Table of Contents
Photo: ‘DC League of Super-Pets’
On paper, the idea of making a feature film centered around Superman and Batman’s canine companions may leave a studio executive conflicted. Greenlighting and making a film with a premise similar to this one may either turn out well or go very poorly. Obviously, this kind of story usually ends up in animated form, often for the better. The talents of the voice cast usually make or break the film as they bring these animated characters to life and are responsible for grabbing hold of the viewer’s emotions and making them care about these characters. The animation itself must also flow smoothly and must fit the type of story being told. Does Warner Bros.’ new animated film ‘DC League of Super-Pets’ hit each of these marks?
Things to do:
- Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here.
- Limited Time Offer – FREE Subscription to The Hollywood Insider
- Click here to read more on The Hollywood Insider’s vision, values and mission statement here – Media has the responsibility to better our world – The Hollywood Insider fully focuses on substance and meaningful entertainment, against gossip and scandal, by combining entertainment, education, and philanthropy.
The answer is a definitive ‘yes.’ While DC’s live-action films have been either strong hits or massive misses, their track record of theatrically-released animated films, such as ‘The Lego Batman Movie’ and ‘Teen Titans GO! To The Movies,’ have always been of high quality and seen considerable returns at the box office. ‘DC League of Super-Pets’ is another superlative addition to that portfolio. The film features the type of standard, kid-friendly, animation style that is used in many mainstream animated films, but it does so to make the most out of its characters. The voice acting from the main cast is always witty and never misses a beat. The story itself knew when to let us laugh and make us shed a tear. Overall, the film is a win for Warner Bros., DC, and the animated genre as a whole.
‘DC League of Super-Pets’ – On Point Voice Work
The film features the voice talents of Dwayne Johnson as Krypto, Superman’s super-powered dog, John Krasinski as Superman himself, Kevin Hart as a shelter hound named Ace, Keanu Reeves as Batman, and Kate McKinnon as an evil guinea pig named Lulu. Also lending their voice talents are Vanessa Bayer as a super-powered pig named PB, Diego Luna as a paranoid super squirrel named Chip, and Natasha Lyonne as flirtatious old turtle with super-speed named Merton, who are all also confined to an animal shelter along with Ace. Each actor seems like they thoroughly enjoy playing their respective roles. Usually, when this is the case, it results in a relatively solid performance as is the case with this film. Johnson infused enough life and energy into Krypto to make this super-powered canine a fun character to follow throughout the story. Admittedly, during the beginning of the film, it is hard to see Krypto as a character on his own and not as a piece of animation voiced by The Rock, given how distinct his voice is.
Related video: Come Behind The Scenes of ‘Elvis’ | Austin Butler, Tom Hanks and Baz Luhrmann
The same is the case when we first meet Ace, Hart’s character. However, this block is quickly overcome as we spend more time with Krypto and Ace. Luna and Lyonne were also hilarious as Chip and Merton respectively (though why a squirrel would be held in a shelter and be available for adoption is unknown, this is barely a logic hole, if at all).
The voice cast for many of the human heroes in the film also bring their A-game. In the case that he really isn’t going to play Mister Fantastic in the MCU’s upcoming ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot, Krasinski can officially add his name to the shortlist of actors who can say they have portrayed the Man of Steel on the big screen. After this film, there is still yet to be a lackluster interpretation from an actor of Superman, as Krasinski maintained much of the hero’s aura while also adding the loose, self-aware aspect of this particular rendition of the character. Keanu Reeves, despite not having many lines as the Caped Crusader, is comedically brilliant as Batman.
The Best ‘Justice League’ Movie Yet
While the film is mainly focused on the pets, as it should be, the actual Justice League team does have a sizable role in the film and, as of the release of this movie, is the best portrayal of the DC’s premier superhero team yet. 2017’s ‘Justice League’ film was a poor interpretation of the team that did not do its characters justice (pun intended) and was just a flat-out bad movie. The director’s cut of the film, the infamous ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ released on HBO Max in 2021, was a significantly better film that satisfied the fans campaigning online for its realization, however it was distributed via streaming as Warner Bros. would surely not have released a 4-hour-long R-rated version of a movie centered around its own version of Marvel’s ‘The Avengers.’
Related article: MUST WATCH – The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s Love Letter to Black Lives Matter – VIDEO
Related video: EVOLUTION: Every Tom Cruise Role From 1981 to 2021, All Performances Exceptionally Poignant
Related article: A Tribute to Johnny Depp: The Actor and Musician Who Defined Range
Related video: EVOLUTION: Every Johnny Depp Role From 1984 to 2020, All Performances Exceptionally Poignant
Related article: A Tribute to the Hero & President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Comedian/Actor, Ukraine’s President and Heroic Leader
This film features the best on-screen interpretation of the Justice League to date. The team’s lineup includes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Cyborg, Aquaman, and Green Lantern (with Jessica Cruz being the ringbearer). Without going into spoilers, the team is given its own role in the story and can be seen in action a few times during the film. This is what ultimately can be appreciated about this film; it succeeded in making us care about the actual protagonists of the film, the League of Super-Pets, without degrading and still highlighting the more familiar characters, the Justice League.
A Great Animated Film
Animated films have been making their case in theaters this year with one hit after the other, even those that deserved a theatrical release, but were instead dumped on streaming (‘Turning Red’). ‘DC League of Super-Pets’ continues this year’s run of stellar animated features with a film that is fun, hilarious, heartwarming, and, in some ways, even relevant and delivers a time at the movies for both kids and adults.
Directed by: Jared Stern, Sam Levine
Written by: Jared Stern, John Whittington
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, John Krasinski, Keanu Reeves, Kate Mckinnon, Vanessa Bayer, Diego Luna, Natasha Lyonne
By Nader Chamas
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
More Interesting Stories From The Hollywood Insider
– Want GUARANTEED SUCCESS? Remove these ten words from your vocabulary| Transform your life INSTANTLY
– A Tribute to Martin Scorsese: A Complete Analysis of the Life and Career of the Man Who Lives and Breathes Cinema
– Do you know the hidden messages in ‘Call Me By Your Name’? Find out behind the scenes facts in the full commentary and In-depth analysis of the cinematic masterpiece
– A Tribute To The Academy Awards: All Best Actor/Actress Speeches From The Beginning Of Oscars 1929-2019 | From Rami Malek, Leonardo DiCaprio To Denzel Washington, Halle Berry & Beyond | From Olivia Colman, Meryl Streep To Bette Davis & Beyond
– In the 32nd Year Of His Career, Keanu Reeves’ Face Continues To Reign After Launching Movies Earning Over $4.3 Billion In Total – “John Wick”, “Toy Story 4”, “Matrix”, And Many More
super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets, super-pets
Author
You might also like…
Nader Chamas is an aspiring television writer who seeks to fuse thought provoking progressive ideals into the films, shows, and stories that he loves. Having graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Screenwriting, Nader seeks to use his writing to advance causes that do not get enough attention or input across mainstream media. Like most, Nader has his own share of his favorite franchises and stories across pop culture. However, he seeks to contribute timely and relevant topics into these stories as well as in his own original material. This is why Nader’s analysis of popular films and tv shows matches The Hollywood Insider’s practice of discussing entertainment from a socially cognizant and critical perspective.
Nader Chamas is an aspiring television writer who seeks to fuse thought provoking progressive ideals into the films, shows, and stories that he loves. Having graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Screenwriting, Nader seeks to use his writing to advance causes that do not get enough attention or input across mainstream media. Like most, Nader has his own share of his favorite franchises and stories across pop culture. However, he seeks to contribute timely and relevant topics into these stories as well as in his own original material. This is why Nader’s analysis of popular films and tv shows matches The Hollywood Insider’s practice of discussing entertainment from a socially cognizant and critical perspective.
