Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Batman: Year One/ DC Showcase: Catwoman

Starring the voice talents of Bryan Cranston, Ben Mckenzie, Eliza Dushku, Jon Polito, and Katee Sackhoff

Adapted from the story line "Batman: Year One" by Frank Miller and David Mazuchelli/ Written by Paul Dini

Directed by Sam Liu and Lauren Montgomery

Batman: Year One 

Adapted from the highly influential story arc that inspired Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Begins, DC animation explores the first year of not only the Batman, but Detective Jim Gordon in Gotham City. Initially, both men are adrift with how corrupt the city is: dirty cops, petty theft escalating to violence, children walking the streets and no one willing to stop it any of it. Soon, one dons a cape and cowl while the other becomes a pariah to set straight the Gotham police department. However, when evil men are threatened by change, they set their sights to kill the vigilante and the hero cop....

Sure, some people will feel that without a villain to fight, the film is too slow or that this story feels too familiar. First, this is the story of how Batman started: he wanted to fight the mob, the corrupt cops, not men in refrigerator suits. I enjoy seeing the rookie crime fighter fight the mortal man for a change. Second- yes, it's true, the story is familiar. That's because portions of the story were adapted to previous films, such as in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Batman Begins.

Finally, as per usual, voice director Andrea Romano gets a varied and talented cast of actors, from Bryan Cranston as Jim Gordon to Eliza Dushku as Selina Kyle/ Catwoman

Rating: * * * * of 5

DC Showcase: Catwoman


One of the best DC shorts yet, right up there with Jonah Hex and The Spectre. Changing up Selina's costume from B: Year one  to Ed Brubaker's 2002 update, this sees Selina on the hunt for a criminal named Rough Cut. A good short with catchy dialogue, stunning action, and a little risque behaviors, this is a short more for older comic fan than for the kids.

Rating: * * * * 1/2 of 5

Total: * * * * 1/2 of 5


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