Batman: Assault On Arkham

(Quick Unprofessional Review)

I wasn't planning on watching this new DC animated flick, but then decided why not? This one was quite an interesting one.

Batman: Assault on Arkham is based on the Batman video game universe. The film focuses on some of DC universe's lesser-known and some well-known villains. They are put together by Amanda Waller to break into Arkham Asylum and complete a mission.

The six (or seven) villains that come together are KGBeast, Captain Boomerang, Black Spider, King Shark, Killer Frost, Harley Quinn, and the leading man Deadshot. They are called Task Force X in the movie, but this is basically a Suicide Squad movie. They just have to sell it with Batman in the title.

Now time for the review ------

First, let me start of by saying this animated DC film is NOT FOR KIDS AT ALL! This is the most mature DC animated film by far. I thought Flashpoint Paradox was mature, but this movie was on another level. I was very surprised how adult-orientated this was. There were couple of sexual scenes that I did not see coming. I must say, Harley Quinn and Killer Frost looked pretty damn sexy animated! There were also a bit of cursing like b***h and s**t. Also contained a lot of violence. I got no problem with all this. I was just very startled.

Even though Batman was in it, the main character of the movie was Deadshot. He was also the star of the movie. He was portrayed very strongly. Looks like DC is trying to push Deadshot up to the A-List.

I'm glad DC didn't use more established bad guys. Instead, they used villains like Captain Boomerang, Killer Frost, King Shark, and Black Spider. (I would really love to see more of BLACK SPiDER in the comics and other media. He's pretty cool.)

The banter and interaction between all the characters were awesome. They were represented very close to the comics. The dialogue and writing were also top-notch. The animation was also fantastic. I have to point it out, WHY DOESN'T DC USE THIS HARLEY QUINN COSTUME IN THE COMICS? It's so much better than the one New 52 costume. If DC wants to give more power to their female characters, start by changing that New 52 Harley Quinn costume. (AND that ridiculous STARFIRE costume)

Arkham Harley Quinn New 52 Harley Quinn

This movie took a lot of risks and killed of a lot of the characters. I heard a few complains that people didn't like seeing so many characters die. I wasn't that bothered by the deaths since this is just a one-off film and doesn't connect to anything. It doesn't matter that much. I was a bit mad at one character who died very very early and didn't get to do anything. WHY!?!?!? C'mon, DC! He needs more love!

The voice acting was solid from everyone involved. I'm glad to see Kevin Conroy as Batman. He is the one true BATMAN! I'm also getting used to Troy Baker as The Joker. Yes, no one comes close to Mark Hamill, but Baker does a very good job channeling Hamill's iconic Joker voice. It was weird seeing Batman with eyes, I started to get used to it. You can also see Batman's eyes in the Arkham games, so maybe that's why they included them here.

To wrap this up, this was another solid edition to the list of great DC animated films. This was the best DC anime since Flashpoint Paradox. It was nice to see they focused on more lesser-known villains. Deadshot was the main focus and he did his job. There were some nice character moments and couple of nod to the comics and Arkham games. There were a few problems, but overall I really enjoyed this. I recommend it. 8.5/10