Superman: Red Son (2020)

Superman: Red Son (2020)

Dir. Sam Liu

An Elseworlds tale that explores what the Man of Steel might have become if he'd been raised and come of age in a post-World War II Soviet Union locale instead of a 'friendly' US state.

The one and only time I read the comicbook miniseries that Red Son is based on was about twenty years ago, so, naturally, I remembered absolutely nothing about it. I hoped the movie's story might attempt a meaningful exploration of how much a location's dominant system of beliefs and cultural identity might influence the cognitive development, moral standing, ethical mindset, psychology, etc, of its citizens.

Or, to put it another way, the nurture vs nature debate, which could've critiqued or commented on the accepted, overused norms of the US version of the costumed superhero and his alien origins, through reflection at the very least. Otherwise, what would be the point of shifting the protagonist's all-important location?

Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2020)

Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2020)

Dir. Chris Palmer

As soon as the DCAMU was ended, the Tomorrowverse continuity was launched. The Adam Strange DC Showcase short (on the JLD: Apokolips War disc) is its beginning, but the first feature-length movie was the aptly named Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2020).

It explores the Kryptonian's early years, firstly as a youth in Smallville and then as a twenty-something adult in Metropolis working as an intern at the Daily Planet newspaper. The latter period is a modern 'smartphone' era. In ways that are both subtle and not, we see his pain at feeling alien and misunderstood.

Things thereafter descend into mostly mediocrity and blandness, with some very uninspired directing choices. It was the director's first feature film, so some allowances must be made, but even with those in place some scenes — such as the one wherein a costumed Supes first meets Lex Luthor — are amateurish at best. I don't mean that to sound unkind; it's simply an opinion.

Batman: Death in the Family (2020)

DC Showcase Animated Shorts:

Batman: Death in the Family (2020)

Dir. Brandon Vietti

NOTE: image used is the DVD cover art. The Blu-ray art is much better, but is spoilerific.

It isn't the worst animation that DC has ever put out – because Batman and Harley Quinn (2017) exists – but it's a strong contender for the most perplexing. But before you even get to determine if you feel the same way, it's advisable to watch Under the Red Hood (2010) because DitF uses the same storyline and some of the same footage, but is tweaked to allow the viewer to see alternate paths for some of UtRH's primary characters.

To clarify, you're presented with a choice at certain points in the scenario, such as who will live or who will die, with subsequent footage branching to reflect that choice. Some of what you get is new animation, often giving backstory or referencing something from UtRH. Sometimes it's an entirely new sequence, but at others it's new intercut with existing animation from UtRH, meaning you'll have to sit through some of it yet again.

Deathstroke: Knights and Dragons (2020)

Deathstroke: Knights and Dragons (2020)

Dir. Sung Jin Ahn

Originally conceived as a dozen webisodes that were to be released periodically, Knights and Dragons was ultimately pulled from that format after just one installment had aired. It was eventually released straight to disc instead with all twelve parts stitched together, which explains 'The Movie' being in the title.

It's the story of Slade Wilson (Michael Chiklis), an ex-Green Beret soldier who, unbeknownst to his wife Adeline (Sasha Alexander), makes his living now as a costumed mercenary named Deathstroke.

His job isn't the only thing Slade keeps secret from Adeline. Before their marriage he volunteered to receive an experimental military serum, which gifted him super powers and a convenient healing ability. It's like someone took the most overused aspect of every Marvel comic character and gave it a new home.

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)

Dirs. Matt Peters + Christina Sotta

Apokolips War marks the end of the DC movie continuity that began with The Flashpoint Paradox (2013). I didn't like the New 52 very much, so have no problems if its influence on the animated universe comes to an end - if indeed that's what actually happens. At time of writing, it remains to be seen if that's the case.

The story begins with a quote written large onscreen, a slight paraphrasing of a famous prayer that was penned by the theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. While initially untitled, in modern times it's become known as the Serenity Prayer. If you're not familiar with the title, it's the verse that encourages one to accept the things that they cannot change; have the courage to change the things that they can; and the wisdom to know the difference.