Review of Superman: Doomsday (2007) by Rj M — 24 Jul 2008

"The Death Of Superman" is the best selling graphic novel of all time. When it was announced that it was going to be made into an animated feature, I was curious how they would take a story that took a year to tell in comics, and compact it into a single movie.

Basically the only thing that remains from the original story is Superman's fatal showdown with the creature called Doomsday. But it is still a well told story. A surprising aspect to the movie is the level of violence.

It's quite high for an animated movie, a fact made obvious by its PG-13 rating. The action is fast, and the battle between Superman and Doomsday is brought to the screen in all its epic glory. But the story doesn't end with his death.

It includes his resurrection. Upon his return, he must deal with a psychotic clone of himself, created by his arch enemy Lex Luthor. Adam Baldwin is a standout as Clark Kent/Superman. He brings the strengths and vulnerabilities of both characters to life.

James Marsters makes a killer Lex Luthor. Literally. Anne Heche is satisfactory as Lois Lane, but her nasally voice doesn't quite suit the sultriness of Lois Lane the way Dana Delany did in the animated series.

Still, this is a highly enjoyable and exciting film, and a worthy entry into Superman lore.