Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Supergirl comes of age in so-so animated adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Superman/Batman: Apocalypse
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 28, 2010
- Cast : Kevin Conroy , Summer Glau , Tim Daly
- Director : Lauren Montgomery
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Warner Home Video
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 78 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and brief sensuality
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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