Get ready for the ultimate showdown|Jan. 12, 2021|USA|83 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Adventure;Animation;Crime;Fantasy
Description: Batman: Soul of the Dragon (2021) is a film set early in Bruce Wayne’s crime-fighting career, where the duality of his life begins to weigh on him. However, the movie focuses less on the traditional comic book mythology and instead draws inspiration from the rich genre films of the 1970s, evoking classics like *Enter the Dragon*, *Diamonds Are Forever*, and *Shaft*. Richard Dragon serves as both an international man of mystery and a Bruce Lee counterpart, while the action-driven narrative keeps the 70-minute runtime brisk, though it sacrifices depth in plot and character development.
The animation and music stand out, capturing the essence of the 1970s with Bruce’s retro hairstyle and the era’s distinct style and tone. The voice cast delivers solid performances, embracing the film’s campy retro vibe, even though the characters lack significant development or a cohesive sense of camaraderie. Batman’s inclusion feels somewhat forced, as he dons the costume without clear motivation, and the story could have benefited from focusing solely on Richard Dragon as the protagonist. However, the commercial appeal of featuring Batman likely influenced this decision.
Despite its generic plot and thin characterizations, *Batman: Soul of the Dragon* offers plenty of nostalgic fun. It’s a treat for fans of retro cinema, though those seeking a more compelling narrative or deeper character arcs may find it lacking. For viewers in the mood for a lighthearted, genre-inspired adventure, this film delivers a satisfying experience.
Cast director: Sam Liu
Cast actor: David Giuntoli, Mark Dacascos, Kelly Hu, Michael Jai White, James Hong, Eric Bauza, Jamie Chung, Chris Cox, Robin Atkin Downes, Grey DeLisle
Original name: Batman: Soul of the Dragon