Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong violence countered by positive messages, good story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Superman vs. the Elite
What's the Story?
After a destructive battle with the Atomic Skull, people begin to wonder why Superman (voiced by George Newbern) simply arrests such dangerous types, rather than destroying them. Enter the Elite, a new super-team consisting of Manchester Black (Robin Atkin Downes), Menagerie (Melissa Disney), Coldcast (Catero Colbert), and The Hat (Andrew Kishina). In a darker and more complex world, as a war rages between the two nations of Bialya and Pokolistan, the Elite pleases the public with their uncompromising methods, torturing and destroying the terrorists, while Superman's belief in tolerance and justice begins to seem increasingly outmoded. Is Superman obsolete, or can he find a way to apply his old values to a new situation?
Is It Any Good?
Like All-Star Superman before it, SUPERMAN VS. THE ELITE is an exceptional animated superhero movie. It's violent and has some adult subject matter, but it also has a strong, thoughtful story and worthwhile messages. It's based on a comic book from 2001, which brilliantly reinvents Superman, explores his mythology, and takes him into a dark, complex new time. This movie proves that Superman's legend is timeless.
Director Michael Chang uses the film's 75 minutes wisely, balancing tense action scenes with character-driven moments while never losing pace. The background work, ranging from big cities to the surface of the moon, is effective without being dazzling, and the voicework is outstanding. Newbern returns as Superman, bringing doubt and humanity to the Man of Steel's voice, and Pauley Perrette -- famous as tattooed goth chick Abby Sciuto on NCIS -- makes a terrific Lois Lane, gritty and gravely and ready for action.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence. How much of it is necessary to demonstrate Superman vs. the Elite's themes about tolerance and justice as opposed to anger and revenge? Is it ironic that the movie's message about not using violence is filled with violence?
Why does the character The Hat drink so much alcohol? Does it affect his performance in battle? What are the real-life consequences of heavy drinking?
Are there real-life cases or incidents in which the Elite's methods are preferable to Superman's methods? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 12, 2012
- Cast : George Newbern , Pauley Perrette , Robin Atkin Downes
- Director : Michael Chang
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Home Video
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 74 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action violence and some language
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate