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Fans expecting an animated superhero film much like past direct to video efforts will be in for a surprise in Merry Little Batman. This presentation feels very British, and much of that comes from the production and character designs. Also, when the best moments are from the British voice over talent pool instead of the American ones, all I could do was laugh out loud.
Ultimately, I feel this action adventure comedy puts a few ideas from Home Alone, Spitting Image and A Christmas Story into a blender, and what’s splattered out is just nutters!
And as the title implies, this holiday themed special is about a kid who wants to become the next Caped Crusader. When news of this movie was announced, I thought it might be about a young Bruce Wayne learning how to become a hero during Christmas vacation, but I was wrong. Instead, it’s about his son Damian (Yonas Kibreab) and his relationship with his father (Luke Wilson).
During this holiday interlude, all this boy wants for Christmas is to get back his stolen utility belt. It was gifted to him by Bruce, and they have a much closer relationship when compared to the past animated interpretations. This reality differs from the main series, and it’s very Edwardian in personality. Most of it is embodied in how Alfred Pennyworth (James Cromwell) looks after the Wayne family.
In this work, Damien wants to be like Batman. Although nothing is said about whether this version of the Dark Knight had Robin as a side-kick, my guess is that partnership never existed. Or something happened during those days to make Bruce hang up the cape. Although all the crime around Gotham is now in control, there’s still the odd activity Comissioner Gordon has to investigate. Despite begging and pleading to join his father in those cases, daddy dearest believes he’s not ready.
And when Bruce is out to take care of yet another malicious malady, it’s up to the butler to take care of the tyke. However, this version of Batman is rather rusty and can’t make it home in time. As for Alfie not being around, this spunky individual is “Home Alone.” Like Kevin, he will have to protect the manor from criminals! When he sees them busting in and wrecking his home, he’s ready to exact vengeance! And when they steal something precious to him, that’s when he gets serious, nearly Darkwing Duck style!
This cartoon is hilarious in how it depicts the most dreaded foes from Batman’s rogue’s gallery. Like Batman, they’re all caricatures! For example, Bane (Chris Sullivan) is played up even more for laughs, and it’s tough not to want to parody Chris Nolan’s version of him (from the film). As for The Joker (David Hornsby), there’s a meta moment concerning his fate that really cracked me up!
As for whether Damien can indeed confront the five villains awaiting (like a certain holiday song), I’m doubtful. His personality reminds me of a certain miscreant from the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. And as for who else he has to face, I’m better off not revealing the complete rogues’ gallery.
Ultimately, this holiday special acquaints viewers to a refreshing alternate take of the Batman mythos. It’s rare to depict Damien as a boy who just wants to be a kid. He’s not like that troublemaker from Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons. Even that take has its hilarious moments, but more often than not, he simply enjoys being a jerk and would earn a coal in his stocking. As a winter special, certain tropes concerning learning how to be a family has to be used. I like how a truce can be made, and that’s the perfect way to cap off this film.
4 Stars out of 5
Merry Little Batman Trailer
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