Public Enemies One and Two

A perfect storm has made Lex Luthor president. As he introduces his team of superheroes to protect the country, he assures the American people that “no one is above the law,” thus laying the groundwork for the straight to DVD animation “Superman/Batman Public Enemies.”

When Luthor extends an olive branch to Superman, we all know it’s a trap. However, Superman goes and chaos ensues. Through some well executed camera splicing, he is now seen as a murderer and thanks to the billion dollar bounty on his head, becomes the most wanted man in America.

From there, the action is non-stop. In a showdown with Metallo, Superman and Batman barely survive – and that’s just within the first 10 minutes. There are also cameos of heroes and villains, which add up to some of the most entertaining scenes in the film. Adding even more entertainment to the story is Amanda Waller (CCH Pounder) who’s put in the unusual position of being Luthor’s Jiminy Cricket. It seems that his vendetta against Superman is getting in the way of the little problem of a Kryptonite meteor hurdling toward Earth. As Waller attempts to keep him on track, we find out that he has a drug problem, causing him to be as unstable as he claims Superman is.

One of the things that make this movie enjoyable is the familiar voices of Luthor (Clancy Brown), Batman (Kevin Conroy) and Superman (Tim Daly). In the midst of their confrontation with Metallo, Daly and Conroy show why they’ve been playing these characters through three television series that have spanned over 15 years. When Superman makes a joke and Batman tells him to “do himself a favor and lose the sense of humor,” Supes replies “do us both a favor and buy one.” In a highly successful, well-written comic that had amazing artwork, you need an edge – and the banter between these two make these characters come alive. Their inflections bring out the humanity, compassion and brotherly issues that can’t be expressed the same way on a page or in a motion comic.

In the end, Superman and Batman, through a little planning and a lot of luck, save the day.

In viewing this DVD, one mourns the cancellation of the “Justice League” animated series. Although a weekly dose of DC universe was enjoyable, it is understandable why the straight-to-DVD format is a better fit.

This two-disc set is chock full of extras. While the previews for the other animations are repetitive, it is the second disc that makes this purchase worthwhile. Disc two contains a psychological look at the relationship between the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel and how the history of their team-ups led to this film.

There is also “Dinner with the DCU and Special Guest Star Kevin Conroy.” It’s an unguarded look into what it takes to cast an animated show and the intricacies of the business. This discussion includes a preview to the next DC feature arriving in 2010 that includes the voices of James Woods and Gina Torres. The conversation of the new film is carried over in a special look at what will be called “Justice League Crisis on Two Earths.” As always, Bruce Timm has handpicked two cartoons that bring this two-disc set full circle.

As one of the new trends in animation, this straight to DVD release will no doubt be highly successful – giving viewers many more entertaining storylines to come.