 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse
- Review Date: October 3, 2010
- PG-13
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Supergirl comes of age in so-so animated adventure.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sequel to Superman Batman: Public Enemies is part of a series of violent direct-to-DVD animated superhero movies aimed at teens, though this one is a little less packed with action and blood than usual. The story centers on a teen girl, Kara Zor-El, who must learn how to grow up, make her own decisions, and decide her own fate; she eventually decides to become Supergirl. Expect lots of fighting, with some guns, stabbing, and death and a little blood. Language is on the light side (just a couple of uses of "ass" and "hell"), and there are vague hints at female nudity, though nothing is shown.
What's the story?
As the events depicted in Superman Batman: Public Enemies finish wrapping up, a meteor crashes into the bay. Inside is a mysterious visitor who's revealed to be Superman's cousin, Kara Zor-El, who has all of Superman's powers. Superman (voiced by Tim Daly) is thrilled, but Batman (Kevin Conroy) doesn't trust her. Wonder Woman (Susan Eisenberg) believes Kara needs training and wants to take her to Paradise Island. Meanwhile, the evil Darkseid (Andre Braugher) wants to use her as the new captain of his fiendish army. Can Kara (Summer Glau) decide how to live her own life on her new home planet?
Is it any good?
As directed by Lauren Montgomery, SUPERMAN/BATMAN: APOCALYPSE looks terrific, with detailed, fluid animation and striking characters. Unfortunately, there are just too many characters here, and with only 78 minutes to play around with, none of them end up having much depth. The experienced superheroes come across as bickering and single-minded, and the Darkseid subplot seems extraneous; it's just an excuse to add some fighting to what should be a coming-of-age story.
Meanwhile, Kara/Supergirl is pulled every which way and never comes to life on her own; she's a passive character. It's too bad, since she could be an interesting role model for teen girls. Perhaps worst of all is that the movie wastes time on a "shopping" montage, in which Clark Kent buys Kara some clothes and she becomes euphoric with consumerism. It's a disappointment.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's violence. How did it affect you? How did it compare to other animated superhero movies you've seen?
How is Kara different from ordinary teens? How is she similar? What kind of decisions does she make that everyday teens might also face?
In trying to help Kara, are the adults providing guidance, or are they getting in her way? How do adults know when to trust teens to make their own decisions?
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AGE
Comic fans will love this!
Personally, I loved this film. It was just awesome! Supergirl, Batman, Darkseid, they are all such good characters! It does contain tons of violence not fit for little kids.
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Kid, 12 years old
November 8, 2010
AGE
good for 11 and up
this is little violent for 9 and up but id say its iffy for 10 and up
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AGE
Based on the Comic, but Pales In Comparison
I read the actual comic this movie was based on and I was rather disappointed! The shopping scene with Clark and Kara lasted too long and Kara just didn't develop the way she did in the comic. The only scene that came out perfectly was Big Barda and WonderWoman's fight with The Furies. That scene made the movie for me. Read the comic though if you want to see the TRUE ending, because the movie doesn't do it justice.
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AGE
animation taken to a whole new level
this animated superhero movie is very disturbing. its dark, gory, and very violent. there is a ton of blood, and multiple fights with superpowers, ranging from lasers, hand to hand fighting, bombs, guns, and other killing tools.
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| Topics: | superheroes |
| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Director: | Lauren Montgomery |
| Cast: | Kevin Conroy, Summer Glau, Tim Daly |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 78 minutes |
| DVD release date: | September 28, 2010 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | violence and brief sensuality |
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