Review of Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010) by Ben B — 23 Jun 2016

Batman: Under the Red Hood features an unusual voice cast for the characters presented, including Bruce Greenwood as Batman, John DiMaggio as Joker, Jensen Ackles as Red Hood, and Neil Patrick Harris as my favorite hero, Nightwing. The movie starts out with Joker mercilessly beating Jason Todd (the second Robin, after Nightwing) and leaving him to die from an explosion in a warehouse. Batman doesn't arrive in time, and he's left digging up Jason's dead body. The rest of the movie takes place 5 years later with a mysterious figure calling himself the Red Hood taking over organized crime.

I have to start out by giving huge props to the animation. The landscape of Gotham City is eerily pretty as we watch impressive chase scenes and action sequences unfold. Also, the voice cast really works here. It's always disheartening to see anybody's name except Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as Joker, but Greenwood and DiMaggio really shine. I also love Harris' charm as Nightwing; he's a perfect fit for the character. Christopher Drake, a frequent collaborator with DC Animation, creates an energetic score effectively increasing the intensity of every scene.

The absolute best part of this movie is the climactic battle between Batman and Red Hood. I won't spoil anything here, but it is easily the most emotional moment in all DC animation. I'm aware that I'm geeking out over this movie, but, as a film, Batman: Under the Red Hood actually does hold up. Animation was definitely the right route to take with this property, and I can say that this is one of my favorite movies of all-time. You're doing yourself a disservice if you enjoy superhero properties and haven't seen this gem.

Final rating: A+.