Review
Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem
Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem is the sequel to Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts. Batman and his allies have to not only battle a band of supervillains led by the Joker but a computer virus aimed at taking away control of all advanced technology and a new ally, Cyborg, who is also infected by the virus. To increase the stakes, the good guys have not only Gotham City to save but the whole world. Like the previous movie, Monster Mayhem is a classic comic book romp for all ages.
Monster Mayhem solidifies the Batman Unlimited franchise is the marriage of classic Silver Age comics from the 60s and 70s - zany, anything goes sci-fi concepts, light hearted tone - and the futuristic influences of the Batman Beyond animated series from the late 1990s. The franchise appears to take place further into the 21st century but nowhere as far as the 50 year time skip as Batman Beyond. There are the beginnings of flying cars with the police hovercraft. Solar panels adorn street lights. The architecture of Gotham looks like it's at a cross roads with the past and future. Stately Wayne Manor hides a high-tech Batcave that stretches as far as the eye can see.
The future landscape is taken fully advantage of and essentially is the quiet explanation for all the insane level of gadgets. One second Joker is riding a purple chopper, then a giant and goofy boxy exo suit then an anime-inspired clean cut Iron Man-esque suit of armor. On the other hand, in this movie, the heroes are forced to reach back and go old school -- riding around in World War II era planes and motorcyles. Even Nightwing brings out an outdated Blackberry smartphone to use. That was the tip of the iceberg. The final battle between Batman and Joker isn't what you would expect. Instead of the fisticuffs fanfare atop a speeding train, they fight in an immersible video game landscape. Batman is on the run from multiple Jokers who turn into Pterodactyls until he figures out how to turn them into Batmen and fashions himself a Tyrannosaurus Rex robot to ride around in. Did I mention it had a laser cannon spring from its back?
The story itself is a lot more simple than the previous movie. Joker and his crew steals and kidnaps what they need to spread a computer virus, take over the city, and try to take over the world. The structure of the movie is an obvious retread of the previous movie and suffers more so in Monster Mayhem. The villains are laid out from the beginning like throwing down a set of cards too early in the game. Then it's fight. Exposition. Fight. Exposition. Fight. The movie takes too long to get through scenes and is sluggish. It's very clear this 80 minute movie could have been cut back to a 60 minute one. The characterization and personalities of the villains also suffered in this movie. There was no origin story or grudge to anchor the villain team like with Penguin in the previous movie. With Animal Instincts, it was clear they worked together for the golden core of the asteroid. Here it's less obvious, they just wanted to be in positions of power... I think. Solomon Grundy, surprisingly, stood out the most because he was the comedic relief instead of the Joker.
Another influence on Monster Mayhem and other entries in Batman Unlimited are the current New 52 era of comics. Red emblem Nightwing, Red Robin, and Cyborg are definitely inspired by it. Scarecrow has been updated far from the gawky toothpick to someone who gets in a decent workout and got himself a gas mask. Clayface's design sort of faltered. When he's not a towering behemoth, he loses the menace. Batman and Green Arrow are tweaked but more or less preserved. Silver Banshee, Solomon Grundy, and Joker are the ones that retained their classic designs the most.
Another positive for the Batman Unlimited line, including Monster Mayhem, is the amazing animation and staging. Troy Baker did an admirable job with this version of the Joker after recently voicing him a PG-13 animated movie, Batman: Assault on Arkham - set in continuity with the Arkham video games. Will Friedle, who has only really has two voices, delivers another stellar session as Nightwing. Watching and listening him voice Nightwing under the sway of Scarecrow's fear toxin was a treat. Fred Tatasciore gives a lighter side to Solomon Grundy that we haven't really seen since the days of the Justice League animated series. I'm on the fence about Khary Payton voicing Cyborg. While he fit just fine as Cyborg on Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go!, he stuck out too much for my tastes.
While a commentary track would have been great, the "Gotham of Tomorrow" feature was a pleasant surprise and gave viewers a primer on creating the world of Batman Unlimited. Another boon to the special features is 10 of the DC Nation animated shorts (Shazam, Green Arrow, Deadman, Riddler, and Animal Man) and each one comes with full credits at the end. Working off Joker declaring himself King Joker in Monster Mayhem, the classic episode from the DC Vault is "Emperor Joker!" from Batman: The Brave and The Bold. Overall the selection of special features are scant but what we do get is very enjoyable. You always wish there was more.
Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem was a fun movie that didn't take itself very seriously. Overall, the Batman Unlimited line of movies and digital shorts were well crafted for the all ages audience. A father and son would have no problem watching these whereas the young adults and nerdboys would tire of them due to pacing, plot, and characterization but hopefully appreciate the blend of Silver Age sci-fi antics, Batman Beyond futurism, and New 52 aesthetics. Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem is a recommended buy for those looking for something a little different and light hearted.
Rating
Main Feature: 2.5 out of 5
Special Features: 2.5 out of 5
Average Rating: 2.5 out of 5