We’ve seen Superman’s origin story in films like 1978’s Superman and, most recently, Man of Steel. However, we have never seen the origin story of Superman’s best friend: a Labrador named Krypto. Now, in an age of Avengers, Justice Leagues, and Guardians of the Galaxy, a new superhero team has arrived to give the world a helping paw. DC League of Super-Pets is the latest animated superhero comedy from Jared Stern, a co-writer of The LEGO Batman Movie. This film has Krypto (Dwayne Johnson) teaming up with a group of shelter pets led by Ace (Kevin Hart) to rescue the Justice League.
This is a hilarious and inventive take on the superhero genre with an approach that makes it all worth watching. A movie about a bunch of animals with superpowers is exciting in all the right ways, and this film does an excellent job of bringing that idea to fruition. The movie knows what it is and has a ton of fun, reuniting the stars of Central Intelligence and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle for another entertaining adventure filled with impressive animation.
Krypto is the lovable hero we never knew we needed. The Rock does a phenomenal job voicing this superpowered canine with a bespectacled secret identity named Bark Kent. He has a classic, loving relationship with his owner, Superman (John Krasinski). The opening finds hilarious ways for the two Kryptonians to interact and play fetch in ways only these two could. However, Krypto grows jealous of the growing relationship between Superman and Lois Lane, and worries about being replaced.
After an evil hairless guinea pig named Lulu (portrayed by the incomparable Kate McKinnon) takes away Krypto’s powers and kidnaps the Justice League, a humorously weakened Krypto must team up with a newly formed team of super shelter pets to save the day. Everything about this movie is as impressive as you would hope. Every pet in the film has a distinct, likable personality that makes you care for them as they are thrown into an explosive situation that they must rescue the world from. It’s a movie that offers every bit of entertainment value that the genre can offer, with loud laughs and animated action.
There is a lot of fun to be had with 3D computer-animated superhero action sequences, as seen in films like The Incredibles and Big Hero 6. While the action here isn’t among the best in the genre, the movie never fails to dazzle with its visuals and uproarious comedy. There is well-written humor that can make even adults laugh with its witty charm and little details. Johnson and Hart bring their established chemistry to this movie, and McKinnon flexes every comedic muscle she has as the film’s evil antagonist.
Furthermore, after this year recruited Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader in The Batman, this movie brings in another legendary actor to fill the shoes of this iconic superhero. Keanu Reeves plays the character of Batman in this film, and while he doesn’t have a lot of screen time, he is hilarious as this take on the character, who is so self-serious that it becomes comical. The movie features all of the traditional story beats of a superhero film, and it’s easy to predict where the characters will end up. Even so, DC League of Super-Pets is a delightful look at the superhero genre that introduces a furry team of unlikely heroes to the ever-growing heroic world.
SCORE: 8/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
Disclosure: The critic attended a press screening for ComingSoon’s DC League of Super-Pets review.
