Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is a 2014 American direct-to-video animated superhero film based on the universe of the Arkham video game franchise, an extended branch of DC Comics' Batman universe. This thrilling, action-packed movie blends the iconic world of Batman with the sinister charm of the Suicide Squad.

The film, directed by Jay Olivia and Ethan Spaulding, marks a distinct turn in the traditional Batman narratives as it focuses on a group of villains known as the Suicide Squad - comprised of Deadshot, Harley Quinn, King Shark, Captain Boomerang, Black Spider, and KGBeast. However, the Caped Crusider, Batman, superbly voiced by the legendary Kevin Conroy, still plays a significant role in this gritty and suspenseful narrative.

The plot of Batman: Assault on Arkham kicks off when the ruthless government agent Amanda Waller, voiced by the talented C.C.H. Pounder, recruits these misfit criminals and forms the Suicide Squad. Tasked with the mission to break into Arkham Asylum, the most secure facility in Gotham City, they have to retrieve top-secret information stolen by the Riddler, brought to life by Matthew Gray Gubler.

However, their mission doesn't run as smoothly as they planned — Gotham City is under the watchful eye of Batman. Kevin Conroy gives an exceptional voice performance, furthering his acclaimed run as Batman and reinforcing his status as an integral part of the character's legacy. The undertone of suspense escalates as Batman steadily becomes aware of the Squad.

Hyden Walch voices Harley Quinn, rendering her character's manic energy and unpredictable humor with perfect pitch. Neal McDonough’s Deadshot provides an impressive structured contrast with his cool, calculated persona. Each character is beautifully developed and has their moment to shine, and the narrative is brilliantly balanced to portray both heroes and villains.

The setting of the film being in the universe of Arkham video games brings a fresh flavor to the Batman animated series. The animation quality of the film is high, maintaining the gravity and dark aesthetic related to Batman narratives while incorporating a new level of action-oriented visual dynamics.

What sets Batman: Assault on Arkham apart is its willingness to push the boundaries of a typical superhero movie. The narrative plays around gray moral areas, with the Suicide Squad's miscreants presented as protagonists. In contrast, the ever-brooding Batman works from the shadows, often underlining the fine line between lawfulness and lawlessness.

As the plot progresses, developers delve deeper into the quirky personalities of each Suicide Squad member. The narrative is accentuated with moments of humor, complexity, and humanism, making it a captivating viewing even for those not so familiar with the DC universe.

The intricate plot twists and unexpected turns of Batman: Assault on Arkham leave the audience gripped, creating a thrilling viewing experience that combines mystery, intrigue, and an original expansion of the Batman lore.

Despite being a Batman film, the spotlight in Batman: Assault on Arkham is equally on the Suicide Squad – these unlikely villains turned temporary heroes. The interpersonal dynamics between the unconventional team members, their individual motivations, and a sense of impending doom add to the movie’s charm.

Batman: Assault on Arkham beautifully encapsulates the core of Batman's world - that in Gotham City, the line between the good and the bad often blurs, where villains can be heroes and heroes can sometimes err. This film is a must-watch for any Batman fan or those who enjoy a good action-animated film with an edge.

Batman: Assault on Arkham from 2014 marks another successful entry in the world of Batman animated movies and the broader DC Universe, leaving an unforgettable impression with its outstanding voice performances, complex storytelling, and high-quality animation. If you're a fan of the Dark Knight, the Suicide Squad, or love crime-fighting action packed with suspense, this film is a must-see. It's an adult-oriented superhero movie that brings together elements of action, drama, and dark humor, setting it apart from many standard superhero narratives.