DC League of Super-Pets

They’re an engaging bunch... But the real scene-stealer is the villainous Lulu.

Just as long as you don’t expect a revolution in animation this frisky tale of Justice League superheroes and their newly minted super-pets gets the job done for family fun. Add points for the comedic barking of The Rock and Kevin Hart.

It doesn’t break the mold. However, it is sly, wicked and so much fun. Kids will laugh at the antics. Adults will chuckle when they hear the puns, jokes, catty remarks and doggy banter.

If you’re going to tell a tale of rudimentary morality, straightforward sentiment, and gratuitous empowerment, it’s best to keep the tone light. Super-Pets does so via some expected gags, some slightly further afield and first-rate voice talent.

It’s formulaic, uninspired stuff, an artless, mirthless mess that leans heavily on the familiarity of the characters – Batman, Wonder Woman and others cameo – while also undermining the integrity of the DC universe.

More fun than Justice League.

DC League of Super-Pets plays everything as safely as possible. That doesn’t mean it is bad. It just means that there is nothing to make it shine in a world where the war between comic book giants continues to be waged.

Those who have grown weary of caped crusaders fighting for truth, justice, and the American Way can rejoice in DC League of Super-Pets. The movie is a good-natured romp through the varied and wonderful journey of having a pet.

Despite its shortcomings, it's really difficult to fault a movie for what it intended to be: just really fun and family friendly.

...a geared-almost-exclusively-to-small-children endeavor that contains few elements designed to capture and sustain the interest of older viewers...