The journey through the land of DC Animated movies continues. This entry is a tad different as it only covers 2009 – 2010 where six movies were released. I majorly enjoyed this year of DC Movies as it produced one of my all time favorite movies in Batman: Under the Red Hood. There were a few movies that fell short of my expectation after watching it again but overall it was a solid year for DC Animated Movies. Here is my review of all six movies. Green Lantern: First Flight (2009) **** Starring: Christopher Meloni, Victor Garber, Kurtwood Smith This movie centers around Hal Jordan’s beginnings as a Lantern Core member. In my opinion, he was upstaged by Victor Garber’s take on Sinestro. A few short moments after first seeing Sinestro on screen, you see the final phases of his transformation into the main villain start and from there he just stole every scene he was in. Kurtwood Smith had a short part in the movie but his authoritative voice as Kenjar Ro leaves a lasting impression. My only knock on the movie was that there was no scene of Hal Jordan struggling to understand the ring. The next scene after he gets the ring, he is able to use the ring easily. Wonder Woman (2009) ***** Starring: Kerri Russell,  Nathan Fillion, Rosario Dawson Wonder Woman’s origins are tied closely with greek mythology, so this was an enjoyable movie for me. The Directors increased the blood and gore in this movie and would continue incorporating those elements in all the DC movies following this one. The only plot hole I found was the invisible jet. It makes sense that it is Steve Trevor’s former plane, as that is how he is introduced into the movie, but one sentence of explanation would have rounded out the movie. Rosario Dawson and Nathan Fillion both continue to voice act in more DC movies from here but it is odd to hear their voices come from different characters. Superman / Batman: Public Enemies (2009) ****  Starring: Clancy Brown, Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly There are two main storylines in the movie. First, Batman and Superman becoming public enemies and second, a giant kryptonite meteor heading for earth. The build up to Superman and Batman becoming public enemies is sudden but not a knock against the movie. Seeing the two fighting other heroes as well as numerous villains at once were the highlights for me. Once they address the meteor storyline to wrap up the movie, it becomes less memorable for me because I know that everyone survives and there was no risk of a major death.  Tales of the Black Freighter: Watchman (2009)***** Starring: Gerald Butler, Jared Harris, Lori Tritel

This short 25 minute film is very dark but with a hint of Edgar Allen Poe with Butler’s internal monologue. The story revolves around a captain of a boat that was just demolished by DC’s version of the Flying Dutchman, the Black Freighter. I think the film is the right length to tell a good and concise story. You can see Butler’s character drift more and more into madness but with the most sincere driving force throughout the film. It’s an insane movie and I’d recommend checking it out. The animation is also unique. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010)***** Starring: William Baldwin, Gina Torres, James Woods I enjoyed this movie because it dealt with opposites. As a superhero fan, the origin stories are well documented and flushed out. Having those forces face off against their equal but opposite in morals is fun to watch and see unfold. While the story as a whole is attention getting, James Woods’ performance as Owl Man (Batman’s counterpart) is the real eye catcher. Owl Man’s last lines in the film are powerful and echoed how methodical he is. I won’t spoil it but this movie is a great watch.  Superman / Batman: Apocalypse (2010) **** Starring: Andre Braugher, Susan Eisenberg, Tim Daly The connection between the Apocalypse storyline and Kara Zor-El’s introduction is explained but not well. Darkseid just knows that Kara landed on Earth and her abilities. Darkseid is supposed to be the big bad villain of the DC Universe and his voice should shake every nerve when heard. Unfortunately, Andre Braugher’s performance as Darkseid doesn’t do that for me. The scenes of Clark Kent taking Kara through Metropolis are necessary because it is implying growth but I could have done without it or preferred to have it shortened it down.  Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)*****  Starring: Bruce Greenwood, Jensen Ackles, Neil Patrick Harris Bruce Greenwood does an amazing job stepping in for Kevin Conroy with this his first animation film as the caped crusader. His voice carries the right balance of authoritative and brutish. Jensen Ackles was the right selection to play Jason Todd / Red Hood because his voice also carries the right amount of direct and aggressive tone with a hint of humor. The story draws you in from the start as the view witnesses Jason Todd’s death at the hands of the Joker and continues to pull you in as the story unfolds.  Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam (2010)***  Starring: Jerry O’Connell, George Newbern, Arnold Vosloo

This was a short and action packed movie. There wasn’t much of a storyline other than Black Adam making it back to earth and seeking revenge on the Shazam wizard. From there it’s just one long fight scene intertwined with Billy Batson receiving the Shazam powers. The connection between Billy Batson and Clark Kent is brief as it seems that Clark is writing a piece on Billy’s poor living situation and tough life. George Newbern reprising his Superman brings fan’s memories from the animated series. Black Adam was impactful but brief with his dialogue.