Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009)
Synopsis:
When Lex Luthor becomes President of the United States, he uses an approaching Kryptonite meteor as an opportunity to frame Superman as a threat and places a billion-dollar bounty on both the Man of Steel and Batman. Branded as criminals and fugitives, the two iconic heroes must work together while being hunted by heroes and villains alike who seek to claim the reward. As they evade their relentless pursuers, Superman and Batman recruit allies to help them clear their names and stop the deadly meteor from destroying Earth. The duo faces wave after wave of adversaries, including Captain Atom, Major Force, Metallo, and Power Girl, all while racing against time to expose Luthor's true scheme and save the planet from catastrophe in this action-packed animated adventure.
Where To Watch: Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
Parental Feedback
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies delivers a fast-paced, action-heavy animated experience with intense superhero battles and political intrigue at its core. Parents should expect relentless combat sequences, a darker tone typical of DC animated features, and themes involving government corruption and betrayal. The PG-13 rating reflects the sustained action violence and some intense confrontations, though the animated format softens the impact compared to live-action equivalents.
Why Kids Should Watch Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
This animated feature offers several positive elements for young superhero fans to appreciate.
The story showcases an unbreakable friendship between Superman and Batman, demonstrating how trust and loyalty matter even when the entire world turns against you. Their partnership models how different personalities can work together effectively toward a common goal.
The narrative presents clear themes of standing up against corruption and doing what's right even when authority figures abuse their power. Lex Luthor's manipulation as President provides opportunities to discuss integrity and moral courage with older children.
The animation quality and voice acting, featuring Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy reprising their iconic roles, deliver an engaging superhero adventure. The 67-minute runtime keeps the story focused without overwhelming younger viewers with excessive length.
The film reinforces the importance of seeking help and building alliances, as Superman and Batman must recruit other heroes to stop both the meteor threat and Luthor's schemes.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
Parents should consider several concerns before allowing younger children to view this animated feature.
The relentless action violence includes numerous fight scenes with heroes and villains battling throughout, featuring energy blasts, physical combat, and destructive confrontations. While bloodless, the intensity level remains consistently high and may overwhelm sensitive or younger viewers.
The political themes and government conspiracy elements create a darker, more cynical tone that younger children may find confusing or disturbing. The concept of a corrupt President using his power to frame heroes introduces complex moral ambiguity.
The rapid pacing and constant barrage of superhero and villain characters may be difficult for children unfamiliar with the DC universe to follow, potentially leading to confusion about character motivations and relationships.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies earns approval for older children and teens who can handle intense animated action and appreciate the darker themes of heroism under persecution.
What Parents Should Know About Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the film models loyalty, friendship, standing up for what's right against corruption, and working together to solve problems despite overwhelming opposition. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film maintains high intensity throughout with constant threats and betrayals, though it focuses more on action than emotional depth, which may actually make it less confusing for some children. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, Lex Luthor's manipulation and abuse of presidential power ultimately lead to his downfall, demonstrating that corruption and dishonesty have consequences. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, teamwork is central as Superman and Batman must trust each other completely and recruit allies like Power Girl to overcome the challenges they face. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The primary message emphasizes doing what's right even when authority figures or public opinion turn against you, and that true friendship withstands any test. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate Superman/Batman: Public Enemies as a solid entry in DC's animated lineup, particularly for children already familiar with and enthusiastic about superhero content. Many note that the PG-13 rating is appropriate given the sustained action violence and darker political themes, recommending it primarily for pre-teens and teenagers rather than younger children. The film's relatively short runtime is frequently mentioned as a positive, keeping kids engaged without dragging. Some parents express concern about the complexity of having so many characters and the cynical portrayal of government, suggesting pre-viewing or co-viewing for context. Overall, families with superhero fans tend to view it as entertaining and age-appropriate for older children who can handle intense animated action.
Official Superman/Batman: Public Enemies Trailer
Why Kids Love Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
Superman and Batman team up to dodge an entire army of heroes and villains chasing them for a billion-dollar bounty. The non-stop pursuit features superpowered brawls as characters like Captain Atom, Power Girl, and the unstoppable Solomon Grundy join the hunt. Every scene delivers high-octane action as the duo uses flight, gadgets, and quick thinking to escape wave after wave of attackers.
The Kryptonite meteor hurtling toward Earth creates urgent, world-ending stakes that keep the tension cranked up. Batman's arsenal of high-tech vehicles and clever devices pairs perfectly with Superman's incredible strength and heat vision. Together they outsmart villains like the metal-powered Metallo and the dangerous Major Force in explosive confrontations that showcase their different fighting styles.
Kids love watching these two iconic heroes work as a team, combining brains and brawn to tackle impossible odds. The fast-paced adventure never slows down, jumping from one epic battle to the next as Superman and Batman race against time. Their loyal partnership and smart problem-solving prove that even when the whole world turns against them, true heroes stand up for what's right and save the day together.