Superman has a best friend- Krypto, the Super-Pup (WWE's Dwayne Johnson). Since coming to earth together as children, Superman and Krypto grew up having each others' backs against foes such as Brainiac. Now that Lois Lane is in the picture, Superman's affections have focused more on romance instead of the bromance between a boy and his dog.
While this is happening, arch-enemy Lex Luthor has been doing animal experiments with various colors of Kryptonite in order to become super-powered as the Man of Steel. His latest find, Orange Kryptonite does imbue others with amazing powers. Only, the space rock only works on animals.
One of Lex's test subjects, a guinea pig named Lulu (SNL's Kate McKinnon), has gained amazing mental powers as well as telekinesis. And she's been able to do what Lex has never been able to accomplish: she's captured not just Superman, but the entire Justice League!
Krypto attempts to rescue his owner. Unfortunately, Lulu poisoned Krypto with a small dose of Kryptonite. Instead of killing him, it's taken away the alien pooch's powers. Now Krypto must rely on a group of misfit strays who also received super powers from the Orange Kryptonite to save the Justice League! Can the Last Dog of Krypton create a League of Super-Pets out of this bunch of unlikely heroes?
This film was extremely cute. It had a star-studded voice cast and was smartly written. But above all, it managed to pay tribute to 80 years of DC Comics legend and lore. For example, when Superman gets ready to do something heroic, you get a few notes of John Williams' 1978 score from the Christopher Reeve film. There's a ton of Easter eggs such as street ads in Metropolis that advertise Jonah Hex Western wear. Plus, the ability of the characters to laugh at themselves was just brilliant.
I felt like Dwayne Johnson is a student of DC Comics. I know that he's got his own vision of what DC should be like and it's kinda butting heads with James Gunn. But you know, I really think the two should get together and really map out two universes for the DC cinematic universe. James Gunn should get the more edgier stuff like Suicide Squad and Batman. Give Dwayne Johnson the family stuff like this and Shazam! I really feel like both have the fans interests at heart. It's only that I don't think James Gunn can do family friendly and The Rock is just not as dark as he thinks Black Adam should be.
I'm seeing reports that more of the League of Super-Pets is on the horizon and I really hope that James Gunn's appointment as the new head of DC films and streaming doesn't ruin plans for more kid friendly films such as this. If DC (and Marvel) are going to survive, you've got to capture the next generation. This movie is a great start. But Warner Bros. really shouldn't give up on this. I want to see more DC stuff for families. Because DC is better when it's more light and family oriented. Save the grit for the Marvel Universe.
Worth Consuming!
Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
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