‘Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham’ Movie Review - Too Much Story, Too Little Substance

Step into the dark and eerie world of Gotham City in the 1920s in the animated film "Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham". Based on the iconic comic book series by Mike Mignola and Richard Pace, the film brings to life an alternate version of the Caped Crusader battling supernatural evils that loom over the city. Directed by the talented duo of Christopher Berkeley and Sam Liu, and featuring the voice of David Giuntoli as Bruce Wayne/Batman, the film does have its merits. However, it falls short of being a must-see for any fan of the Dark Knight.

The story follows Bruce Wayne as he embarks on a treacherous expedition to Antarctica in search of Professor Cobblepot's team. But what he finds there is far beyond his wildest imaginings: mutated creatures and a terrifying undead assistant named Grendon. Bringing Grendon back to Gotham sets off a chain of events that threatens to unleash an ancient evil prophesied by the same cult responsible for the death of Bruce's parents. To stop this catastrophe, Bruce must uncover the true origins of Gotham, his family's fortune, and his own destiny. Can he rise to the challenge and save his city from certain doom?

The strongest aspect of this film is its voice acting. The cast, which includes notable actors such as Bruce Greenwood and Jennifer Carpenter, brings a level of depth and emotion to their characters that help to elevate the storytelling. Their performances add an extra layer of authenticity to the dialogue, which is especially important in a story that relies heavily on atmosphere and tone.

On the technical side, the animation is remarkable as well. However, some viewers might find the animation to be lacking in character and emotion, despite the attention to detail. The character movements often feel stiff and robotic, despite the organic and natural flow of movement that can bring a character to life. Even their facial expressions feel static and limited, failing to fully convey the depth of their emotions and struggles.

Furthermore, the pacing of the film feels rushed, which is likely due to the film's relatively short 88-minute running time. As a result, the plot moves at a rapid pace, leaving little time for the audience to fully comprehend what is going on. While the action sequences are well-staged, without proper explanations, they can feel disconnected from the story.

On top of that, the lack of character development can make the characters feel like plot devices, rather than fully-realized individuals who are very likely inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s mythos. Without knowing how they came to be in this alternate version of reality, it can be difficult for the audience to empathize with their plight or understand their motivations. This can be particularly problematic when it comes to the film's antagonists, who may come across as one-dimensional or simply "evil" without any explanation for their actions.

As the credits roll on Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham, you are left with conflicting feelings. It’s easy on the eyes, but the rushed plot leaves much to be desired. However, the unique spin on the Batman mythos makes this film stand out from the plethora of Batman adaptations.

In the end, while the movie may not cater to all audiences, it offers a refreshing perspective on the Caped Crusader and his universe. Face it with moderate expectations, and you might see that despite its imperfections, Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham is a bold addition to the Dark Knight's cinematic legacy, showcasing a new take on the beloved superhero.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times
Note - The Warner Bros. film is set to be released on March 28, 2023, on 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and digital platforms. The world premiere of the movie will take place at WonderCon 2023, on March 24th.