Superman Vs. The Elite
Released: June 12, 2012
MPAA: PG 13
Studio: Warner Brothers Animation
Director:Michael Chang
Writer:Joe Kelly
Stars: George Newbern, Pauley Perrette and Dee Bradley Baker
Rating 2/5: The voice acting is not up to par with the excellent work that has come out of the DC universe animated series
When most dudes are faced with anything new from the big guy in blue, we know three things about it off the bat:
1. Supes is going to be a outstanding citizen
2. He will be an unshakeable pillar of morality
3. He can never do anything wrong….ever.
Having said this, I am obligated to tell you (as the self-righteous interwebs master that I believe myself to be) that all these things are true about this movie. I am from the popular school of thought that Superman is too perfect of a character morally making him an all together a boring read. Where is the questioning of one self ? The tragic almost unbearable burden on the shoulders of the protagonist with no tragic flaws make a character unable to relate to. By default I wouldn’t recommend this movie …for the intent and purpose of being entertained that is.
It is however an interesting character study, pitting the unshakable, always true north moral compass of the extra terrestrial Kal El, with the current state of events and how we need more than a “super man” to point out our flaws and indignities. We need a true stop to evil not the trial and order of a broken system. A system which is brought to light in this movie which corrupt leaders make for a jaded people.
The beginning act is business as usual for a Superman movie; an antagonist presents itself, Supes is the only thing between us and total oblivion. he saves the day. The second act of the movie is pretty original (and the only part I can recommend). Superman is presented with a final test and really begins to question whether he can take that last step to ensure the safety of the earth , taking the life of those who will cause harm to it. He is truly tested, and in my eyes the character almost redeems himself as the tragic protector of his surrogate planet. Alas I was disappointed. In the end, Supes does what is right.
SPOILERS.
The voice acting is not up to par with the excellent work that has come out of the DC universe animated series, but is bearable and if I didn’t have the comparison of other animated features I couldn’t complain. The animation leaves a lot to be desired as well, leaving an incredible amount of detail out, and making the characters too”cartoony”. What you would expect from a bad Saturday morning cartoon. Superman, even as Clark Kent, looks like he could be 10 feet tall and built from boulders. The portrayal not fitting in with the rest of the people. Although the colors are pretty and pop-out, but pretty colors,does not a good toon make.
