DC has really been pushing the envelope this year. We started with Superman dying (again) in All Star Superman and went on to see some rather gruesome deaths like that of Arkadian Trawl in Green Lantern Emerald Knights. With the upcoming release of Batman: Year One, I would not expect DC to let up, but did not think they would take it this far out of the realm of being kid-friendly. The new Catwoman film may only be a short, but it is definitive. Whether fighting or flirting, this kitty is the definition of sexy.
PLOT It is a short film, don’t expect too much from it. Catwoman is on the trail of a smuggler named Rough Cut who has taken something precious from her. The Cat’s friend, Holly Robinson, is missing and she knows that Rough Cut is behind it. We see a little bit of Batman-style detective work in the form of rooftop tails and some bike action that would make Robin jealous. This addition to the Batman feature film is meant to be eye-candy more than anything and it delivers. Do not expect to see this on Cartoon Network, even the Adult Swim block, anytime soon.
SELINA’S ROOTS Catwoman has a few different origins, but considering this short is packaged with a Frank Miller tale, I am guessing they went with his interpretation. Selina Kyle was a prostitute prior to her cat burglar days. As undesirable as this background is, it works for her. Everyone she encounters seems to get a few seconds of “heaven” before getting their ass kicked. Even as a “hero,” she is mainly serving her own interests. To that end, she is not above lying, cheating, stealing or using people to accomplish said goals.
There really is not much to say about this one aside from it needs to be seen. Eliza Dushku did some great voice work as Catwoman, despite not having a lot to say. I am not going to down Anne Hathaway who has not yet had a chance to show us what she can do with the role, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Dushku playing the role live.
