Movie Review -- DC Showcase: Catwoman

Well, since there's a new DC Showcase short on the Batman: Year One DVD, I thought I would review it separetly as I've done in the past.  So, let's take a look at....

DC Showcase:  Catwoman

Directed by Lauren Montgomery

Starring the voices of Eliza Dushku, John DiMaggio, Tara Strong, Cree Summer, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Lillian Mumy.  

Backstory:  A prime way to illustrate my disappointment with the DC animated direct-to-DVD films is the DC Showcase line.  This animated short films give focus on beloved B-list characters that could clearly  carry their own film.  The best example:  Catwoman.  Bruce Timm, the producer in charge of these films, has long said a Catwoman film is one he would love to do...but it looks like this short film is all we're going to get.  Don't get me wrong, I love these shorts, but...they could be whole films!

Plot:  On one moonlit Gotham City night, Catwoman saves a stray cat from being mercilessly gunned down by a couple of thugs.  This piques the Cat's curiosity, so she begins to investigate, and she's soon doing battle with a notorious diamond smuggler known as Rough Cut.  What is Rough Cut's nefarious plan, and can Catwoman get to the bottom of it?

What I Liked:  Well, a good portion of the film takes place in a strip club, and they really push the limits of the PG-13 rating on this DVD.  Like a lot of the DC Showcase shorts, it's kind of short for character development, so the main focus is on action, and there's some great action set pieces in this.  The voice acting is really good, and the quality is very high level.  And throw in a script from fan favourite Batman writer Paul Dini...it's all good.

What I Didn't Like:  IT'S TOO DARN SHORT!!

Final Verdict:  I really  like this DC Showcase concept, and if this is all we're going to get for characters the level of Catwoman's popularity, then keep bringing them on.  

3 Nibs