Sometimes we need to ask ourselves, what really makes a good DC (or superhero in general) film? At this point, there are so many different “universes” it’s really hard to argue the accuracy of any film adaptations that may come out. If one of the writers can think of it -BAM – it’s canon now! Not that I have any complaints. It’s one of the ways that comic books have stayed a living, breathing medium. Understandably, even dedicated fans may find it difficult to keep up with the multiple plots, new characters, and alternate timelines. For example I, who admittedly lets a lot of DC story details slip past my notice, only learned about 10 years ago that Superman has a Kryptonian dog…named Krypto. And an entire League of Super-Pets exists. And no, it’s not a joke, and Krypto is canon – since 1955! Also, admittedly, I haven’t followed much on that element of DC much since, as there are other comics I would rather read if I felt like an animal story.

Probably should have guessed that sooner or later a feature length DC League of Super-Pets would be a thing, CGI animated and with an all-star cast, no less! Focusing on Krypto (Dwayne Johnson), who absolutely loves his life as the super powered doggo best friend of Superman (John Krasinski), and is confident there is no one else in Sup’s life that can possibly be as important as him. When he discovers that Clark is planning on asking girlfriend Lois Lane (Olivia Wilde) to marry him, Krypto starts acting up…leading Clark to seek a companion for him from a local rescue shelter. Enter Ace (Kevin Hart), a shelter mutt who really isn’t interested in having an owner, but really just wants his freedom. Along with some other colorful companions, Ace’s shelter also houses Lulu (Kate McKinnon), a hairless guinea pig, formerly lab subject belonging to Lex Luthor (Marc Maron.) When Lulu, who not only greatly admires her former master, but is as maniacally evil, comes across some orange kryptonite which gives superpowers to animals, she unleashes her plan to defeat the Justice League and free her beloved Lex from prison. Krypto must learn how to work with Ace as well as the other shelter animals to save Superman and the world.

I will be the first to say, this is a winning combo for kids. You got a bright colorful PG rated superhero film (with very well known superheroes) combined with wise cracking celebrity voiced animals? This would have to be very below mediocre to fail. I’m happy to say, Super-Pets is at least above mediocre. Maybe even a few notches above mediocre, in fact! On both a DC film and animated movie for kids scale, Super-Pets checked all the marks it needed to. Heartwarming moral? Check. Impressive yet non-intimidating animation style? Yes. Nods to DC lore that DC nerds would get immediately? Yup. Potty humor for the kids? Duh. Sneakily inappropriate jokes for the parents in the audience? You got it.

Is checking off all the boxes for a hit kids animated movie always a good thing though? Even if all of these check marks are done exceptionally well, like in this film, doesn’t that just make it predictable?  If you know anything about me, the animation nerd, one of my strongest opinions (that I’m sure my friends are sick of me repeating) is that animation doesn’t have to be unintelligent or “just for kids.” And because of this, I’m a little too critical of animated films that formulaically pander to a certain crowd.

But…I need to realize that this movie was, in fact, made for kids. Sure, DC fans and animation nerds like me are welcome to enjoy it as well. It really wouldn’t be fair to hold it to the same standards as an adult live action super hero movie or a Studio Ghibli masterpiece. I’m a jaded adult, of course I’ll be able to predict what’s going to happen next in many kids films. But the core audience it was made for? I’m thinking this is going to be awesome for them.

My jaded adult self was definitely still entertained from DC League of Super-Pets. It was funny, cute, well animated, well acted (some of the celebrities even sounded like not themselves!), and absolutely a love letter to the DCU. While I still wish I was given a surprise or two by this experience, little kid me would probably be watching it on repeat when it comes out on home streaming.