Review of Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009) by Thomas D — 18 Mar 2016

In preparation for the upcoming Batman V Superman film, I've decided to revisit a few of each of the heroes' feature films, especially those where they come in direct conflict with one another.

2016 is a big year for comic-book films. Batman and Superman are obviously squaring off very soon, but so is Captain America and Iron Man in Civil War. For all intents and purposes, 'Public Enemies' is DC's version of that comic book storyline. We begin as Lex Luthor takes over as president, using tactics similar to a presidential candidate running for office this year, which gives this film an interesting significance among films of this genre. The film is very much formulated like every other superhero movie, but I liked seeing parallels and a few valid points about society as a whole today. For the most part, it's just one punch after another, but for the avid superhero fan, that's enough.

Batman and Superman are close friends here and for once, on the same side of the coin. After a framed murder from Lex on Supes, him and Batman become public enemies among the entire country. This even includes other members of the Justice League who were dumb enough to think Lex was a serious presidential candidate. Throughout the film you get appearances from famous villains like Solomon Grundy or Mongo and heroes like Hawkman and Shazam, all there to take in Batman and Superman. The film loses its political and moral focus a bit as it slips into an action extravaganza with all these heroes and villains, but eventually it gets back on track.

The best part about the film is once again the dynamic between Batman and Superman. Conroy and Daly once again voice the two heroes as they take on a friendly bond this time around. Heck even Christopher Drake does the score. If you're a superhero fan, it's hard not to believe you would enjoy watching this film, but it's nowhere near the cerebral masterpiece that The Dark Knight Returns or some of the other animated films are. At the very least, the film is a smart commentary on corruption and misrepresentation in the media, which is something you barely see in a superhero flick.

+Voice talent, enough said.

+Cool appearances from heroes and villains.

+Christopher Drake.

+Commentary on our society.

-Fight scenes take over the fascinating elements of the story sometimes.

8.2/10.