DC films are currently going through a major shake-up on the big screen. We have Ben Affleck and Robert Pattinson both as the Batman, with Superman nowhere to be seen on the big screen and films like Suicide Squad getting much more love than other heroes such as the Green Lantern. So where does this film, DC’s League of Superpets, fit around all of that? The key difference here is that Superpets is an animated film, from the studio that has brought us The Lego Movie. So there are no connections to the larger DC universe, meaning it is safe to view this as a standalone movie, which is both a good thing and a bad thing.
Animation has come a long way this year, we have had stylish outings such as The Bad Guys, some picturesque films with Lightyear and films that pop such as Turning Red. DC’s League of Superpets looks too bland and safe when compared to those films. The film doesn’t exactly push the boundaries of animation or do much to add to it, making a rather flat feel to the film. The story, which is only slightly original, does remind me a lot of The Secret Life of Pets and there are some scenes which do imitate that film. This makes viewing this film a lot harder as you are constantly reminded of better ones.
In terms of plot and characters, the key character of the film is Krypto, Superman’s loyal dog. Krypto is voiced by Dwayne Johnson, together with another dog called Ace, voiced by Kevin Hart, are the main characters of the film. Returning to the screens again Johnson and Hart have hilarious chemistry which does cause a few stand-out scenes in this film. There are also some heartfelt scenes too but the humour is where it is at and is the key focus in their dynamic. Ace is a neglected dog who has a family of animals to look after whereas Krypto enjoys the high life as Superman’s pet dog. Villain Lex Luthor turns up and causes havoc which leads to Krypto meeting up with Ace, who also develops superpowers as well as the other neglected pets which include an electrifying squirrel, a pig that can grow and a turtle with super speed, with their powers mimicking those of the other members of the Justice League.
There are a few laughs in the film, especially with one scene in particular with a rather cute but deadly kitten, but it is largely played safe which is actually to be expected with kids films. That’s the problem I found with DC’s League of Superpets, the story would be more fun for kids and there’s nothing fun to offer adults. In some of the best animated films, like The Lego Movie, there is a balance when delivering to audiences of both old and young but that is really lacking with this film. It can be entertaining during some moments and it’s a fun concept to see the animals of this superhero world save the day, but it really doesn’t hit the mark.
★★☆☆☆
2/5
DC’s League of Superpets is a film that will probably get forgotten within a year that has seen some far more superior films. It’s a fun film, and fans of DC will enjoy the easter eggs and references to other characters but there’s not a lot else on offer. The jokes land but they are played safe, but the chemistry between Johnson’s Krypto and Hart’s Ace is the highlight of the film, even if it is the only highlight. So if you want something for the kids to watch this summer then they will probably enjoy it immensely, but for the adults, it might be worth watching something else.
Thanks for reading today’s blog!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
Comments