Superman/Doomsday (2007) (V)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Directors:

Lauren Montgomery
Bruce W. Timm

Writers:

Duane Capizzi (writer)
Bruce W. Timm (writer)

Release Date:

18 September 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Action | Adventure | Drama

Tagline:

Where were you the day Superman died?

Plot:

When LexCorps accidentally unleash a murderous creature, Doomsday, Superman meets his greatest challenge as a champion. Based on the "The Death of Superman" storyline that appeared in DC Comics' publications in the 1990s. |

Plot Keywords:

Superman | DC Comics | Cloning | Skirt | Based On Comic Book

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Adam Baldwin	...	Clark Kent / Superman (voice)
Anne Heche	...	Lois Lane (voice)
James Marsters	...	Lex Luthor (voice)
John Di Maggio	...	Toyman (voice)
Tom Kenny	...	Robot (voice)
Swoosie Kurtz	...	Martha Kent (voice)
Cree Summer	...	Mercy Graves (voice)
Ray Wise	...	Perry White (voice)
Adam Wylie	...	Jimmy Olsen (voice)
Chris Cox	...	Damon Swank (voice)
Hettie Lynne Hurtes	...	Newscaster (voice)
James Arnold Taylor	...	Officer Tucker (voice)
Townsend Coleman	...	Drill Operator (voice)
Kimberly Brooks	...	Murphy (voice)
Kevin Smith	...	Grumpy Man (voice)

Also Known As:

The Death of Superman (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

USA:75 min (approx.)

Country:

USA

Language:

English | English | Spanish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Certification:

USA:PG-13 | Singapore:PG | Australia:M

Company:

Warner Bros. Animation

Trivia:

Kevin Smith appears animated as himself with one line: "Pff, like we really needed him to bust up the mechanical spider right? Lame!" This is a reference to the requirement made by producer 'Jon Peters', that Kevin Smith include a giant spider in the film ‘Superman Lives’, to be given the position of director (the project was canceled, in favor of Superman Returns). Kevin Smith wanted to use the same basic plot of ‘Superman: Doomsday’ for ‘Superman Lives’.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Lex Luthor: Just look at him. So sleek. So powerful. So... beautiful, like some great golden god made flesh. Of course, any sensible god would demand absolute obedience in return for his favor. But, no, our Man of Steel protects us, with no strings attached. The people? Hmph. They practically worship him anyway. Enjoy your reign while you may, Superman. For surely as night follows day, there comes a time when even gods must die.

Movie Connections:

References Superman II (1980)

Putting the Super back in Superman,

Now this is what Bryan Singer should have tried bringing to the big screen instead of Superman Returns.

This animated movie does more with the character than any live action movie has. Characters are well-drawn, well-animated and there is brilliant interplay between them to draw things out and tell a good story.

It explores the depth of the character of Superman, tasked with being an absolute pillar of morality to the public. And there is exploration into the character of Lois Lane, the journalist out to not just document all that he does, but also settle the conflict of her feelings for him. Interesting developments for other characters as well such as Jimmy and the editor, and the story packs it all into a highly entertaining hour and a half. The action is a highlight. The animation and the choreography of the fight scenes really stand out, putting the choreography of most live-action Hollywood movies to shame.

The script is excellent, it just feels a little rushed at times, but that's understandable given the short running times for animated movies. All the more reason why it would have been even better in live action, but the budget required to do it justice might be too much.

This is a very entertaining and thoughtful movie to watch even if you're not a fan of comics or cartoons. It's certainly not for children, the violence isn't graphic but it is certainly implied and a bit shocking.