Animated "Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders" Gets One-Time Theatrical Release

Following Record-Breaking ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ Event, ‘Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders’ Set for Exclusive One-Time Cinematic Event October 10, 2016

Fathom Events, Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment Spotlight Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar Voicing Classic Roles

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Travel back to the 1960s as Batman and Robin spring into action when Gotham City is threatened by a quartet of Batman’s most fiendish foes. Audiences will have the opportunity to join all the animated excitement as it unfolds on the big screen for one special day. Fathom Events is once again partnering with Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment to bring “Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders” to movie theaters for three exclusive showings on Monday, October 10, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time, before it comes to EST on October 11, 2016 and Blu-ray™ on November 1, 2016.

    “Working with Warner Bros. on ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ was a great experience and we knew it was something we wanted to duplicate”

Bringing these iconic characters to animated life are Adam West (Batman), Burt Ward (Robin) and Julie Newmar (Catwoman). In the new film, Penguin, The Joker, Riddler and Catwoman have combined their wicked talents to hatch a plot so nefarious that the Dynamic Duo will need to go to outer space (and back) to foil their arch enemies and restore order in Gotham City.

In addition to the film, audiences will view an exclusive pre-screening introduction, and a post-screening preview of “Those Dastardly Desperados,” a featurette that explores how these fiends became more than just antagonists in a Batman story – they became icons of American pop culture.

Tickets for “Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 700 select movie theaters. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

“Working with Warner Bros. on ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ was a great experience and we knew it was something we wanted to duplicate,” Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations Tom Lucas said. “With ‘Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders’ we get to give our audiences another extremely exciting event experience driven by the return of three nostalgic pop culture names to their most memorable roles.”

“Fans have voiced a strong desire to see DC-centric animated films on the big screen for years, and ‘Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders’ offers another opportunity to entertain our audience with a highly-anticipated cinema event,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing. “Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is proud to launch our newly branded ‘DC Classics Collection’ films with a Fathom Events presentation.”


About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is recognized as the leading domestic distributor of event cinema, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions such as the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live’s Hamlet, sporting events like FS1 Presents USA v Mexico, concerts with Roger Waters and One Direction, the TCM Presents classic film series and faith-based events such as The Drop Box and Four Blood Moons. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 887 locations and 1,354 screens in 181 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.

Batman and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC. (s16)

About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, etc.), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables, etc.) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics in the world.

About Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, producing and developing projects for multiple platforms, both domestically and internationally. WBA’s TV series include Be Cool Scooby-Doo!, Bunnicula, Justice League Action, Teen Titans Go!, The Tom and Jerry Show, Wabbit – A Looney Tunes Production for Cartoon Network, Mike Tyson Mysteries for Adult Swim, Right Now Kapow for Disney XD and the forthcoming Green Eggs and Ham for Netflix. As the home of the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries, WBA also produces highly successful animated films — including the DC Universe Animated Original Movies — for DVD. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has won six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

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Warner Bros. Lines Up Promotional Partners for Animated Feature, "Storks"

“Storks” Marketing Campaign Takes Flight with Flock of Promotional Partners

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The highly anticipated big-screen animated adventure “Storks,” opening nationwide on September 23, 2016, has attracted key promotional partners on a global and national scale, many of whom have supported other big, high-profile franchise and tentpole releases. These broad target and family-friendly partnerships, across a wide range of brands, will contribute to building awareness and excitement for “Storks” through a variety of consumer outreach opportunities – including attention-capturing in-store displays and product co-branding, cool digital content, and themed sweepstakes and giveaways.

    “Find the right seat for your flock”

Among the promotional partners supporting “Storks” are Movietickets.com, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Red Robin, Land O’Frost, Cinnabon, the Ad Council, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, zulily, Jarritos, Color Me Mine and Sony Xperia. From grocery, casual dining and specialty treats to online retailers, to public service announcement tie-ins, these brands spearhead a comprehensive campaign designed to engage moviegoers directly, with an emphasis toward fun, kids and families.

Online ticket giant Movietickets.com recently launched an in-theatre “Storks” program throughout 5,500 screens and 900 theaters. Fresh off their recent promotion for “The Angry Birds Movie,” Menchie’s, North America’s largest self-serve frozen yogurt franchise, is introducing flavors tied to “Storks” characters while guests enjoy their favorite frozen yogurt flavors in the “cutest cup you’ve ever seen,” available exclusively in all U.S. Menchie’s stores now through September 30th. Red Robin, the casual dining restaurant chain welcoming guests of all ages, has selected “Storks” as its summer movie partner, offering a FREE movie ticket with the purchase of a co-branded $25 Red Robin gift card. The chain expects to garner more than 56 million impressions for the film during a six-week promotional window.

Also on board is high quality lunchmeat brand Land O’Frost, who began delivering 14 million co-branded packages of its products to thousands of retailers nationwide. But did you know that Cinnabon® has a “Bon in the Oven?” It’s true, the market leader among cinnamon roll bakeries is partnering with “Storks” to celebrate the launch of the franchise’s new product, the BonBite™, supporting the film with a co-branded promotion in 500 stores across the U.S. The Ad Council, in tandem with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is encouraging consumers to “Find the right seat for your flock,” in a national public service ad campaign featuring characters from the movie and spreading the message about child passenger safety for kids.

Additionally, the online retailer zulily has partnered with “Storks” to create an upcoming film-themed “Welcome Baby” sale for its millions of customers starting September 21st. Jarritos, the leading soft drink company for the U.S. Hispanic market, will have co-branded packaging at over 6,000 retail locations hosting a movie ticket giveaway. Preeminent paint-it-yourself franchise Color Me Mine will incorporate “Storks” into their “Kids Night Out” program by hosting film-themed events in 150 stores. And rounding out the list of partnerships, Sony will offer content from the film via its Xperia Lounge Content Hub, with a global reach of more than 10 million users across Sony smart phones, tablets and other Android devices, 24 million Facebook followers and an additional 3.5 million direct mail consumers, through interactive digital media and a themed sweepstakes.

Warner Bros. Pictures has also secured a number of internationally based promotional partnership opportunities for “Storks” in major markets, including, to date: Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Russia.

Blair Rich, President, Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures, stated, “We are delighted that ‘Storks’ has attracted the support of such a meaningful group of companies. Our promotional partners are a valuable component of our campaign in communicating that ‘Storks’ is a big, fun, summer event movie for the whole family.”

Storks deliver babies…or at least they used to. Now they deliver packages for global internet retail giant Cornerstore.com. Junior (Andy Samberg), the company’s top delivery stork, is about to be promoted when the Baby Factory is accidentally activated on his watch, producing an adorable – and wholly unauthorized – baby girl.

Desperate to deliver this bundle of trouble before the boss gets wise, Junior and his friend Tulip, the only human on Stork Mountain, race to make their first-ever baby drop, in a wild and revealing journey that could make more than one family whole and restore the storks’ true mission in the world.

The animated adventure “Storks” stars Andy Samberg, Katie Crown, Kelsey Grammer, Jennifer Aniston, Ty Burrell, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, and Danny Trejo.

The film was directed by Nicholas Stoller and Doug Sweetland, from a screenplay written by Stoller. “Storks” was produced by Brad Lewis and Nicholas Stoller, with Glenn Ficarra, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, John Requa and Jared Stern serving as executive producers. It was edited by John Venzon. The music was composed by Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna. “Storks” also features new songs “Kiss the Sky,” performed by Jason Derulo, and “Holdin’ Out,” from The Lumineers. Animation was by Sony Pictures Imageworks.

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Animation Group, “Storks” is slated for release in 2D, and in 3D in select theaters, on September 23, 2016. It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. Storksmovie.com

This film is rated PG for mild action and some thematic elements.

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Warner Bros. Animation's "Storks" Features New Music and Songs

Storks Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Features the Music of Mychael Danna & Jeff Danna, Includes “Holdin’ Out” - New Song by The Lumineers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WaterTower Music today announced the release of the Storks: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, which features the music of prolific composers Mychael Danna (Oscar Winner – “Life of Pi,” “Moneyball,” “Little Miss Sunshine”), and Jeff Danna (“Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck,” “Fracture,” “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus”), and includes “Holdin’ Out” – a brand new song by The Lumineers. The soundtrack will be released September 16, 2016, one week in advance of the film, which will be released in 2D and 3D in select theatres on September 23, 2016.

    “Our approach to the score for Storks was very much inspired by the legacy of the storied Warner Bros. animated tradition”

“Our approach to the score for Storks was very much inspired by the legacy of the storied Warner Bros. animated tradition,” explained composers Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna. “Recorded in the same WB studio that those pioneering animation composers worked in, the music for Storks moves through such divergent musical modes as Latin, Big Band, choral, orchestral, electronic and ensembles of unusual and quirky instruments. Tying these styles together are our melodic and emotional themes, maintaining a cohesive sound despite the careening musical style changes. Witty and bombastic, silly and yet with a strong emotional payoff, we are very proud of the work we did for Storks.”

Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna possess a healthy body of critically acclaimed works, both individually and collaboratively. They write the original music for the FX series “Tyrant,” which earned them both Emmy nominations. They were previously Emmy-nominated for “Camelot” in 2011. Recently, they worked on the score for “The Good Dinosaur” and received an Annie nomination for Outstanding Achievement, Music in an Animated Feature Production. Their collaborative Orchestral Celtic albums have enjoyed worldwide success and placed in the Top Ten on the Billboard chart in the United States.

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Animation Group, the animated adventure “Storks” stars Andy Samberg (“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” “Hotel Transylvania”), Katie Crown (“Clarence”), Kelsey Grammer (“Toy Story 2,” “The Simpsons”), Jennifer Aniston (“We’re the Millers,” “Horrible Bosses”), Ty Burrell (“Finding Dory,” “Modern Family”), Keegan-Michael Key (“The Angry Birds Movie,” “Keanu,” “Key & Peele”), Jordan Peele (“Keanu,” “Key & Peele”) and Danny Trejo (“The Book of Life,” “Muppets Most Wanted”).

The film was directed by Nicholas Stoller (“Neighbors,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”; writer, "The Muppets”) and Oscar nominee Doug Sweetland (the animated short “Presto”; supervising animator, “Cars”), from a screenplay written by Stoller.

“Storks” was produced by Brad Lewis (Academy Award-winning “Ratatouille,” “Antz”; co-director, “Cars 2”) and Nicholas Stoller. The executive producers are Glenn Ficarra, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, John Requa and Jared Stern. The film is edited by John Venzon (“Shark Tale,” “Chicken Run”). Music is composed by Mychael Danna (“The Good Dinosaur,” Oscar winner, “Life of Pi”) and Jeff Danna (“The Good Dinosaur”). Animation is by Sony Pictures Imageworks.

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Warner Bros. Announces Voice Cast for "The LEGO Ninjago Movie"

The Stars Have Been Assembled for “The LEGO® Ninjago Movie”

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The main cast has been put together for “The LEGO® Ninjago Movie,” a new animated adventure in Warner Bros. Pictures’ LEGO franchise. The film will star Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, Fred Armisen, Abbi Jacobson, Olivia Munn, Kumail Nanjiani, Michael Peña, Zach Woods, and the legendary Jackie Chan. “The LEGO Ninjago Movie” is slated to open nationwide on September 22, 2017.

    “We are thrilled with the star-studded voice cast slated for ‘The LEGO Ninjago Movie.’ Our fans know and love Ninjago characters for their personalities and skills, so it’s only fitting that we assemble a diverse and talented cast to bring the world of Ninjago to life on the big screen.”

In this big-screen Ninjago adventure, the battle for Ninjago City calls to action young Lloyd, aka the Green Ninja, along with his friends, who are all secret warriors and LEGO Master Builders. Led by kung fu master Wu, as wise-cracking as he is wise, they must defeat evil warlord Garmadon, the Worst Guy Ever, who also happens to be Lloyd’s dad. Pitting mech against mech and father against son, the epic showdown will test this fierce but undisciplined team of modern-day ninjas who must learn to check their egos and pull together to unleash their true power.

Jackie Chan (“Kung Fu Panda,” “The Karate Kid”) stars as Master Wu; Justin Theroux (“Magamind 2,” “The Leftovers”) is Garmadon; Dave Franco (“Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising”) plays Lloyd; and Olivia Munn (“X-Men: Apocalypse”) is Lloyd’s mom, Koko. Making up the secret ninja crew, Fred Armisen (“The Jim Gaffigan Show,” “SNL”) voices Cole; Abbi Jacobson (“Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising”) plays Nya; Kumail Nanjiani (“Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates”) is Jay; Michael Peña (“Ant-Man,” “The Martian”) is Kai; and Zach Woods (“Silicon Valley”) voices Zane.

Jill Wilfert, an executive producer on the film and Vice President of Licensing and Entertainment for LEGO Group, stated, “We are thrilled with the star-studded voice cast slated for ‘The LEGO Ninjago Movie.’ Our fans know and love Ninjago characters for their personalities and skills, so it’s only fitting that we assemble a diverse and talented cast to bring the world of Ninjago to life on the big screen.”

“The LEGO Ninjago Movie” marks the feature film directorial debut of Charlie Bean (“Tron: Uprising”). It is being produced by Dan Lin, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Roy Lee, who previously collaborated on the worldwide box-office phenomenon “The LEGO® Movie,” along with Maryann Garger (“Flushed Away”). Chris McKay, Seth Grahame-Smith, Jill Wilfert, and Keith Malone are serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Hilary Winston & Bob Logan & Paul Fisher, story by Kevin Hageman & Dan Hageman and Hilary Winston & Bob Logan & Paul Fisher, based on LEGO Construction Toys.

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Animation Group, in association with LEGO System A/S, a Lin Pictures/Lord Miller/Vertigo Entertainment Production, “The LEGO Ninjago Movie” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LEGONinjagoMovie
Instagram: @LEGONinjagoMovie / Twitter: @NinjagoMovie

LEGO, the LEGO logo, NINJAGO, the minifigure and the brick and knob configuration are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2016 The LEGO Group. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

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Fathom Events to Give "Batman: The Killing Joke" a Limited Theatrical Release

Highly Anticipated ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ Coming to Select Movie Theaters July 25 Only, Starring ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ Actors Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill

Fathom Events, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment Bring Acclaimed Graphic Novel to Life

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The dark journey into insanity begins as “Batman: The Killing Joke” gets the big-screen treatment for one night on Monday, July 25, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time. Fathom Events, in partnership with Warner Bros., is teaming up with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment to bring the acclaimed graphic novel-turned-film to select cinemas nationwide.

“Batman: The Killing Joke” reunites the foundation of “Batman: The Animated Series” with Bruce Timm returning as executive producer, and actors Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising their seminal roles as Batman and The Joker, respectively. In addition to the animated feature, audience members will get to experience a special introduction from Mark Hamill plus a never-before-seen documentary about how Hamill was cast in this project and what the role means to him as an actor and a fan. The event will conclude with a special behind-the-scenes look at how the Joker’s memorable, yet disturbing song and dance number was recreated for this feature.

    .@FathomEvents News: See Graphic Novel Batman #TheKillingJoke Come to Life on the Big Screen for One Night

Tickets for “Batman: The Killing Joke” can be purchased online beginning Friday, June 17, 2016 by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Based on the acclaimed DC graphic novel of the same name, Batman: The Killing Joke takes a journey into the dark psyche of the Clown Prince of Crime – from his humble beginnings as a struggling comedian to his fateful encounter with Batman that changes both of their lives forever. Years later, and now escaped from Arkham Asylum, The Joker devises a plan to prove that one bad day can make anyone as insane as he is – setting his sights on Commissioner Gordon. It’s up to the Dark Knight to put a stop to The Joker’s latest scheme and save one of Gotham City’s finest. Following a gripping prologue introducing Barbara Gordon’s heroic adventures alongside Batman as Batgirl, Batman: The Killing Joke stays true to the authentic tale that has held fans’ imaginations for nearly three decades – spotlighting the birth of a Super-Villain, the fortitude of a Super Hero and the punchline that will leave you speechless.

In addition to Conroy and Hamill, the feature also stars the voices of Tara Strong (Teen Titans; Batman: Arkham games) as Barbara Gordon and Ray Wise (Twin Peaks, RoboCop) as Commissioner Gordon. Sam Register and Bruce Timm are executive producers. Benjamin Melniker and Michael Uslan (The Dark Knight films, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) are executive producers. Alan Burnett serves as co-producer.

“Fathom Events is thrilled to be able to bring ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ to movie theaters across the country so fans can see it on the big screen,” Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations Tom Lucas said. “Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment have created an amazing production based on a beloved graphic novel, and we’re honored to be a part of this release.”

“Fans have been clamoring for a theatrical release of the popular DC Universe Original Movies, and the highly anticipated ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ presented a perfect opportunity to work with Fathom Events to bring the fans’ wishes to fruition for this special, limited release,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing.


About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the event cinema distribution arm of AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), the three largest movie theater circuits in the U.S., and is recognized as the leading distributor of alternative content. It offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in movie theaters nationwide that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions such as the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live’s Hamlet, sporting events like FS1 Presents USA v Mexico, concerts with Roger Waters and One Direction, the TCM Presents classic film series and faith-based events such as The Drop Box and Four Blood Moons. Fathom Events also takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. In addition, Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 885 locations and 1,348 screens in 181 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.:
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.

Batman and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and ©DCComics. (s16)

About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, etc.), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables, etc.) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics in the world.

About Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, producing and developing projects for multiple platforms, both domestically and internationally. WBA’s TV series include Be Cool Scooby-Doo!, Bunnicula, Justice League Action, Teen Titans Go!, The Tom and Jerry Show, Wabbit – A Looney Tunes Production for Cartoon Network, Mike Tyson Mysteries for Adult Swim and the forthcoming Green Eggs and Ham for Netflix. As the home of the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries, WBA also produces highly successful animated films — including the DC Universe Animated Original Movies — for DVD. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has won six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

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Review: "Batman: Bad Blood" Has Bad-Ass Fight Scenes

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 12 (of 2016) by Leroy Douresseaux

Batman: Bad Blood (2016) – Video
Running time:  73 minutes (1 hour, 13 minutes)
Rated MPAA – PG-13 for violence throughout and some suggestive content
DIRECTOR:  Jay Oliva
WRITERS:  J.M. DeMatteis (based on the characters created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger)
PRODUCER:  James Tucker
EDITOR:  Christopher D. Lozinsk
COMPOSER:  Frederik Wiedmann
ANIMATION STUDIO:  The Answerstudio

ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/ACTION/FANTASY

Starring:  (voices) Jason O'Mara, Yvonne Strahovski, Stuart Allan, Sean Maher, Morena Baccarin, Steve Blum, Gaius Charles, John DiMaggio, Robin Atkin Downes, James Garret, Ernie Hudson, Vanessa Marshall, Jason Spisak, Travis Willingham, Christie Lakin,Matthew Mercer, Kari Walgren, Geoff Pierson, and Bruce Thomas

Batman: Bad Blood is a 2016 straight-to-video, animated superhero film from Warner Bros. Animation.  It is the 24th film in Warner's line of DC Universe original animated movies.  The film focuses on characters featured in the world of DC Comics' Dark Knight Detective, the Batman.

A sequel to 2015's Batman vs. Robin, Bad Blood finds members of Batman's family, as well as heroes inspired by him, searching for Batman after he goes missing.  This “Bat Family” however, begins to suspect that their “father” is connected to a new crime wave.

Early in Batman: Bad Blood, a new hero calling herself Batwoman (Yvonne Strahovski) battles a group of costumed supervillains:  Electrocutioner, Firefly, Killer Moth, and Tusk, in a Gotham City warehouse-type facility.  Batman (Jason O'Mara) arrives to join the fray, but the apparent leader of the criminals, a man called the Heretic (Travis Willingham), manages to donate explosives in the facility.  Although Batwoman escapes, she does not believe that Batman did.

After several weeks, Batman's disappearance has not gone unnoticed, and crime surges in Gotham City.  Meanwhile, Alfred Pennyworth (James Garret), the faithful butler of Bruce Wayne (Batman's alter-ego, of course), is trying to cover for the missing Wayne.  Alfred sends out a distress signal to the first Robin, Dick Grayson (Sean Maher), the hero now known as Nightwing.  Bruce's son, Damien Wayne (Stuart Allan), the current Robin, also returns home.

Together, Dick and Damien become the new Batman and Robin, and with the help of Batwoman and her alter-ego, Katherine Kane, begin to defend Gotham while searching for Batman.  The truth of Batman's disappearance, however, is far darker and closer to them than the Bat-allies realize.  They will need the help of a new Batman-inspired hero, Batwing (Gaius Charles), to save the day.

Batman: Bad Blood is not the best Batman straight-to-video animated film, nor is it the worst.  The first act, and the last 20 minutes of the film are excellent, so I would say that Bad Blood is on the better side of the Batman animated movies.

I also have to say that the fight scenes are probably the best that I have ever seen in an animated superhero movie.  The individual fisticuffs between pairs of adversaries are comparable to the fighting in live-action martial arts movies.  The aerial battles between characters with the power of flight (because of the costumes and super-suits they wear) are impressive, even dazzling in some places.  The action set pieces, in general, are quite good, especially the one involving that unique Wayne Tech conference building which occurs in the last acts of this movie.

I think the middle of Batman: Bad Blood sometimes comes across as padding, and a little of it does a little to advance the narrative.  Still, it is a good film, but I will say that it is time to move on from the subject matter and plot lines that have dominated the three most recent Batman animated movies, Son of Batman, Batman vs. Robin, and now Batman: Bad Blood.

7 of 10
B+

Saturday, May 21, 2016


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: "Justice League: Gods and Monsters" Recalls "Justice League" Roots

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 43 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Justice League: Gods and Monsters (2015) – Video
Running time:  76 minutes (1 hour, 16 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for violence throughout and suggestive content including nudity
DIRECTOR:  Sam Liu
WRITERS:  Alan Burnett; from a story by Bruce W. Timm and Alan Burnett
PRODUCER: Alan Burnett
EDITOR:  Christopher D. Lozinsk
COMPOSER:  Frederik Wiedmann
ANIMATION STUDIO:  Moi Animation

ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/ACTION/FANTASY

Starring:  (voices) Benjamin Bratt, Michael C. Hall, Tamara Taylor, Paget Brewster, C. Thomas Howell, Jason Isaacs, Dee Bradley Baker, Grey Griffin, Penny Johnson Jerald, Tahmoh Penikett, Bruce Thomas, Carl Lumbly, Taylor Parks, Richard Chamberlain, Yuri Lowenthal, and Andrea Romano

Justice League: Gods and Monsters is a 2015 straight-to-video animated superhero film from Warner Bros. Animation.  It is the 23rd film in Warner's line of DC Universe original animated movies.  The film focuses on an alternate version of DC Comics' ultimate superhero team, the Justice League.  This film also marks the return of fan-favorite writer-producer, Bruce Timm, to DC Universe films.

Justice League: Gods and Monsters is set in an alternate universe and features a different version of DC Comics's “Trinity” – Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman.  This different version of Superman is Hernan Guerra (Benjamin Bratt), not Clark Kent.  Superman's origin is still the planet, Krypton, but his biological father is General Zod (Bruce Thomas), not Jor-El.  On Earth, baby Kal-El is found and raised by a family of honorable and hardworking Mexican migrant farmers (instead of the Kansas farming couple, Ma and Pa Kent).  The troubles Hernan experienced living as an undocumented immigrant in the United States with his parents has made Superman short-tempered and withdrawn from humanity.

This alternate version of Wonder Woman is not Diana Prince from Paradise Island.  She is Bekka (Tamara Taylor), a New God, living in exile from Apokolips on Earth.  Batman is not Bruce Wayne.  He is Dr. Kirk Langstrom (Michael C. Hall), a scientist transformed by experimentation into a vampire-like man who feeds on criminals to satisfy his thirst for blood, which eats away at his humanity.  In Gods and Monsters, this Justice League operate outside the law, which makes it easy for them to be framed for the murders of several prominent scientists.

As Justice League: Gods and Monsters, the Justice League acts as the brutal force that maintains order on Earth.  The League has very little accountability and maintains a wary alliance with the United States government and with President Amanda Waller (Penny Johnson Jerald).  However, the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three prominent scientists seem to point to Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman as the murderers.  Now, authorities plan to use, “Project Fair Play,” the pet project of these murdered scientists, to hold the Justice League accountable for murders that they did not commit.  So who did?

Viewers that are familiar with the characters, comic books, and mythologies of DC Comics will find Justice League: Gods and Monsters a delight.  The better your grasp on what has been changed and how it has been changed, the more entertaining this film will be.  Still, the themes of justice and unity preside over the story.  The heroes, dark as they are, still undergo a journey to their better selves, striving to embrace their better natures.  Different though they may be, they are still superheroes.  They are still the Justice League.

In terms of the animation, character design, and art direction, Justice League: Gods and Monsters looks like the dearly DC Universe animated films.  In terms of action and drama, Gods and Monsters is also similar to the “Justice League” (2001-2004) animated television series and other animated series for which this film's writers, Bruce Timm and Alan Burnett, are known.  That's a good thing; that's a very good thing.

Justice League: Gods and Monsters is a welcomed return of a classic Justice League cool.  I hope that Bruce Timm and Alan Burnett reunite for more.

8 of 10
A

Friday, November 6, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Review: "Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest" is Good Jonny Quest

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 41 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest (2014) – straight-to-video
Running time:  73 minutes (1 hour, 13 minutes)
PRODUCERS/DIRECTORS:  Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone
WRITERS:  James Krieg and Heath Corson; from a story by James Krieg
EDITOR:  Kyle Stafford
COMPOSER: Michael Tavera
ANIMATION STUDIO:  Yearim Productions Co., LTD

ANIMATION/FANTASY/ACTION/ADVENTURE and FAMILY

Starring:  (voices) Reese Hartwig, Arnie Pantoja, James Hong, Eric Bauza, Michael Hanks, Tia Carrere, and Tim Matheson, Joe Alaskey, Spike Brandt, Grey Griffin, Jess Harnell, Richard McGonagle, and Jonny Rees

Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest is a 2015 direct-to-video animated film starring the famous cartoon cat and mouse duo, Tom and Jerry.  Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Spy Quest is a crossover film that teams Tom and Jerry with the characters from the mid-1960s animated series, “Jonny Quest.”

Produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, “Jonny Quest” was an animated science fiction adventure television series that was originally broadcast on ABC in prime time.  Created and designed by Doug Wildey, the series lasted one season (1964-1965) for a total of 26 episodes.  “Jonny Quest” focused on Jonathan “Jonny” Quest, an 11-year-old boy who accompanies his genius scientist father on extraordinary adventures.

Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest opens on a beach in “sunny South Florida.”  Tom and Jerry are having a relaxing day at the beach, which means they are harassing each other.  Then, the duo encounters Jonny Quest (Reese Hartwig) and his best pal, Hadji (Arnie Pantoja), accompanied by their canine companion, Bandit, of course.  It seems that a trio of cyborg cats are trying to kidnap the trio, until Tom inadvertently saves them.

Jonny and Hadji take their new friends, Tom and Jerry, to Quest Key, the location of their home and also of Quest Labs.  Tom and Jerry are introduced to Jonny's father, Dr. Benton Quest (Eric Bauza), and Jonny's bodyguard, Race Bannon (Michael Hanks).  Why does Jonny need a bodyguard?  Dr. Quest is a world-renowned genius scientist and inventor, and bad people try to kidnap Jonny to use him as leverage to force Dr. Quest to give them his inventions.

In fact, longtime Quest family nemesis, Dr. Zin (James Hong), wants Dr. Quest's latest invention, the “Q Sphere,” a device that will solve the world's energy problems.  After Zin kidnaps Dr. Quest and Race, Tom and Jerry join Jonny, Hadji, and Bandit on a trip to “Zin Automated Battle Island,” on a rescue mission, where an evil cat army and powerful robots await them.

Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest can be described as “The Adventures of Jonny Quest” with Tom and Jerry as, at best, supporting characters, or, in actuality, guest stars.  That is not a bad thing.  James Krieg and Heath Corson have written a Jonny Quest story that recalls the classic, original 1960s series, while maintaining the general wackiness that is Tom and Jerry.

Yeah, the appearance of Jonny Quest recurring character, Jezebel Jade (Tia Carrere), seems obligatory, but the appearance of the bumbling Tom and Jerry adversaries, Tin, Pan, and Alley, balances that.  Corson and especially Krieg seem to know what made classic Hanna-Barbera animated series successful and also have a knack for reviving those elements that made them classics.

Kudos to the art direction.  Quest Key, the Quest Lab interiors, and the island location of Dr. Zin's base of operations, including its interiors, recall Hanna-Barbera's animated science fiction adventure television series of the 1960s and 1970s.

Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone, the producing and directing team behind the Tom and Jerry direct-to-DVD films, always seem to have a way to keep this series going.  Just when I think that it is time to stop, they produce an entry that leaves me awaiting the next.  And with Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest, they also made a good Jonny Quest direct-to-DVD film.

8 of 10
A

Friday, October 23, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Review: "Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery" Rocks

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 36 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery (2015) – Video
Running time:  79 minutes (1 hour, 19 minutes)
PRODUCERS/DIRECTORS:  Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone
WRITERS: Kevin Shinick; from a story by James Krieg and Kevin Shinick
EDITOR:  Bruce A. King
COMPOSERS:  Greg Collins and Jared Faber
ANIMATION STUDIO: Digital eMation, Inc.

ANIMATION/FANTASY/FAMILY and ACTION/COMEDY/MYSTERY

Starring:  (voices) Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, Grey DeLisle, Mindy Cohn, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer, Don McGhee, Darius Rucker, and Jason Mewes, and Kevin Smith

Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery is a 2015 straight-to-video, animated, comic mystery film.  It is also the 24th animated movie in the Scooby-Doo straight-to-video series from Warner Bros. Animation, which began in 1998 with Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.  In Rock and Roll Mystery, Mystery Inc. joins the legendary rock band, KISS, in an attempt to save an amusement park from a marauding witch.

Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery introduces KISS World, an amusement park where fans can enjoy and celebrate all things related to the legendary rock band, Kiss (stylized as KISS).  The celebrated members of Kiss:  The Demon (Gene Simmons), The Starchild (Paul Stanley), The Catman (Eric Singer), and The Spaceman (Tommy Thayer) are preparing for a big Halloween concert.  However, the scary “Crimson Witch” is haunting KISS World, screaming “Give Me Rock!” and is scaring all the visitors away.

Meanwhile, Mystery Inc. (a.k.a. “the Scooby gang”): Fred Jones (Frank Welker), Daphne Blake (Grey DeLisle), Velma Dinkley (Mindy Cohn), Shaggy Rogers (Matthew Lillard), and Scooby-Doo (Frank Welker) have traveled to KISS World to see the band, mostly because Daphne has a crush on Starchild.  When the gang discovers that there is a mystery, they insist on helping.  However, the mystery of Crimson Witch spans worlds and dimensions, so how will Scooby and his friends handle their most mind-bending case yet?

As a child, I was a fan of Kiss, although I was not particularly enamored with the band's music.  I did like the stage personas of the band's members, and I liked to imagine the band as a different kind of superhero team.  That is how this most recent Scooby-Doo straight-to-video movie, Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery, plays the band:  as a far-out, cosmic band of superheroes who use music and mystical powers to fight evil.

Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery is one of the better recent Scooby-Doo movies, specifically because of the inclusion of Kiss.  I am surprised how well Scooby and friends mesh with Kiss.  In fact, Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery reminds me of “The New Scooby-Doo Movies” (1972-1974), the Saturday morning animated series that featured Mystery Inc. teaming up with real-life celebrities and well-known animated characters to solve bigger-than-usual mysteries.  I loved that series as a child, which may be part of the appeal of this movie for me.

Still, nostalgia aside, Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery is a well made animated film.  The mystery is compelling and the last act features a cosmic-inspired battle that is almost too big for the movie.  This movie is also genuinely funny, with lots of jokes about Kiss merchandising, and the film also gets a lot of mileage out of Daphne's crush on Starchild and Fred's jealousy over it.

Music plays a big part in this movie.  It includes six Kiss songs:  “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Love Gun,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “I Was Made for Lovin' You,” “Detroit Rock City,” and “Modern Day Delilah.”  Plus, the members of Kiss take part in a joke song for the end credits, “Don't Touch My Ascot.”  The score by Greg Collins and Jared Faber takes its lead from 1970s and early 1980s hard rock, with some synthesizer-imbued music for the big cosmic battle in Kissteria (an alternate dimension).

I hope that Scooby-Doo and Kiss reunite.  The members of Kiss certainly seemed up for their voice-over performances.  If Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery is a one-off treat, I can accept that, but this deserves an encore.

8 of 10
A

Monday, September 7, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

"Scooby-Doo" Animated Feature Anounced for September 2018

Scooby-Doo and the Gang Return to the Big Screen in New Warner Bros. Pictures Animated Feature

Opening September 21, 2018, Film Marks Reintroduction of Hanna-Barbera Animated Favorites to Moviegoers Everywhere

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fire up the Mystery Machine! Scooby-Doo and his crime-busting pals will soon embark on a brand new comedy adventure, as Warner Bros. Pictures prepares to bring the beloved Hanna-Barbera franchise back to theaters on September 21, 2018. The announcement was made jointly by Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of Worldwide Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “Like countless fans, I have always loved the Hanna-Barbera cast of characters. As one of their most famous brand ambassadors, Scooby-Doo will take the lead in re-introducing this pantheon of enduringly popular animated stars on a grand scale with an exciting new movie.”

The film reunites Oscar-nominated producers Charles Roven and Richard Suckle (“American Hustle”), who previously produced the Studio’s hugely successful live-action features “Scooby-Doo” and “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.” Joining them is BAFTA Award-winning producer Allison Abbate (“The Iron Giant”), who produced the Oscar-nominated features “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride” and “Frankenweenie.”

It will be directed by multiple Emmy Award nominee Tony Cervone (“Space Jam,” Cartoon Network’s “The Looney Tunes Show” and “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated”). Renowned animation visionary Dan Povenmire (“Phineas and Ferb,” “Family Guy”) will also bring his creative sensibilities to the production as an executive producer. The screenplay is by Matt Lieberman (“Dr. Dolittle: Tail to the Chief”).

The new Scooby-Doo feature will be a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation under the Warner Animation Group (WAG) banner.

In making the announcement, Silverman acknowledged, “Like countless fans, I have always loved the Hanna-Barbera cast of characters. As one of their most famous brand ambassadors, Scooby-Doo will take the lead in re-introducing this pantheon of enduringly popular animated stars on a grand scale with an exciting new movie.”

Said Fellman, “It’s always a treat to see Scooby-Doo on the big screen and to share his larger-than-life adventures with audiences. As anticipation grows throughout production, the movie’s mid-September release date should start the fall season with a burst of fun.”

Added Kroll, “It’s wonderful to be working with this talented and inspired team of filmmakers. We couldn’t ask for better producers than Charles Roven, Richard Suckle and Allison Abbate, who have such affection and respect for this property and know the Hanna-Barbera universe so well.”

Kwan Vandenberg further stated, “Scooby-Doo and his friends have the kind of universal appeal that reaches across cultures as well as generations. We expect this new take on the franchise to generate even more fans around the world.”

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Review: "Batman vs. Robin" Finds a Star in Nightwing

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 30 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Batman vs. Robin (2015) – Video
Running time:  80 minutes (1 hour, 20 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense action and violence, suggestive images and thematic elements
DIRECTOR:  Jay Oliva
WRITER:  J.M. DeMatteis (based on characters created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger; Marv Wolfman and George Perez; and Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo)
COMPOSER:  Frederik Wiedmann
EDITOR:  Christopher D. Lozinsk
ANIMATION STUDIO:  The Answerstudio

ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/ACTION/FANTASY

Starring:  (voices) Jason O'Mara, Stuart Allan, Sean Maher, David McCallum, Jeremy Sisto, Robin Atkin Downes, Griffin Gluck, Grey Griffin, Kevin Conroy, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and Andrea Romano

Batman vs. Robin is a 2015 straight-to-video animated superhero film from Warner Bros. Animation.  It is the 22nd film in Warner's line of DC Universe original animated movies.  The film focuses DC Comics' dynamic duo, Batman and his ten-year-old son who is the current Robin.

Batman vs. Robin opens with Damian Wayne (Stuart Allan), the current Robin, racing to confront the monstrous child abductor, The Dollmaker (“Weird Al” Yankovic).  Damian's rash actions lead to a confrontation with his biological father, Bruce Wayne a.k.a. Batman (Jason O'Mara).  During the battle with The Dollmaker, Damian meets a mysterious costumed-figure named Talon (Jeremy Sisto), whose violent methods are similar to his own.

Back at Wayne Manor, there is tension, as Damian struggles to follow Bruce's strict rules, especially his no-killing rule when they are Batman and Robin.  Damian decides to meet Talon and learns of a secret society known as the Court of Owls.  Damian does not know that this group has an old and troubling connection to Bruce Wayne.

Batman vs. Robin is mildly entertaining.  I found the Wayne Manor battle royale that dominates this animated film's last act to be invigorating.  The rest of the film interested me only a little.  I found myself drawn to Nightwing/Dick Grayson (Sean Maher), a supporting character to the Batman and Robin family-strife act, and I have to admit that I would have found it difficult to watch this movie without Nightwing appearing in it.

Batman and the Damian Wayne Robin make an interesting dynamic, but it is better with Nightwing.  I think that I will remember Batman vs. Robin for Nightwing.

6 of 10
B

Friday, July 31, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Review: "Justice League: Throne of Atlantis" is a Tidal Wave of Fun

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 29 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015) – Video
Running time:  72 minutes (1 hour, 12 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action throughout
DIRECTOR:  Ethan Spaulding   
WRITER:  Heath Corson (based on the comic book by Geoff Johns, Paul Pelletier, and Ivan Reis)
COMPOSER:  Frederik Wiedmann
EDITOR:  Christopher D. Lozinsk
ANIMATION STUDIO:  Moi Animation Studios

ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/ACTION/FANTASY

Starring:  (voices) Matt Lanter, Sumalee Montano, Sam Witwer, Jerry O'Connell, Jason O'Mara, Rosario Dawson, Nathan Fillion, Christopher Gorham, Shemar Moore, Sean Astin, Sirena Irwin, Matthew Yang King, Jay Johnson, and Larry Cedar

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is a 2015 straight-to-video animated superhero film from Warner Bros. Animation.  It is the 21st film in Warner's line of DC Universe original animated movies.  The film features DC Comics' top superhero team, the Justice League, with a focus on Aquaman.

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is loosely based on the 2012-13 comic book story line, “Throne of Atlantis.”  Written by Geoff Johns and drawn by artists Ivan Reis and Paul Pelletier, “Throne of Atlantis” was published in Justice League (2011) #15-17 and Aquaman (2011) #14-16.  Throne of Atlantis the animated film pits Aquaman against his half-brother for the throne of Atlantis, as the Justice League tries to stop a war between the humans on the surface and the people of underwater kingdom of Atlantis.

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis opens with a mysterious attack against the S.S. California, a United States Navy submarine, in the Marianas Trench.  The attack is the first salvo in a war that Orm (Sam Witwer), a prince of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, wishes to declare on the surface world.  His mother, Queen Atlanna (Sirena Irwin), seeks peace with the humans on the surface.  Atlanna sees her half-human/half-Atlantean son, Arthur Curry (Matt Lanter), as the key to this peace, and she sends a trusted warrior, Mera (Sumalee Montano), to protect Arthur and to inform him of his royal heritage.

Meanwhile, the Justice League:  Superman (Jerry O'Connell), Wonder Woman (Rosario Dawson), Batman (Jason O'Mara), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Flash (Christopher Gorham), Shazam (Sean Astin), and Cyborg (Shemar Moore), does not really function as a unified group of superheroes protecting the world.  Only Cyborg has remained dedicated, but after he is attacked while investigating the attack on the S.S. California, he forces the issue with his erstwhile teammates.  Can the Justice League unite in time to defeat the plans of Orm and his partner, Black Manta?  Can Arthur Curry rise to the occasion and become the hero known as “Aquaman?”

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is neither an exceptional “DC Universe” animated movie, nor is it a particularly special Justice League animated film.  Personally, there wasn't enough Batman in it to suit me, although, to be honest, most of the DC Comics animated films either star Batman or feature him in a prominent role.

Throne of Atlantis is entertaining, and I wouldn't have minded if the film lasted longer; of its 72 minutes of run time, barely 65 minutes features actual story and action.  This film's version of Atlantis is intriguing, but the movie doesn't reveal much about this underwater kingdom other than that its citizens are ready to kill surface dwellers with little provocation.  I must say that the creatures, armor, and machines of war for Atlantis are strikingly designed.  A longer film could have shown us more sides of Atlantis and not just the martial side.

Of note, Nathan Fillion delivers an uninspired voice performance as Green Lantern, but Shemar Moore shines as Cyborg.  I have to be honest with you, dear reader, I am always up for watching a DC Universe animated film, so Justice League: Throne of Atlantis pleased me and did leaving me wanting more, simply because it is fun to watch.

7 of 10
B+

Sunday, July 12, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Review: "Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness" is Rather Tame

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 22 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux (support on Patreon)

Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness (2015) – Video
Running time:  72 minutes (1 hour, 12 minutes)
PRODUCER/DIRECTOR:  Paul McEvoy
WRITER:  Mark Banker
EDITOR:  Kyle Stafford
COMPOSER:  Andy Sturmer

ANIMATION/FANTASY/FAMILY and ACTION/COMEDY/MYSTERY

Starring:  (voices) Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, Grey DeLisle, Mindy Cohn, Diedrich Bader, Eric Bauza, Jeff Bennett, Jennifer Hale, Mark Hamill, Malcolm McDowell, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Fred Tatasciore

Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness is a 2015 straight-to-video, animated, comic mystery film.  It is also the 23rd animated movie in the Scooby-Doo straight-to-video series from Warner Bros. Animation, which began in 1998 with Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.  In Moon Monster Madness, Mystery Inc. travels to an elaborate moon base where they attempt to unravel the mystery of an alien monster.

Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness introduces the billionaire Sly Baron (Malcolm McDowell).  His latest venture is to make “space tourism” more readily available.  To that end, Baron and his brother, Hudson (Fred Tatasciore), create the first space cruise ship, the “Sly Star One.”  Baron has picked an elite crew to accompany him on the Sly Star One's maiden voyage:  hero astronauts: Zip Elvin (Mark Hamill) and Colt Steelcase (Jeff Bennett); rising astronaut star, Shannon Lucas (Jennifer Hale); self-proclaimed alien hunter, Ridley (Jennifer Hale); football star, Uvinious Botango a.k.a "U-Boat" (Kevin Michael Richardson); and H.A.M. (Diedrich Bader), a robot who just wants to be useful and to be liked.

Baron also creates the “Sly Me to Space” sweepstakes, a lottery that give the last 5 seats on the Sly Star One to ordinary folks.  And the winners are Fred Jones (Frank Welker), Daphne Blake (Grey DeLisle), Velma Dinkley (Mindy Cohn), Shaggy Rogers (Matthew Lillard), and Scooby-Doo (Frank Welker).  The cruise is not filled with fun, however, as rivalry, jealousy, and hero worship cause trouble.  And the space tourists soon discover an alien monster wants to ruin their trip to end their lives.

Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness is somewhat inventive.  It is sometimes funny.  It references and has allusions to famous science fiction movies and films about space travel, such as 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), and The Right Stuff (1983).  The problem is that Moon Monster Madness just does not come together.  It is a little too long; has too many guest or supporting characters; and does not fully utilize many of the characters or sub-plots and themes.  Personally, I would have liked more screen time for “U-Boat” and H.A.M.

To be honest, it is also possible that I had high expectations for Moon Monster Madness coming off the previous Scooby film, Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy, which I loved so much, to an extent that still surprises me.  Still, I will recommend Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness, because... well... I always recommend Scooby-Doo movies.

5 of 10
B-

Monday, May 25, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Andy Samberg and Kelsey Grammer Give Voice to Warner's Bros.' "Storks"

Warner Bros. Pictures to Deliver “Storks” on September 23, 2016

Andy Samberg and Kelsey Grammer lend their voices to the new original animated adventure from the Warner Animation Group.

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures has announced that audiences can expect the studio’s new animated feature “Storks” to arrive in theatres on September 23, 2016. The announcement was made by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “We are thrilled to be broadening our animation slate with the new adventure ‘Storks.’”

Nicholas Stoller (“Neighbors”) and Doug Sweetland (Oscar-nominated short “Presto”) are co-directing the feature from an original script by Stoller. Stoller is also producing the film, together with Brad Lewis. Glenn Ficarra, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, John Requa and Jared Stern are serving as executive producers.

Andy Samberg and Kelsey Grammer are set to star in “Storks,” with more voice cast to be announced.

With a totally original story developed under the umbrella of the Warner Animation Group, the film will deliver a fresh and funny look at the fable behind storks.

In announcing the date, Fellman stated, “We are thrilled to be broadening our animation slate with the new adventure ‘Storks.’”

Kwan Vandenberg, added, “‘Storks’ is an innovative idea that is sure to delight kids and families all over the world.”

Greg Silverman, Warner Bros. Pictures’ President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, noted, “This is an exciting project that demonstrates the boundless creativity and imagination of the Warner Animation Group and our dear friend and frequent collaborator, Nick Stoller.”

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Review: "Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon" Needs More Tom and Jerry

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 10 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon (2014) – straight-to-video
Running time:  57 minutes
PRODUCERS/DIRECTORS:  Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone
WRITER:  Brian Swenlin
EDITOR:  Kyle Stafford
COMPOSER: Michael Tavera
ANIMATION STUDIO:  Yearim Productions Co. Ltd.

ANIMATION/FANTASY/COMEDY and FAMILY/MUSICAL

Starring:  (voices) Kelly Stables, Vicki Lewis, Jim Cummings, Laraine Newman, Gregg Ellis, Jess Harnell, Richard McGonagle, Wayne Knight, and Dee Bradley Baker

Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon is a 2014 direct-to-video animated film starring the famous cartoon cat and mouse duo, Tom and Jerry.  Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, The Lost Dragon finds Tom and Jerry living with a young witch, as the trio tries to protect a young dragon.

Once upon a time, Drizelda the witch (Vicki Lewis) threatened a small hamlet that is the home of a group of blue elves.  Her evil plan is stopped by the wizard, Kaldorf the Great (Jim Cummings).  Years later, Drizelda's niece, Athena (Kelly Stables), operates Athena's Home for Unwanted Animals on the edge of the hamlet.  Tom and Jerry, two of the animals living with her, find a dragon's egg that soon hatches.  Suddenly, Tom is “mama” to a baby dragon that Athena names, Puffy (Kelly Stables).  However, Drizelda is determined to steal Puffy as part of her new diabolical plan.

Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon blends elements of the Lord of the Rings film and of Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty.  Sometimes, it is hard to tell where the Tolkien ends and the Disney begins.  The crocodile from Walt Disney's Peter Pan, or one that really looks like it, also appears as one of Athena's “unwanted animals.”  The Lost Dragon's animation even looks like a Disney house-style.

Beyond that, there is nothing noteworthy about Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon.  It has a few cute songs, and a few of the characters are mildly amusing.  The villain, Drizelda, is half-menancing, and her henchman, a trio of cats:  Tin, Pan, and Alley, steal a few scenes and provide some comic relief.

Surprisingly, for so average a Tom and Jerry cartoon, Tom and Jerry are actually pretty good in this movie.  Their antics seem natural and fluid, whereas much of this movie seems stiff.  I think Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon needs more Tom and Jerry.

5 of 10
C+

Tuesday, February 17, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

2015 NAACP Image Award Nominations - Writing, Directing, and Animation Categories

The 2015 NAACP Image Awards will be presented in a 2-hour special that will air live on Friday, February 6, 2015 on TV One at 9pm ET/8CT (tape-delayed for PT – Pacific Time).  The ceremony will be preceded by a one-hour pre-show, which will air live from the red carpet at 8pm ET/7CT (PT tape-delayed).

Nominations in the Writing, Directing, and Animation categories for the 2015 / 46TH NAACP Image Awards:

WRITING

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
• Aisha Muharrar - "Parks and Recreation" - Ann & Chris (NBC)
• Brigette Munoz-Liebowitz - "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" - Road Trip (FOX)
• Mindy Kaling - "The Mindy Project" - Danny and Mindy (FOX)
• Regina Hicks - "Instant Mom" - A Kids's Choice (Nickelodeon and Nick@Nite)
• Sara Hess - "Orange is the New Black" - It Was the Change (Netflix)

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
• Erika Green Swafford - "How to Get Away with Murder" - Let's Get To Scooping (ABC)
• Mara Brock Akil - "Being Mary Jane" - Uber Love (BET)
• Warren Leight, Julie Martin - "Law & Order: SVU" - American Disgrace (NBC)
• Zahir McGhee - "Scandal" - Mama Said Knock You Out (ABC)
• Zoanne Clack - "Grey's Anatomy" - You Be Illin' (ABC)

Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie
• Karin Gist, Regina Hicks - "Drumline: A New Beat" (VH1)
• Reggie Bythewood - "Gun Hill" (BET)
• Sharon Brathwaite, Peres Owino - "Seasons of Love" (Lifetime Networks)
• Shernold Edwards - "A Day Late and a Dollar Short" (Lifetime Networks)
• Sterling Anderson, Maria Nation - "The Gabby Douglas Story" (Lifetime Networks)

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
• Chris Rock - "Top Five" (Paramount Pictures)
• Justin Simien - "Dear White People" (Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate)
• Margaret Nagle - "The Good Lie" (Alcon Entertainment)
• Misan Sagay - "Belle" (Fox Searchlight Pictures/ DJ Films)
• Richard Wenk - "The Equalizer" (Columbia Pictures)


DIRECTING

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
• Ken Whittingham - "Parks and Recreation" - Prom (NBC)
• Ken Whittingham - "The Mindy Project" - Think Like a Peter (FOX)
• Linda Mendoza - "Bad Judge" - One Brave Waitress (NBC)
• Reginald Hudlin - "Bad Judge" - Knife to a Gunfight (NBC)
• Stan Lathan - "Real Husbands of Hollywood" - No New Friends (BET)

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
• Anton Cropper - "Suits" - One-Two-Three Go... (USA)
• Carl Franklin - "House of Cards" - Chapter 14 (Netflix)
• Cary Joji Fukunaga - "True Detective" - Who Goes There (HBO)
• Hanelle Culpepper - "Criminal Minds" - The Edge of Winter (CBS)
• Millicent Shelton - "The Divide" - And the Little Ones Get Caught (WE tv)

Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie
• Bille Woodruff - "Drumline: A New Beat" (VH1)
• Greg Champion - "The Gabby Douglas Story" (Lifetime Networks)
• Michael Wilson - "The Trip to Bountiful" (Lifetime Networks)
• Reggie Bythewood - "Gun Hill" (BET)
• Stephen Tolkin - "A Day Late and a Dollar Short" (Lifetime Networks)

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
• Amma Asante - "Belle" (Fox Searchlight Pictures/ DJ Films)
• Antoine Fuqua - "The Equalizer" (Columbia Pictures)
• Ava DuVernay - "Selma" (Paramount Pictures)
• Gina Prince-Bythewood - "Beyond The Lights" (Relativity Media)
• John Ridley - "JIMI: All Is By My Side" (XLrator Media)


ANIMATED/CGI

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance - (Television or Film)
• Jamie Foxx - "Rio 2" (20th Century Fox)
• Loretta Devine - "Doc McStuffins" (Disney Junior)
• Morgan Freeman - "The Lego Movie" (Warner Bros. Pictures/Village Roadshow Pictures/Ratpac-Dune Entertainment/Lego System A/S/VertigoEntertainment/Lin Pictures)
• Tracy Morgan - "The Boxtrolls" (Focus Features)
• Zoe Saldana - "The Book of Life" (20th Century Fox)

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Review: "Batman: Assault on Arkham" One of Best Batman Films

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 6 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014) – Video
Running time: 76 minutes (1 hour, 16 minutes)
Rated: MPAA – PG-13 for violence, sexual content and language
DIRECTORS:  Jay Oliva and Ethan Spaulding   
WRITER:  Heath Corson
COMPOSER:  Robert J. Kral
EDITOR:  Christopher D. Lozinsk
ANIMATION STUDIO:  Moi Animation Studios

ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/ACTION/CRIME

Starring:  (voices) Kevin Conroy, Neal McDonough, Hynden Walch, Matthew Gray Gubler, CCH Pounder, Troy Baker, Chris Cox, John DiMaggio, Greg Ellis, Giancarlo Esposito, Jennifer Hale, Christian Lanz, Nolan North, Martin Jarvis, and Andrea Romano

Batman: Assault on Arkham is a 2014 straight-to-video animated superhero film from Warner Bros. Animation.  It is the 20th film in Warner's line of DC Universe original animated movies.  This film is set in the universe of the Batman: Arkham video game franchise, and occurs after the events depicted in Batman: Arkham Origins (2013).

Batman: Assault on Arkham, of course, features classic DC Comics character, Batman, but here, he is really a supporting character.  Assault on Arkham focuses on a new version of the Suicide Squad, in particular, squad members, Deadshot and Harley Quinn, who are Batman villains.  In Batman: Assault on Arkham the film, a team of six villains breaks into an infamous prison to recover vital information, but find the mission complicated by the inmates and Batman.

As Batman: Assault on Arkham opens, shadowy U.S. government operative, Amanda Waller (CCH Pounder), sends a black ops team to kill Batman villain, The Riddler ( Matthew Gray Gubler).  Batman (Kevin Conroy) rescues his old adversary and returns him to Arkham Asylum.  Determined to kill The Riddler and to recover the dangerous information he stole, Waller reforms “Task Force X” (also known as the Suicide Squad).

She kidnaps the super-criminals:  Deadshot (Neal McDonough), Harley Quinn (Hynden Walch), Black Spider (Giancarlo Esposito), Captain Boomerang (Greg Ellis), Killer Frost (Jennifer Hale), King Shark (John DiMaggio), and KGBeast (Nolan North).  Waller presses them into her service, even having bombs surgically implanted into their necks to force them to serve her in Suicide Squad.  The survivors of Waller's training sneak into Gotham City, where they will infiltrate Arkham Asylum.  Meanwhile, Batman races across Gotham to find a dirty bomb planted by The Joker (Troy Baker), who is currently imprisoned at Arkham, which will soon be the sight of a lot of action.

I think that if the team of directors Jay Oliva and Ethan Spaulding and also writer Heath Corson had been the brain trust behind some of the Batman live-action movies, those movies would have been much better than they were, that includes Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises (2012).  Batman: Assault on Arkham is one of the best original DC Comics animated movies to date and one of the best Batman media adaptations to date.

It is not a bad thing that the Suicide Squad are the stars of this movie, because the team is presented in a way that makes them perfectly capable of carrying a good movie.  It's starts with the writing.  Heath Corson's script summons forth a group of engaging characters that are every bit as interesting as Batman, and Corson imagines a scenario that allows each character to show his or her colorful side, both in words and in deeds.

Directors Jay Oliva and Ethan Spaulding build tension through the Arkham mission, forcing the characters to reveal much of themselves to the audience, as they try to survive and win.  The big action and fight scenes build naturally; they don't seem like bunches of conflict badly sewn together to evoke de facto titillation in the audience.  Of course, as a work of fiction, this is contrived.  However, there is a sequence that begins on a helicopter and moves from Arkham to Gotham, and includes the “Batplane.”  This sequence seems like a logical extension of the drama and does not come across as something forced for the sake of creating a big chase scene.

The voice acting is truly good; these are fine performances.  Kevin Conroy, the classic Batman voice actor since “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992), reminds us why it is a special occasion to hear him as the Dark Knight and why many fans always want him to be Batman's voice.  However, in this film, Neal McDonough is the standout as Deadshot, and with a powerful deliver, full of character colors, he is the actual lead in this movie.

Hynden Walch is slinky goodness as Harley Quinn, and Troy Baker is pitch-perfect as the Joker.   CCH Pounder is a noted character actor and supporting actress, and she has also done some fine voice-over acting, which shows in her delicious and thugged-out turn as Amanda Waller.

Wow!  Can a brother get a sequel – from the same team?  If not, at least, we have Batman: Assault on Arkham.  It is an assault on any mediocre Batman media.

9 of 10
A+

Monday, January 26, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Review: "Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy" is One of the Best Scooby-Doo Movies Ever

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 45 (of 2014) by Leroy Douresseaux

Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy (2014) – Video
Running time:  74 minutes (1 hour, 14 minutes)
PRODUCER/DIRECTOR:  Paul McEvoy
WRITER:  James Krieg
EDITOR:  Kyle Stafford
COMPOSER:  Andy Sturmer
ANIMATION STUDIO:  Digital eMation, Inc.

ANIMATION/FANTASY/FAMILY and ACTION/COMEDY/MYSTERY

Starring:  (voices) Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, Grey DeLisle, Mindy Cohn, Diedrich Bader, Dee Bradley Baker, Eric Bauza, Jeff Bennett, Candi Milo, Susanne Blakeslee, Kevin Michael Richardson, Corey Burton, and Fred Tatasciore

Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy is a 2014 straight-to-video, animated, comic mystery film.  It is also the 22nd animated movie in the Scooby-Doo straight-to-video series from Warner Bros. Animation, which began in 1998 with Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.  In Frankencreepy, Velma discovers that she has inherited a family castle that also comes with a curse.

Early in Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy, Velma Dinkley (Mindy Cohn) gets a call from Cuthbert Crawley (Kevin Michael Richardson), a lawyer.  It seems that she has received an inheritance from her great-great-uncle, Basil Von Dinkenstein (Corey Burton) – property and a castle in the town of Transylvania, Pennsylvania.

However, Crawley informs Velma that the castle comes with the Dinkenstein family curse, which destroys what a person loves the most.  Not long after that warning, the Ghost of the Baron (Corey Burton) makes his appearance, and something beloved by the Mystery Inc. gang is destroyed.  Never ones to ignore a mystery, Fred Jones (Frank Welker), Daphne Blake (Grey DeLisle), Shaggy Rogers (Matthew Lillard), and Scooby-Doo (Frank Welker) join Velma and travel to the strange village of Transylvania, where angry villagers and a bizarre creature await them.

Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy is not only one of the best Scooby-Doo direct-to-DVD films; it is also one of the best Scooby-Doo cartoons ever.  The superb script by James Krieg recalls the first Scooby-Doo series, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969-1970), both in spirit and in deed.  Frankencreepy is an homage to the classic, original Scooby-Doo, but it is also a modernization that stays true to what is beloved about this franchise.  The story is also a breath of fresh air for this direct-to-DVD franchise, in that it makes the characters do unexpected things.  The mystery at the center of the film is both executed and solved in surprising fashion.

Frankencreepy has a striking visual aesthetic that also harkens back to “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” with an art deco twist.  The backgrounds, village, Von Dinkenstein castle, interiors, etc. recall the classic animation art of Looney Tunes masters, Chuck Jones, Maurice Noble, and Phillip DeGuard.  The animation almost seems like the cartoons of Charles Addams brought to life.  Frankencreepy is truly one of the most beautiful animated films that is not also a major feature film production.

Obviously, I am crazy about this Scooby-Doo movie.  Director Paul McEvoy keeps the story moving with an occasional offbeat moment or pace that assures that no one will think Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy is just another Scooby-Doo cartoon.  I would like the creative team behind this movie give us at least one more Scooby-Doo movie.

9 of 10
A+

Saturday, October 4, 2014


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.