RICKLY Reviews - Batman: Assault On Arkham..........

DC Animated Features are very much leading the genre. That we can't dispute. Have they diversified and gone out their tentpole structure as well as the could? Resoundingly, no. Teen Titans? The other Green Lanterns? Maybe, using them as filler would have made a better buffer period. Assault on Arkham follows what's now become a DC formula - anime-style animation and brutal action sequences  - which have become mundane. They feel imbalanced in terms of character-driven stories because as seen here, what should have been a straight-up Suicide Squad story, becomes secondary to a character we've seen so much of. Sure, Kevin Conroy as Batman is epic but seriously, not everything needs to revolve around him and Superman. The tight, concise action-riddled 75 minute short ain't bad at all but it's hard to grasp and appreciate knowing that a lot of characters and plot in this story, seem so familiar. Not even the great voice-cast (as usual) can save the feeling of 'been there, done that' (not withstanding the excess violence and sexual connotations this time around)...

Many common characters (who we've seen so much of) are regurgitated and help lose the audience. It feels so imbalanced having to sift through the biggies again but these distractions are alleviated when the Suicide Squad pops up. They're well-written and pretty badass, with their own dramatic flair in the mix, and do bring a good comic representation to the light, but nonetheless get bogged down and lost in the mire of Batman. They really could have been a great standalone accomplishment. Sadly, little faith's placed in them and DC opted to run with the bigwigs. Note, Batman's suit seemed more armored and definitely, you sensed how they were tying together the animated filmverse. That kind of continuity is welcomed but once more, diversification's needed because there are too many properties by the wayside that need developing and breaking the mold.

While the plot feels too simple at times, the lack of complexity does work from the directors, Jay Oliva and Ethan Spaulding, who maximise their spot-on voice cast. Everyone feels attached and connected, even if cheesy at some points. The film has its flaws but they could have been ignored, if not for the fact that once more, we get a Batman-related film that could have been so standout without the titular character. There are many video-games which give this Arkham story enough light...we don't need it shone on us anymore. Not a bad effort but still, it's becoming boring and predictable. Stop being formulaic and start being bold again. Expand on these secondary characters more and leave them in the spotlight. Don't treat them like an afterthought. 

Grade: B