Batman: Bad Blood

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I don’t normally review the direct-to-video DC Animated movies. However, I am always willing to give credit where credit’s due. Most of the time, there is a lot of craft that goes into these stories and the animation. They generally feel to me as though they are worthy of theatrical releases, despite rarely receiving them. See Batman: Under the Red Hood and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns as examples. As I’ve already said, a lot of time and effort tends to go into the animation for these movies, and this movie is no exception. The animation is dark, harsh, and beautiful all at the same time. I have to admit, the story is pretty solid overall, too. After a battle, Bruce Wayne aka Batman goes missing and is presumed dead. In his absence, Dick Grayson takes up the Batman mantle, and the mysterious Batwoman arrives on the scene. What ensues is something of an action-adventure mystery that forces heroes old and new to step up and take on new challenges. The voice cast is pretty damn solid, too. Jason O’Mara is no Kevin Conroy but he certainly steps up to the challenge and fits as Batman. Newcomers Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck) as Batwoman  and the great Ernie Hudson as Lucius Fox should also be commended. As far as issues I have with the movie go, I do wish the character of Damian Wayne was more likable. There wasn’t a lot noticeable growth from Son of Batman to this movie. The character still acts like a little punk you just want to smack half the time. Overall, I do think this was a good movie, in spite of a couple problems.

8 / 10