Review: “Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts”

An animated DC feature that is fun for all ages.

The last few DC animated films have been excellent, but increasingly more adult in nature.  While they play towards the darker elements of Batman’s lore, they tend to neglect the younger generation of Bat-Fans.

WB animation has wisely just released “Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts”, a family friendly feature that is appropriate for all ages.  The “Unlimited” series places Batman and friends in a futuristic timeline.  Lasers, hovercraft, and robots are all at home here. Closer to a Justice League movie, “Animal Instincts” costars Green Arrow, Nightwing, and Robin!

The story revolves around a series of odd robberies, all committed by The Penguin’s animalistic goons: Cheetah, Killer Croc, Silverback and Man-Bat.  While it at first seems they are focusing on petty thefts, there is actually a surprisingly ambitious plan in the works.

As with all of the recent DC animated film, the animation is crisp and engaging.  Due to the target audience, the fight scenes have been noticeably scaled back from the PG-13 films.  There’s still plenty of movement, but far bone crunching impacts.  The humor is certainly more juvenile, but doesn’t pander to children, so even adults will find a few things to laugh at.

If you only prefer the Pg-13 animated features, you might want to pass on this one.  However, all other Batman fans, young and old, will find something to enjoy in “Animal Instincts.”