-tmdbid-2... — Superman Batman Public Enemies -2009-
Beneath the superhero slugfests lies a clever commentary on fear-mongering, media manipulation, and public panic. Lex Luthor as a populist president (voiced with oily charm by Clancy Brown) feels more relevant now than in 2009. His use of a “metahuman threat” to consolidate power and turn allies into enemies mirrors real-world demagoguery. The subplot of Major Force murdering a hero to frame Superman adds genuine tension.
True to its comic book roots, Public Enemies rarely pauses for breath. The film throws the duo into a gauntlet of fights: vs. Metallo, vs. Captain Atom, vs. a swarm of B- and C-list villains (Lady Shiva, Nightshade, Mongul). The animation by Sam Liu and the team at Warner Bros. Animation is fluid and dynamic, capturing Ed McGuinness’s exaggerated, bulky character designs. The final battle against a giant, kryptonite-infused Amazo is a visual highlight. Superman Batman Public Enemies -2009- -tmdbid-2...
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies is the cinematic equivalent of a “greatest hits” album—exciting in bursts, but lacking the depth of a full studio record. It succeeds as a fast-paced action romp and a showcase for the unmatched Conroy-Daly chemistry. It fails as a coherent adaptation of a beloved comic, sacrificing character moments for fight scenes. Beneath the superhero slugfests lies a clever commentary
Unlike team-ups where they fight side-by-side without friction, here they actively clash. Batman carries a kryptonite ring (secretly). Superman disapproves. Batman lies to Superman about a plot point to force his hand. They argue, separate, and reconcile. It’s not a buddy-cop movie; it’s a reluctant alliance between two men who love each other but trust their own methods more. What Doesn’t Work 1. Overstuffed & Underdeveloped The film tries to adapt six comic issues into 67 minutes. The result is a highlight reel, not a narrative. Characters like Power Girl, Hawkman, and Captain Atom appear, fight, and vanish without meaningful arcs. Major plot points (the kryptonite asteroid, the villainous “Metalek”) are introduced and resolved so quickly they lack weight. If you haven’t read the comic, you may feel lost during the second act’s rapid-fire cameos. The subplot of Major Force murdering a hero
You want 67 minutes of non-stop DC superhero combat, love the World’s Finest dynamic, or miss the DCAU voice cast. Skip it if: You prefer slower, character-driven stories or are unfamiliar with the comic’s many cameos.
