Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, out now

Jonathan Kent and Damian Wayne must join forces to battle a foe even their famous fathers cannot beat…

For those not well versed in the DC comic book universe, the first sight of Jonathan Kent – as in the son of Superman and Lois, rather than Martha’s husband – was probably in the CW series that showcases him and his brother alongside their more famous parents. The core idea is somewhat different and it’s that to which this CGI animated feature film returns – and if you don’t have any idea of how Jonathan found out his heritage etc., there’s a good half hour of this movie to fill you in (that is, after yet another retelling of Superman’s own origin, albeit with a twist). Know nothing about Damian Wayne, and you’re slightly more at sea, as we only learn his backstory as things go along in the second and third acts of this feature.

The two boys’ rivalry/friendship is at the core of this movie, and portrayed well by Jack Dylan Glazer and Jack Griffo as Jonathan and Damian respectively, even before Starro gets in on the act, and while the animation is rather different from that we’ve become used to in these DC movies, it works well enough, with director Matt Peter playing to its strengths, particularly in the action sequences. Jeremy Adams’ script inevitably skews a little younger than the previous release – The Long Halloween – and it does feel as if a one hour movie has had its first few minutes extended with backstory at times, but things do pay off.

The extras include a couple of Batman: The Animated Series episodes, which are always fun to watch.

Verdict: Not an essential addition to the library, but a pleasant enough way to spend 80 superpowered minutes. 7/10

Paul Simpson