Superman Vs The Elite (2012)

I had no idea that this one was even in the animated movie pipeline. I remember the comic book at the time because it has an interesting twist but never thought it was worthy of a full length animated feature. Having just watched the movie, I have to say I am happy my initial impression was wrong.

The creative team managed to squeeze a pretty interesting superhero adventure together with a nice little morality play. Along the way we are reminded why Superman is one of the great heroes in literature. Just because he has the power to do something doesn't mean he SHOULD commit that act. Usually a less direct use of his powers is what saves the day and makes for the more interesting Superman stories. This tale definitely followed that line of thinking.

I am glad that in the Golden Age for DC Animated Movies there was room for this feature. It's a cartoon with something interesting to say about the true nature of heroism. It comes off like a more sophisticated interpretation of super heroics with interesting ideas about the nature of good and evil.

The movie takes place in a world were Lois is dating Clarke and she is fully aware that he is Superman. It makes her a valuable ally and sounding board in a way that her ignorance to the Superman/Clark Kent relationship never allowed. I could watch her and Kal-el bicker with each other all day long. Polly Perrette (Abby from NCIS) does the voice of Lois Lane and she sells the sex and smarts in a whole new way.

The Elite are also original characters with no deep history to mess with continuity. Superman fits nicely into this world and doesn't come across as old fashioned or particularly out of touch. I like that the contrast is a finer line than Superman would ever care to admit.

Superman's effectiveness as a super hero comes into question when a new group of super powerful crusaders, known as "The Elite" appear on the scene, led by British public identity hero Manchester Black. As super heroes, the Elite know no bounds, and are more than willing to kill, even on a massive scale, to stop villainy—putting them on a collision course with the ever-ethical and decidedly non-lethal Man of Steel.