Batman: Under the Red Hood
To be honest, I didn't think much of the Under the Red Hood story arc a few years back. I always thought bringing back Jason Todd, the second Robin, back from the dead was, in the words of one newspaper reporter, a "real sleazy move." The original story left an uncomfortable conclusion, and didn't elaborate how Jason cheated certain death.
The direct to DVD release of the storyline in most respects, is a marked improvement, and yet another gem of an animated feature that DC has produced. Jason's story this time is more coherent, and more believable, and truly convinces us that he is a force to be reckoned with, creating another compelling enemy in Batman's already eclectic and fearsome rogues gallery. Speaking of which, Ra's al Ghul and Black Mask also take important roles, and the Riddler makes a cameo appearance, but, like every other film he shows up in, the Joker steals the show. Granted, he's no Mark Hamill, but John Di Maggio's creepy and deranged portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime is right up there. Bruce Greenwood also pulls off a real gritty Batman weighed down by his failure to save Jason.
I hope DC continues to produce more of these animated movies, and they should serve as models for live action movies of DC characters in terms of plot and storytelling. I'll give this a 4.5 out of 5. Keep it up, DC.
