Film Review: 'Batman Ninja'
Stunning animation and wild fun makes ‘Batman Ninja’ (2018) one of DC Animated’s finest works. Directed by Junpei Mizusaki and animated by Japanese studios Kamikaze Douga and YamatoWorks, this film is exceptionally gorgeous. Trapped in feudal Japan, it follows Batman (Roger Craig Smith) and his Bat-Clan in a quest to defeat old foes and save Japan. The film features a host of popular Gotham regulars, and this action extravaganza pulls out all the stops to blend American and Japanese style.
‘Batman Ninja’ stands above its peers by pairing a compelling story with gorgeous art.
During a routine slugfest at Arkham Asylum, Gorilla Grodd's (Fred Tatasciore) Quake Engine is unleashed to blast a host of heroes and villains to feudal Japan. Dropped at different points in time, Batman arrives last and is attacked by the Joker’s (Tony Hale) army of samurai. After his narrow escape, a confused Batman reunites with Catwoman (Grey Griffin) and learns about the Gotham villains' vicious overtaking of regional feudal lords. Two-Face (Eric Bauza), Grodd, Joker, Penguin (Tom Kenny) and Poison Ivy (Tara Strong) are all determined to rule Japan and have been amassing armies for two years. Naturally, Batman vows to stop their reign of terror and rebuild the Quake Engine to return everyone to modern times. Luckily, the Bat-Clan have been taken in by ninjas and are ready to help Batman in his mission.
American animation aimed towards adults usually suffers from a low animation budget. Cartoon shows or films tend to favor grotesque or simplistic design, think Big Mouth, South Park, Batman: Soul of the Dragon or Beavis and Butt-head. It’s as if an appealing character would contradict the adult humor. Or beauty appears childish. On this point, ‘Batman Ninja’ stands above its peers by pairing a compelling story with gorgeous art. It’s still entertaining and funny but there are also frames I’d hang in my living room. It’s a simple combination I would like to see more of, and hopefully, utilize the talented artists on either side of the Pacific to make beautiful stories.
From story to tone ‘Batman Ninja’ seems to delight in doubling down on superhero tropes. For example, Batman makes his first faux pas in a very angsty Batman-like fashion by charging the Joker’s Arkham castle solo without backup, local knowledge, or a plan. Some Dark Knight lone-wolf angst at its best. When Batman encounters Eian of the Bat Clan of Hida (Matthew Yang King) and learns of the convenient bat ninja prophecy, and his destiny to save Japan, nobody bats an eye because of course there is. Or when each Gotham feudal lord arrives to battle with a themed super-robot. In feudal times. Asking why or how would only distract from how epic it is. The entire movie simply radiates, ‘Who cares? And isn’t it more fun this way?’.
‘Batman Ninja’ is a blast for the whole family, and the movie can be found in Japanese and English. Stream now at Vudu and HBO Max.
