Title: Batman: Assault on Arkham
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Jay Oliva, Ethan Spaulding
Starring: Kevin Conroy, Matthew Gray Gubler, Neal McDonough
Runtime: 1 hr 15 mins
What It Is?: As Batman looks to find the “dirty” bomb The Joker has hidden somewhere in Gotham Amanda Waller has set her “Suicide Squad” out on a mission to recover a stolen thumb drive from The Riddler. In order to do so they have to do something suicidal…break into Arkham Asylum. As the Suicide Squads plans of accomplishing their goal start to taper into one and other it becomes clear that not all is what it seems. Now Batman’s determined to figure out whats going on while Deadshot is determined to screw Amanda Waller
What We Think?: Damn that’s good. A compelling story, coupled with great characterization make for something you can get vested in regardless of the fact that they’re animated. Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Killer Frost, and even Boomarang Man…Boomarang Man are great characters. When they struggle through the Asylum we want to see them get the one up on Waller, even Batman doesn’t compare he’s just a featured player in this game board. We want to see him because we think he’s the main attraction, but the other rogues steal the show.
Our Grade: B+, It’s got some adult themes so it isn’t much for the kiddies, however I don’t think a kid could really appreciate this great story. Voice acting is top notch here with Kevin Conroy reprising his role as the Bat, Neal McDonough is great as Deadshot, and Matthew Gray Gubler excels as The Riddler his quizzical pandering really fits the character. Even the absence of Tara Strong not voicing Harley Quinn hurt this film. DC really has the niche when it comes to these animated features. Perhaps their rival Marvel could take a lesson and learn how to truly grasps this concept.