Movie Review: Son of Batman

This week we have a review of another DC Animated film – this time adapting the arc that introduced Batman’s son Damien.

Cast & Crew

Jason O’Mara as Batman / Bruce Wayne (voice)
Stuart Allan as Robin / Damian Wayne (voice)
Thomas Gibson as Deathstroke (voice)
Morena Baccarin as Talia al Ghul (voice)
Dee Bradley Baker as Man-Bat / Joker / Man-Bat Commando (voice)
Xander Berkeley as Dr. Kirk Langstrom (voice)
Giancarlo Esposito as Ra’s al Ghul (voice)
Sean Maher as Nightwing / Dick Grayson (voice)
David McCallum as Alfred Pennyworth (voice)
Fred Tatasciore as Killer Croc / Dusan al Ghul (voice)
Bruce Thomas as James Gordon / Ubu (voice)
Kari Wahlgren as Rebecca Langstrom / Call Girl #1 (voice)

Directed by Ethan Spaulding
Written by James Robinson (story) & Joe R. Lansdale (screenplay)
Adapted from the comic storyline by Grant Morrison & Andy Kubert
Music by Frederik Wiedmann
Animation by The Answer Studio

Available from Amazon.com (DVD, Blu-Ray, Amazon Instant)

The Premise

R’as Al Ghul is dead, slain and damaged beyond the Lazarus Pit’s ability to regenerate his wounds through the Lazarus Pit’s ability to heal, slain by Slade Wilson (a.k.a. Deathstroke the Terminator). As, Talia works to rebuild the League of Assassins, she sends her son, Damian, to live with his father for his safety, his father being Bruce Wayne – Batman.

High Points

The fight scenes in this film are very well done. Similarly, the interplay between Damien and the Bat Family is very well written and performed.

Low Points

On the other hand, Talia’s costume is a bit much. I’m a guy, so I can’t speak as to whether it’s comfortable to have your catsuit unzipped as far as Talia has it in this film (or how well catsuits breathe). However, one would think that when storming a mountain stronghold you might zip the thing up all the way.

Scores

Originality: 4/6

Animation: The action animation is fluid, but the backgrounds are rather bland. 4/6

Story: 4/6

Production: 4/6

Emotional Response: The humor works well, though there isn’t a lot of tension. 4/6

Acting: The acting performances are alright. The non-Batman members of the Bat-Family, plus Talia and Commissioner Gordon are very well played. Deathstroke & Batman, however, feel very under-played. 4/6

Overall: A decent enough film, though not as good as the Pre-Flashpoint DCAU. 4/6

In total, Son of Batman gets 28 out of 42.

4 replies on “Movie Review: Son of Batman”

  1. However, one would think that when storming a mountain stronghold you might zip the thing up all the way.

    I imagine those heels might prove a tad inconvenient, as well.

  2. My son and I just watched Justice League vs. Teen Titans on Friday, which appears to be the third movie in the Damian Wayne series (Son of Batman, Batman vs Robin being the first two).

    We enjoyed “Son” as well as the newest film. I need to go back and grab Batman vs Robin to fill in the series. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: DC/WB needs to get the creative team doing these animated films to be in charge of the live action films.

    Also, I’m really looking forward to seeing “The Killing Joke” but bummed I’m going to have to let the 12 year old pass on it (for now)

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