"Batman: Under the Red Hood" is as good as any live-action "Batman" epic. The opening sequence shows the Joker using a crowbar to soften up Jason Todd before he leaves him trapped in a warehouse wired to blow up. Batman arrives too late to rescue Todd, and one of the Caped Crusader's immortal enemies, Ra's al Ghul, who had gone into business with the Joker. "Batman Versus Dracula" director Brandon Vietti has made a first-rate escapade with an enigmatic character, the Red Hood, devastating the Black Mask's crime empire. Batman doesn't seem inclined to want to capture the Red Hood and turn him over to the authorities. The biggest surprise of this animated, 75 minute extravaganza is the revelation about the Red Hood's identity. Not only do we get the zany Joker at his most sadistic, but also Batman teams up with his former partner Dick Grayson who is now Night Wing. The scenes where Batman and the Red Hood partner up to battle a quartet of virtually indestructible combatants is exciting stuff, as is the showdown between Night Wing and Batman against Amazo, a robot that can absorb superhero's powers. The animation looks terrific, and Bruce Greenwood makes a robust Batman. Batman gets to use his Batplane, his batarangs, and his own traditional weapons. Batman is haunted by the death of Jason Todd. It seems, however, that poor Jason isn't defunct. As it turns out, Ra's al Ghul confiscated his corpse and put it into his Lazarus Pit to rejuvenate him. Alfred doesn't look the same. He has hair. The Joker is just as dangerous as he has always been. Vietti doesn't let the pace slacken in this fast-moving actioneer.
Review of Batman: Under the Red Hood
Batman: Under the Red Hood
(2010 Video)
Another GOOD Batman Animated Epic!!!
22 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers