Today’s quick review: Batman: Under the Red Hood. Five years after the Joker (John DiMaggio) killed Batman’s (Bruce Greenwood) sidekick Jason Todd, the Red Hood (Jensen Ackles) begins taking over Gotham’s criminal underworld by force. As Batman races to catch the Red Hood and stop the killing, he realizes that he is up against a twisted version of himself: a resourceful man who wants to rid Gotham of crime but embraces violence to do so.
Batman: Under the Red Hood is an animated superhero movie based on a story from DC Comics. Under the Red Hood shows the aftermath of one of Batman’s greatest failures: the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin. Faced with a foe who can match his tactics and fighting ability, Batman is reminded of Jason, whose acrobatic talents and zeal for crime-fighting were offset by a darker tendency towards violence.
Under the Red Hood shows off some of the best features of Batman and his universe. The Batman seen in the movie is brooding and obsessive, kept from falling into the abyss only by his strict moral code and the help of those around him. Red Hood makes for a perfect foil: aggressive, cunning, and all too willing to cross the line. Their conflict takes place against the backdrop of a Gotham that’s just as sprawling and corrupt as it should be.
Under the Red Hood backs up its central conflict with solid storytelling. Batman’s investigation into the Red Hood is interspersed with flashbacks to his past, including his fights with the Joker and key moments from Jason Todd’s career as Robin. These flashbacks expand the world and characters without derailing the main story. Other clever touches include Alfred (Jim Piddock) and Nightwing (Neil Patrick Harris) as two voices of reason.
Under the Red Hood also has plenty of spectacle. Red Hood’s fighting style combines acrobatic hand-to-hand combat with the brute force of guns and explosives. His fights with Batman are far-ranging and dynamic; Red Hood’s cunning and aggression give him an edge that Batman’s gadgets can only partially compensate for. Finally, the animation hits a sweet spot between modern levels of detail and the exaggerated motions of classic cartoons.
Batman: Under the Red Hood is the quintessential animated Batman movie, and its quality makes it a strong pick for series fans and newcomers alike. Some viewers will find details to nitpick, such as some storytelling choices or the exact style of the animation, but fans of the genre will appreciate its blend of dynamic action, meaningful conflict, and a well-structured story.
For an animated Batman movie with a similar mystery, try Batman: Hush. For one that explores the relationship between Batman and Robin, try Son of Batman or Batman vs. Robin. For another animated adaptation of an iconic DC Comics storyline, try The Death of Superman. For one that features a similar clash of crime-fighting ideologies, try Superman vs. the Elite.
[8.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1569923/). I give it a 7.5 for rock-solid quality and one of the better takes on Batman.