Batman Ninja Review: 5 Ups & 4 Downs

Ups

5. The (Mostly) Awesome Animation

The first thing you'll probably notice about this film is its distinct animation style, as achieved by the unique collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation and Japanese animation studios Kamikaze Douga, Yamatoworks and Barnum Studio

Far from the cheap look of most recent DC animated films - defined by single-texture objects and lazily keyframed animation - this is really quite the majestic looking project for the most part.

From the opening sequence where Batman is transported to Japan, there's an eye-popping ingenuity to the visuals that's quite unlike any other DC animation in recent memory. The painterly art style has a real depth and nuance to it, and there's even a bold five-minute sequence mid-movie which adopts an altogether more minimalist, distinctly Japanese animation style.

There's an undeniable craft to everything put on the screen, and while it's a shame the film doesn't linger just a little longer on some of these stunning moments, it's for the most part a joy to behold.