‘Superman/Batman: Public Enemies’
Here’s what makes “Superman/Batman: Public Enemies” so great: action, action, action. There’s a plot to be sure, but this direct-to-DVD movie from Warner Animation certainly stands up to previous releases like “Batman Gotham Knight,” “Green Lantern,” “Justice League: New Frontier,” “Wonder Woman,” and in some ways surpasses them.
If you, like me, love to see some superhero smack down, and you dig animation, “Superman/Batman: Public Enemies” won’t disappoint.
This movie brings together the DC Comics titans Superman and Batman, and anyone that’s ever seen their interaction knows it’s one of the best relationships in comics and film (animation).
Because they are so opposite, one wonders how they can relate to one another, but it’s that symbiotic relationship that makes it a joy to watch.
Based on the graphic collection by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness, “Superman/Batman: Public Enemies” follows the “reformation” and eventual election of Lex Luther (Superman’s arch nemesis) as president of the United States. A global threat, a Kryptonite asteroid hurtles towards Earth. At first Luther tries to enlist Superman’s help but uses a meeting to frame him for murder. Luther declares a $1 billion bounty on the heads of the Man of Steel and Batman (who obviously helps his friend). What follows is a who’s who of villainy and heroes all vying for the $1 billion reward.
Tim Daly as the voice of Superman (“Superman: The Animated Series”) and Kevin Conroy (“Batman: The Animated Series”) together again.
Once again DC proves that though Marvel has had a successful live action run, DC holds the monopoly on the animated front. These films are typically geared towards the 18 and up crowd anyway.
Fun, great stuff and Lex Luther uses a word I’ve never heard him utter before. Keep ’em coming, DC.
‘Batman: Arkham Asylum’
“Batman: Arkham Asylum” is one of the most impressive games I’ve seen for the new generation of game consoles (Xbox 360, Playstation 3). Best yet, you have voice work from Kevin Conroy (Batman) and Mark Hamill (Joker) and some eerie visuals.
Watching “The Dark Knight” for the 10th time has its place, but actually becoming the Dark Knight is even better.
‘The Sunday Night Football Cookbook’
I’m not the biggest sports fan in the world. In fact, if it isn’t boxing or wrestling, I typically have little interest in sports, but the “The Sunday Night Football Cookbook” does a beautiful job of blending sports enthusiasm with that of the culinary arts.
Completely authorized by NBC Sports, “The Sunday Night Football Cookbook” has more than 150 recipes from America’s top chefs, NFL players and alumni, and NBC Sports’ all-star on-air team.
Arranged by team and city, “The Sunday Night Football Cookbook” celebrates the special dishes, unique flavors, and most famous chefs of the NFL’s 31 cities (and Honolulu, where the Pro Bowl is held).
Recipes range from local favorites like Seared Tequila Chicken from Eddie Matney’s Restaurant in Phoenix to decadent desserts like Chef Tobin McAfee’s Double Warm Chocolate Hazelnut Pudding served at Sir Edmond Halley’s in Charlotte, NC.
Among the all-star chefs contributing recipes are Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse, Jean-Robert de Cavel, Christopher Wilson, Susan Goss and others. Also adding their favorite recipes are former NFL players, including Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward, Kansas City Chiefs’ Tony Gonzalez, and Indianapolis Colt Dwight Freeney. Stars from the NBC’s Football Night in America team, including John Madden, Tiki Barber, and Jerome Bettis, also contribute.
I love this book and I think you will too.
More importantly, proceeds will be used to support food banks around the country through the Taste of NFL and Feeding America programs.
For more information on Feeding America, visit www.feedingamerica.org.
Be sure to check out my blog, “Pop Culture Saturation,” at www.www.michiganchronicle.com. You can e-mail your “pop” tidbits and suggestions to cfortune@michronicle.com.
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