest entry. I originally reviewed Man of Steel back in June 2013. MOS is a retelling of Superman’s origin. For the most part it stays fairly faithful to what we already know. But director Synder takes a less than traditional path with his depiction of certain characters like Jonathan Kent and with Superman himself. It’s these differences that have had fan forums across the Internet at odds. I do believe however that Henry Cavill is a great choice to play Superman. He has the look and the physique. The issue with MOS isn’t the acting or choice of actors. It’s the dark direction this beloved character takes that’s in question. Dark direction meaning the indecision, the inner struggle and sometimes lack of confidence our hero shows in dire situations. As fans, this is something we’re not use to seeing.
Starring Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Laurence Fishbourne as Perry White, Michael Shannon as General Zod, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent and Russell Crowe as Jor-El
**1/2 out of 4
How much of a box office champion Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will be determined on the quality of the film itself. It will no doubt have a monster opening weekend. From there, is anyone’s guess.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
