The Mosley Review: DC League of Super-Pets

I have asked this question so many times over the years and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Why are DC's animated films and tv shows so much better than their live action films?! There are some amazing gems in the DCEU and films not connected to them like The Batman, but consistently the DC Animated Universe and other ventures like The Lego Batman Movie have been knocking it out of the park. I just don't understand it. What I do understand is that the animated films take big swings on characters that aren't as highlighted or forgotten and they've given them new life. That's what has happened here and I was truly blown away by how much love was poured into this story. Sure it could've been a mindless fluff film for children, but instead it carries that perfect balance between child humor and adult humor that kept it engaging. I grew up with the knowledge of Superman's dog Krypto and I remember the comics and animated specials. This was a delightful reimagining of his origin and I loved every bit of the Easter eggs of the DC universe spread across the film.

Dwayne Johnson was fun and light hearted as Krypto. He captured the loyal companion that is almost a carbon copy of his owner. John Krasinski was excellent as Superman and he nailed the boy scout nature of the character. The two of them together were wonderful and I loved their adorable scenes together. Kevin Hart was so good as Ace and I loved that he was more level headed. He had some hilarious moments in the film, but his backstory was where the heart of the film really comes out as it is truly heartbreaking. Vanessa Bayer was cute and bubbly as PB and I liked her moments of self discovery and confidence. Diego Luna was a lunatic in the best way as Chip. He was all over the place and fun as he tries to control his powers. Natasha Lyonne was perfect as Merton McSnurtle. I loved her geriatric one liners and well placed curses. She nearly stole every scene in the film. Keanu Reeves was perfect as Batman and every time he spoke, it was gold. Marc Maron was truly having fun being evil as the iconic villain Lex Luthor and I was totally there for it. Kate McKinnon was excellent, perfectly sarcastic and sometimes sadistic as Lulu. This entire cast had excellent chemistry and that is rare in voice acting in massive animated films like these.

The score by Steve Jablonsky was great and of course sprinkles the iconic John Williams and Danny Elfman themes for Superman and Batman. The animation was smooth and I loved how epic some of the shots were during the action scenes and even some of the gorgeous views of Metropolis. This was truly a fun superhero film about the super pets that I didn't know I actually needed. Now if only DC could transfer this amount of good storytelling to their DCEU films. Do stick around for both fun end credit scenes. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!