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DC League of Super-Pets
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Warner Animation Group/DC)
By Lucas Allen
Although the DCEU is considered too serious compared to Marvel Studios, they can also have fun with a lighter tone. While grownups had a blast with last year’s “The Suicide Squad,” the little ones become more accustomed to sillier fluff like the animated series “Teen Tians Go,” as well as the big screen version, “Teen Titans Go to the Movies.” To bridge the generation gap, the makers of “The LEGO Batman Movie” come together to make “DC League of Super-Pets,” and pet lovers everywhere will surely rejoice.
In Metropolis, Superman (John Krasinski) has been saving the day alongside his pet Krypto the Superdog (Dwayne Johnson), battling villains left and right. But Supes has his eye on proposing to his girlfriend Lois Lane (Olivia Wilde), leaving his loyal dog feeling threatened and afraid he’ll become unnoticed. After longtime nemesis Lex Luthor (Marc Maron) gets his hands on orange kryptonite, a small piece lands at an animal shelter, where its power has an effect on the animals. Big dog Ace (Kevin Hart) has superstrength and invulnerability, pig PB (Vanessa Bayer) has size changing power, old turtle Merton (Natasha Lyonne) has super speed, and red squirrel Chip (Diego Luna) has electrical powers. Worse of all, guinea pig Lulu (Kate McKinnon) becomes a super evil genius on a quest to rule the world.
Lulu puts her plan into motion when she uses green kryptonite to strip Krypto of his powers before kidnapping Superman, Batman (Keanu Reeves), and the rest of the Justice League. To save his owner, Krypto will have to rely on Ace and the others to help him. But the other pets have trouble adjusting to their newfound powers, so they’ll have to rely on their animal ingenuity to work together and save the other heroes.
This movie can be easily compared to “The Secret Lives of Pets,” which itself was derivative to the plot of “Toy Story.” Not to mention, both films feature Hart in the hilarious sidekick role. But this one does a fine job adding the superhero element with its own set of characters trying not to look dull and bland. Anyone who recognizes Krypto’s history as a character can see the appeal as a lead character in an animated story. While it may not do justice for the main character, kids will likely enjoy the film as an introduction to the Superdog.
There’s also your usual expected display of superhero action, especially with the addition of super animals. The combination of action and comedy in an animated movie can be a tricky one to pull off, but it’s decently pulled off from beginning to end. It also tries to add a little drama by giving one of the characters a sad background like Jessie in “Toy Story 2,” but it feels too tacked on for anybody to care.
The film works best as a pet lover’s superhero movie with cute furry animals hilariously using their superpowers. For the older superhero-loving crowd, it also includes homages and references to the landmark 1978 “Superman: The Movie,” including snippets from John Williams’ legendary main title along with a tiny bit of Danny Elfman’s theme from Batman.
The voice acting is what drives the film to be a bit above average. Johnson brings his muscular energy as Krypto, while his co-hort Hart has plenty of funny lines to go around. McKinnon easily steals the show bringing her signature multi-personality humor to her villainous role. While Krasinski makes a pretty good Superman, Reeves’ Batman gets the most smiles, which would make anybody curious how he would portray the Dark Knight in live-action form.
Kids will love “DC League of Super-Pets,” while adults will be heads-or-tails about it more than the recent Minions film. If anything, it’s about time that super-powered pets get their due on the big screen.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG (for action, mild violence, language, and rude humor)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3 Stars (Out of Four)
