Review by Jon Donnis
I love Superhero films, I hate Superhero cartoons, I avoid them like the plague, however I thought I would give League of Super-Pets a chance, as I had heard good things about it.
The basic story tells of Superman's pet dog Krypto and shelter dog Ace who work with other animals to rescue the captured superheroes from Lex Luthor (Marc Maron).
With an all-star cast including Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Vanessa Bayer, Natasha Lyonne, Diego Luna, Thomas Middleditch, Ben Schwartz, and Keanu Reeves, surely, they can't go wrong!
The film starts off with the classic Superman origin story, but with a slight twist. During the final moments of Krypton before its destruction, Kal-El's parents put baby Supes in a small spaceship pod so he can survive, as the little ship is closing, a Kryptonian Labrador Retriever puppy jumps into the pod too.
Fast forward many years and Kal-El has become Superman (John Krasinski), and that little puppy is now known as Krypto the Superdog (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), or Krypto for short. Together they live in Metropolis under their secret identities of Bark and Clark Kent. (Yes, I know, there will be plenty of eye roll moments throughout the film).
Clark is dating Lois Lane (Olivia Wilde), and of course Krypto is jealous of her. Clark thinks that Krypto needs a friend so goes to an animal shelter to find one for him.
A Boxer named Ace (Kevin Hart ), is escaping the shelter but Krypto stops him.
Later on, Superman and Krypto spot Lex Luthor reeling in an orange meteorite with a tractor beam. You see, orange Kryptonite gives powers to mortals, and Luthor wants that power. But before he can finish the job, the Justice League turns up, and along with Superman and Krypto easily save the day.
Unbeknownst to them, Lulu (Kate McKinnon), a guinea pig tested on by Luthor, that has been sent to the shelter, manages to reel in a small piece of Orange Kyryptonite with her own tractor beam, which she uses to gain powers and escape, but as she got powers, so did the other pets in the shelter.
Ace the boxer is now super-strong and indestructible; PB (Vanessa Bayer), a potbellied pig, can change size; Merton (Natasha Lyonne), a near-sighted turtle, gains super speed; and Chip (Diego Luna), a squirrel, gains electrokinesis.
Eventually Krypto comes across the shelter animals, and convinces them to help him save Superman. And thus, the League of Super-Pets is born.
We then get a really fun proper Superhero story, but with pets. Of course the more famous Superheroes pop up too, and also get captured, and the pets have to save everyone.
The 3D style animation is incredible throughout, the voice acting is of the highest quality, which you would expect from such an all-star cast.
Despite the PG rating, this is a film that can also be enjoyed by adults, there are plenty of adult humour in there, and even some crafty swearing that is covered up with other noises, but you know what it is. The comedy moments are quite laugh out loud, and although as mentioned there are some eye rolling moments, even then you will smile knowing the terrible joke is quite clever.
There are even post credit scenes in classic Superhero film fashion.
The Good
Possibly the first Superhero cartoon I have ever actually enjoyed. The humour is spot on, I enjoyed the jokes, the story is fun, the animation is great and overall this is a really good film.
The Bad
Nothing really, this is a fun film from start to end.
Overall
I highly recommend DC League of Super-Pets; this is suitable for kids and adults. Great film.
I score DC League of Super-Pets a strong 9/10
Out now in Cinemas.
Pre-order the home entertainment release at https://amzn.to/3AcCCq0
