By: Kimberly Grant
DC Comics has had its share of hits and misses when it comes to film in TV. While the Wonder Woman movies have been great, the Justice League movies have left something to be desired; like a different Batman. So, what better way to gain a new audience than to make a film that’s solely for the youngest of DC fans? Enter DC League of Super-Pets.
League of Super-Pets (written by John Whittington and Jared Stern, who directed with Sam Levine) will open in theaters nationwide on July 29.
The Plot Loosens
In League of Super-Pets, Superman and his super friends (voiced by John Krasinski) have been kidnapped and it’s up to his dog, Krypto (Dwayne Johnson) to save him. Unfortunately, Krypto is lacking his super powers and needs to rely on some friends. Some new friends who live in an animal shelter and just so happen to have newly acquired super powers thanks to an enterprising guinea pig named, Lulu (Kate McKinnon).
Lulu has super powers to match her super evil genius brain, which she uses to empower other misrepresented guinea pigs. Meanwhile, Krypto has to rely on his frenemy, Ace (Kevin Hart). Krypto and Ace lead a team of pets to take down Lulu and her band of misfit guinea pigs. Just in case you missed it the first time, this is a kid’s movie.
Off-Casting
Even though this film is about a war between super pets to please their would-be owners, I can’t help but notice the vocal talents of the super heroes. Pleasant appearances include: Wonder Woman (Jameela Jamil), the Flash (John Early), Aquaman (Jemaine Clement), Cyborg (Daveed Diggs), Batman (Keanu Reeves), and Green Lantern (Dascha Polanco). With a roster like the above, I would reconsider my low opinion of the Justice League movies, if some of the people who voiced the characters actually played them live (read: Keanu as Batman, Daveed as Cyborg, and Dascha as Green Lantern).
The more you think of Keanu as Batman the more you want to see it, right? You’re welcome.
Speaking of Polanco, I was thrilled to see a woman of color play the Green Lantern (even if it’s a cartoon). Now, I love Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, but he’s no Green Lantern. Why not reinvigorate the franchise and make a Latina Green Lantern movie? I would definitely see that. And, even though Clement is a great Aquaman (voice), I was kind of hoping it would be voiced by Jason Momoa.
Perfect Pairing
Back to the Super-pets. Johnson (whose also DC’s Black Adam) and Hart are awesome in every movie they’ve done together. They are a visual odd couple, but their energy is brilliant. I’m glad DC decided to have this pair voice their adorable super pets. Even though this is a movie made for kids, parents can enjoy the voice acting, the friendship bonds, and (spoiler!) the super fast turtle.
Curious about a movie that’s not worth the watch? You can read my review of Nope here.
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