Batman: Hush (film)

Last updated

Batman: Hush
Batman Hush 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray cover.jpeg
Directed byJustin Copeland
Screenplay by Ernie Altbacker
Based on
Batman: Hush
by
Produced byAmy McKenna
Starring
Edited byChristopher D. Lozinski
Music by Frederik Wiedmann
Production
companies
Distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Release dates
Running time
82 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Batman: Hush is a 2019 American animated superhero film featuring the DC Comics superhero Batman and loosely based on the 2002 comic book story arc of the same name. It is the thirteenth installment of the DC Animated Movie Universe and the 37th overall film of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies. In the film, Batman forms an alliance with Catwoman to defeat a new villain named Hush, who knows all of Batman's secrets and targets key figures in his life.

Contents

Plot

After Batman rescues an abducted child from Bane for a ransom, Lady Shiva informs him of an unknown Lazarus Pit intruder and requests his help in identifying them. Batman agrees to do so as Catwoman steals the ransom. While pursuing her, a masked vigilante shoots through Batman's grapple line, causing him to fall onto the sidewalk and crack his skull. Catwoman rescues him from a gang of criminals who tried to unmask him, but Batgirl chases her away. Batgirl takes Batman back to the Batcave where Alfred and Dick Grayson create an alibi for how Bruce Wayne suffered the injury. Alfred contacts Bruce's childhood friend Thomas Elliot, a renowned brain surgeon, to treat him. When Bruce declares himself ready to be Batman again two weeks earlier than Thomas advised him to, Alfred gives him a new bulletproof batsuit with a padded cowl for better skull protection. Meanwhile, Catwoman delivers the ransom to Poison Ivy, who has been controlling her with a hypnotic kiss. The masked vigilante who shot Batman then arrives to confront Ivy about the ransom and gives her Kryptonite.

Batman helps Amanda Waller retrieve Bane from police custody in return for information. Waller uses the special tranquilizers supplied by him to stop Bane from escaping police custody and capture him herself. Batman later reluctantly works with Catwoman to find Ivy, following a lead given by her to Metropolis. There, Batman confronts probationary Justice League member Lex Luthor, [N 1] about the delivery list of an ethylene compound utilized by Ivy. Ivy uses Kryptonite lipstick to control Superman and orders him to kill both Catwoman and Batman. Catwoman pushes Lois Lane off a building to stop Superman and free him from mind control. After Ivy is defeated, she reveals she was acting on the orders of a supervillain known only as "Hush".

Hush later kidnaps the Joker to persuade Harley Quinn into attacking an opera attended by Bruce Wayne, Selina Kyle, and Thomas Elliot. During the commotion, Hush lures Thomas outside and kills him, framing the Joker for the murder, much to Batman's anger. The Joker attempts to claim his innocence before Batman brutally beats him and nearly kills him. Following the Joker's arrest and Thomas' funeral, Bruce deduces that Hush knows he is Batman. While on patrol, Hush catches Batman's attention and confronts him, although Hush tricks him by using mirrors. He then threatens to hurt everyone close to him, prompting Batman to reveal his identity to Catwoman. Bruce takes Selina to the Batcave, where she meets Dick and Alfred and learns of Bruce's son Damian. The two become a crime-fighting couple, but Hush later lures Dick and Selina to Thomas’ grave, where they are attacked by Scarecrow. Dick is incapacitated by Scarecrow's fear toxin while Hush kidnaps Selina.

Shortly after, Commissioner Gordon informs Bruce of a break-in at Thomas’ office. While investigating, Batman learns that one of Thomas' patients was someone using the alias of crossword puzzle inventor Arthur Wynne, leading him to suspect Edward Nygma aka the Riddler was behind the break-in. At Arkham Asylum, Batman interrogates the Riddler, who reveals that he had deduced his secret identity while using the Lazarus Pit to cure his untreatable brain tumor, and took on the identity of Hush due to his lack of respect among other villains. However, Batman deduces that this "Riddler" is actually Clayface in disguise and, after defeating him, learns where the real Riddler has taken Selina: a factory whose name is an anagram of Arthur Wynne.

At the factory, Batman rescues Selina and defeats the Riddler, who is growing weaker as the Lazarus Pit's effects wear off. With the building about to explode, Batman risks his own life to try and save the Riddler from falling into a vat of molten metal. Realizing this, Selina cuts the grapple line holding the Riddler and lets him fall to his death to allow Batman to escape. Once they reach safety, Batman and Selina argue over the latter's actions and decide to call off their relationship due to Selina being unable to cope with Bruce's moral code.

Voice cast

Voice actor [1] Character
Jason O'Mara Batman / Bruce Wayne
Jennifer Morrison Selina Kyle / Catwoman
Stuart Allan Robin / Damian Wayne
Sachie Alessio Lady Shiva
Geoffrey Arend Riddler / Edward Nygma / Hush
Chris Cox Scarecrow / Dr. Jonathan Crane
James Garrett Alfred Pennyworth
Adam Gifford Bane, Clayface / Basil Karlo (uncredited)
Peyton List Poison Ivy / Pamela Isley
Peyton R. List Batgirl / Barbara Gordon
Sean Maher Nightwing / Dick Grayson
Jerry O'Connell Superman / Kal-El / Clark Kent
Rebecca Romijn Lois Lane
Jason Spisak The Joker
Maury Sterling Thomas Elliot
Tara Strong Reporter
Bruce Thomas Commissioner Jim Gordon
Hynden Walch Harley Quinn / Harleen Quinzel
Vanessa Williams Amanda Waller
Rainn Wilson Lex Luthor

Penguin, Two-Face, and Mr. Freeze make non-speaking cameo appearances in a montage of Batman and Catwoman fighting crime together.

Production

Batman: The Animated Series alumni Kevin Conroy (Batman) and Mark Hamill (the Joker) teased an animated adaptation of Hush during a panel at Canada's Fan Expo in 2016. [2] In 2018, an animated adaptation of Batman: Hush was announced. [3] [4]

Jason O'Mara, Jerry O'Connell, Rebecca Romijn, Rainn Wilson, Sean Maher, Bruce Thomas, Vanessa Williams, and Stuart Allan reprise their roles from previous DCAMU films, while the new additions include Jennifer Morrison, Peyton R. List, Maury Sterling, Geoffrey Arend, Jason Spisak, Adam Gifford, Peyton List, and Sachie Alessio. [1] Peyton List reprises her role as Poison Ivy, after previously appearing in the role in Gotham .

Release

The film had its world premiere at San Diego Comic-Con on July 19, 2019. [5] The film was made available through digital streaming outlets one day later. It was released on 4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD on August 6. [6]

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, it has an approval rating of 88% based on reviews from 17 critics with an average rating of 7/10. [7]

The film earned $3,581,562 from domestic Blu-ray sales. [8]

Notes

  1. After helping them defeat Cyborg Superman as depicted in Reign of the Supermen .

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batman</span> Comic book superhero

Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book Detective Comics on March 30, 1939. In the DC Universe, Batman is the alias of Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and industrialist who resides in Gotham City. His origin story features him swearing vengeance against criminals after witnessing the murder of his parents, Thomas and Martha, as a child, a vendetta tempered by the ideal of justice. He trains himself physically and intellectually, crafts a bat-inspired persona, and monitors the Gotham streets at night. Kane, Finger, and other creators accompanied Batman with supporting characters, including his sidekicks Robin and Batgirl; allies Alfred Pennyworth and James Gordon; love interest Catwoman; and foes such as the Penguin, the Riddler, Two-Face, and his archenemy, the Joker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batcave</span> Secret headquarters of the fictional DC Comics superhero Batman

The Batcave is a subterranean location appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is the headquarters of the superhero Batman, whose secret identity is Bruce Wayne and his partners, consisting of caves beneath his personal residence, Wayne Manor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riddler</span> Comic book supervillain

The Riddler is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang, and debuted in Detective Comics #140 in October 1948. He has become one of the most enduring enemies of the superhero Batman and belongs to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Catwoman</span> Comic book character

Catwoman is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, she debuted as "the Cat" in Batman #1. She has become one of the superhero Batman's most prominent enemies, belonging to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery, as well as Batman's best known and most enduring love interest, with many stories depicting their complex love–hate relationship. Since 1993, Catwoman has had her own ongoing series, Catwoman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alfred Pennyworth</span> Fictional character throughout the DC Universe

Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth, originally Alfred Beagle and commonly known simply as Alfred, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, most commonly in association with the superhero Batman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batman: Hush</span> Story arc in Batman comics

"Batman: Hush" is an American comic book story arc published by DC Comics featuring the superhero Batman. It was published in monthly installments within the comic book series Batman, running from issue #608–619 in October 2002 until September 2003. The story arc was written by Jeph Loeb, penciled by Jim Lee, inked by Scott Williams, and colored by Alex Sinclair, under the editorship of Bob Schreck.

<i>The Batman</i> (TV series) 2004–2008 American television series

The Batman is an American animated television series based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. Developed by Michael Goguen and Duane Capizzi, and produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics for seasons 3–5, the series first aired on Kids' WB on September 11, 2004, then Cartoon Network on April 2, 2005. The show would become exclusive to the former network for its third, fourth, and fifth seasons in early 2006. The Batman won six Daytime Emmy Awards over the course of its run. Many elements from previous Batman storylines were borrowed and adapted, such as those from the comic books, film series and the animated shows like Batman: The Animated Series from the DC Animated Universe, but it remained strictly within its own distinct continuity. Jackie Chan Adventures artist Jeff Matsuda served as art director and provided the character designs. The production team altered the appearances of many of the comic books' supervillains for the show, such as the Joker, the Penguin, Mr. Freeze, Bane, and the Riddler.

<i>Batman: Knightfall</i> Comic book story arc

"Knightfall" is a 1993–1994 Batman story arc published by DC Comics. It consists of a trilogy of storylines that ran from 1993 to 1994, consisting of "Knightfall", "Knightquest", and "KnightsEnd".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hush (character)</span> DC Comics character

Hush is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, the character first appeared in Batman #609 in January 2003 as part of the twelve-issue storyline Batman: Hush. Hush serves as a criminal foil to the superhero Batman, as an example of what Batman could have been had he used his intellect and wealth for malice, and belongs to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robin in other media</span> Superhero Robin in non-comicbook media

In addition to DC Comics books, the superhero Robin also appears in other media, such as films, television and radio. Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Damian Wayne are examples of the characters who use the name Robin.

<i>Gotham City Sirens</i> American comic book series published by DC Comics

Gotham City Sirens is an American comic book series that was written by Paul Dini with art by Guillem March and published by DC Comics. The term Gotham City Sirens refers to three of the most popular female villains inhabiting Gotham City: Catwoman, Harley Quinn, and Poison Ivy.

<i>Batman: The Dark Knight Returns</i> (film) 2012 two-part animated film directed by Jay Oliva

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is a two-part direct-to-video adult animated superhero film, an adaptation of the 1986 comic book The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller and is set in the same continuity as Batman: Year One. It was directed by Jay Oliva, who worked as a storyboard artist on Man of Steel, Under the Red Hood, Year One and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Several other Batman veterans were also involved in the film. Part 1 was released on September 25, 2012, and Part 2 was released on January 29, 2013. A deluxe edition combining both films was released on October 8, 2013. Part 1 is the 15th film, and Part 2 is the 16th film, of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batman (Thomas Wayne)</span> Superheros incarnation by the fictional character Thomas Wayne in some Batman comic books

Batman is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Geoff Johns (writer) and Andy Kubert (artist), he made his first appearance in Flashpoint #1. He is a hardened murderous version of Thomas Wayne seen in the alternate timeline comic Flashpoint (2011) whose son was killed instead of Martha Wayne and himself, eventually helping Barry Allen/The Flash defeat Eobard Thawne. His character returned to the main DC Universe in DC Rebirth as a revived amalgamation of his original self that was killed by Joe Chill and the Flashpoint version of Batman that was killed in "The Button", a storyline revolving around the "Smiley-face" button from Watchmen.

<i>Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Gotham City Breakout</i> 2016 American film

Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Gotham City Breakout is a 2016 American animated superhero comedy film based on the Lego and DC Comics brands, which was released on June 21, 2016 in Digital HD and on July 12, 2016 on Blu-ray and DVD. It is the sixth Lego DC Comics film following Lego Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite, Lego DC Comics: Batman Be-Leaguered, Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League, Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Attack of the Legion of Doom and Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Cosmic Clash. Some actors from various DC properties reprise their respective roles, including Nolan North as Superman, Grey DeLisle as Wonder Woman and Troy Baker as Batman. The film received positive reviews, with praise for the action, although the consumerism was criticized.

<i>Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders</i> 2016 American film by Rick Morales

Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders is a 2016 American animated superhero film produced by Warner Bros. Animation and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Based on the 1960s Batman TV series, the film stars the voices of Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar reprising their roles of Batman, Robin, and Catwoman from the series. In the film, Batman and Robin set out to defeat the Joker, the Penguin, the Riddler, and Catwoman, who have teamed up. Matters are further complicated when Batman gradually becomes more hostile.

<i>Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i> 2019 animated crossover superhero film

Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an American animated superhero film directed by Jake Castorena and written by Marly Halpern-Graser. Inspired by the DC Comics and IDW Publishing comic book miniseries Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by James Tynion IV and Freddie Williams II, the story focuses on Batman, Robin, and Batgirl teaming up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in order to save Gotham City from chaos at the hands of both Shredder and Ra's al Ghul. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation in association with DC Entertainment and Nickelodeon, the film features the voices of Troy Baker, Eric Bauza, Darren Criss, Kyle Mooney, and Baron Vaughn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce Wayne (1989 film series character)</span> 1989 Batman film series character

Bruce Wayne, better known by his vigilante superhero alias Batman, is a fictional character who is featured as the main protagonist in Warner Bros.' initial Batman film series (1989–1997), and later as a supporting character in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) film The Flash (2023). Based on the DC Comics character of the same name, he was portrayed by Michael Keaton in Tim Burton's Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), before being recast with Val Kilmer and George Clooney in Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) respectively. Both Keaton and Clooney reprised their roles in The Flash, which retroactively incorporates versions of them into two alternate timelines of the DCEU's continuity. Keaton's portrayal of the character was critically acclaimed and influenced subsequent interpretations.

<i>Batman: Death in the Family</i> American animated interactive film

Batman: Death in the Family is a 2020 American adult animated interactive superhero film that explores alternate outcomes of the 1988 comics storyline "A Death in the Family", in which Jason Todd, the second character to bear the mantle of Batman's sidekick Robin, was murdered by the Joker. Produced, written, and directed by Brandon Vietti, the voice cast includes Bruce Greenwood, Vincent Martella, and John DiMaggio. It is a spiritual successor to Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010), and was released on Blu-ray on October 13, 2020.

References

  1. 1 2 Vejvoda, Jim (March 27, 2019). "Batman: Hush Movie - Exclusive First Look Photo and Voice Cast News". IGN. Retrieved March 30, 2019.
  2. Neuwirth, Aaron (September 5, 2016). "Mark Hamill & Kevin Conroy Tease Hush & Death in the Family Animated Films". Screen Rant . Archived from the original on September 21, 2017. Retrieved September 10, 2017.
  3. "Batman: Hush Will Receive an Animated Film Adaptation". comicbookresources. July 21, 2018.
  4. "Batman: Hush is Getting an Animated Movie".
  5. "Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Premieres 'Batman: Hush', 'Teen Titans Go!', More at San Diego Comic-con 2019". San-Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog. July 2019.
  6. Aune, Sean P. (June 14, 2019). "Batman: Hush is hitting Blu-ray a week early". Batman-news.com.
  7. "Batman: Hush (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango . Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  8. "Batman: Hush (2019)". The Numbers . Retrieved January 4, 2020.