In the war between DC and Marvel Comics, I would go as far as saying that DC had the upper hand in the animated film market. That is why for today’s film, I decided to check out the animated film Son Of Batman which came out in 2014. Ra’s al Ghul (Giancarlo Esposito), the leader of the League of Assassins, is training his heir to the league when the compound comes under attack by an old disciple by the name of Deathstroke (Thomas Gibson). After escaping the attack, Talia al Ghul ( Morena Baccarin) brings her son to Gotham and reveals to Batman (Jason O’Mara) that Damian (Stuart Allen) is their son. Batman quickly learns that Damien is an unruly and violent teen with a thirst for vengeance. No matter, he will try his best to mold him to become the new Robin while they try and track down Deathstroke. The film also stars Dee Bradley Baker (Legends Of The Hidden Temple) as Man-Bat, Xander Berkeley (Terminator 2: Judgement Day) as Dr. Kirk Langstrom, Sean Maher (Much Ado About Nothing) as Dick Grayson, David McCallum (The Man From U.N.C.L.E.) as Alfred Pennyworth, Diane Michelle (Happy Feet) as Francine Langstrom, Fred Tatasciore (Avengers Assemble) as Killer Croc, Bruce Thomas (Kyle XY) as James Gordon, and the film was directed by Ethan Spaulding (Batman: Assault On Arkham).
The one thing I really enjoyed about this film is that there was a different enemy for the film than the usual suspects that we are always given. First you get Killer Croc with Batman and then Deathstroke towards the end. I had been waiting a long time for something to feature Deathstroke a.k.a. Slade Wilson and we got it with this one. The only thing that bothers me a little is that he gets his ass kicked by a teenager with anger and control issues. For the whole entire film, he is an unruly teenager, but at one precise moment in the film he changes his tune and clearly wants to learn from his dad. That was the only issue I had with that, but for the most part this was an enjoyable film to watch. The thing that gets me about DC Animated films is that you don’t realize how much realistic violence is placed into their films. There is a scene where Deathstroke literally has Damien Wayne crucified with a sword through one arm and a knife through another I believe. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that, but I enjoyed it. So as I was saying, I think that is why DC dominates the animated game because their films are not cheesy. This probably isn’t going to be the last animated film from DC that will be featured on here because there is a whole lot more to see. I am going to give Son Of Batman an B+ for a final grade.
Spoiler Alert: There may be information contained in this Article that could potentially spoil the plot of the film so continue with caution or do not read any further if you do not want to know. You have been warned!!!
You have no idea how bad I have been waiting for today’s film to be released. I have and still am a huge fan of Harley Quinn, The Joker, and the Suicide Squad that I have been salivating at the mouth for this. So, for today’s film, I am reviewing the latest DC Comics movie the Suicide Squad. After the death of Superman, Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) has been trying to sell the government on the idea of project X. The idea of project x is to take the worst of the worst, give them an incentive, and have them do the missions no one else will do to protect the world. After Enchantress (Cara Delevingne) betrays Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman) the government, the team now known as the Suicide Squad is commissioned and sent on a mission to save the world from the terror she brings. The Suicide Squad is made up of Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Deadshot (Will Smith), Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), Diablo (Jay Hernandez), and Katana (Karen Fukuhara). The film also stars Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club) as The Joker, Adam Beach (Flags Of Our Fathers) as Slipknot, Ben Affleck (The Town) as Batman, Scott Eastwood (Fury) as Lieutenant GQ Edwards, Alain Chanoine (Immortals) as Incubus, Ike Barinholtz (Neighbors) as Griggs, David Harbour (Black Mass) as Dexter Tolliver, and the film was directed by David Ayer (Fury).
I know what you’re thinking and you want to know how good the film was don’t you? As far as all the films in the current universe are concerned (which includes Man Of Steel and BVS) this is the best one of them all. This by far was the home run for DC Comics or at least the film that gets them back into the game and into the running with Marvel. Of course, there are a couple of spots that could have been better, but overall this film was very fun to watch and very enjoyable. Like all DC films so far, the casting is never the problem and this film’s cast was definitely solid. The way the film was being executed in the beginning with the flashback scenes with Deadshot and Harley Quinn looked a little questionable to me because of my fear of how it was going to turn out, but never fear. The film definitely gets back on track from that point and you never look back. Will Smith is amazing and witty, Margot Robbie is amazing and sexy, and Jared Leto is the new Joker. Jared Leto definitely took The Joker, made it his own, and needed more screen time then what was given to him because his performance blew me away. Every character in my opinion does an amazing job in the film and keeps you entertained for the most part.
I definitely didn’t leave the theater baffled at what I had just seen. I got it and understood what had just happened right from the get go. The thing that was great about this film is that it felt just like a Marvel movie with the character development and the comedy that is thrown in there with the drama. There are so many scenes I love in the film especially with Harley Quinn who just keeps you laughing the whole time, but there is a flashback with her and The Joker. She is still Harleen Quinzel in reality, but she basically turns into Harley in this particular sequence by diving into the vat of whatever it is that The Joker did as well. That was one of my favorites and the battle sequence was amazing as well because you just these very different individuals mold into a team right before your eyes. Another definitely has to be the scene between Will Smith’s Deadshot and Diablo where Will is trying to psych him up. When you see the full scene, it’s a lot better than what is in the trailer. Like I said before, I was definitely not disappointed in the film as it’s a serious contender for the Monster Entertainment Awards at the end of the year. I am going to give the film an A- for a final grade. DC needs to take notes from this film heading into the future.
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