Superman vs. the Elite (2012)

After a destructive battle the Atomic Skull, people begin to wonder why Superman (voiced by George Newbern) simply arrests such dangerous types, rather than destroying them. Enter The Elite, a new super-team team consisting of Manchester Black, Menagerie, Coldcast, and The Hat. In a darker and more complex world, as a war rages between the two nations of Bialya and Pokolistan, the Elite makes progress with their uncompromising methods, torturing and destroying the terrorists, while Superman's belief in tolerance and justice begins to seem increasingly outmoded. Is Superman obsolete, or can he find a way to apply his old values to a new situation?

Director Michael Chang uses the film's 75 minutes wisely, balancing tense action scenes with character-driven moments while never losing pace. The background work, ranging from big cities to the surface of the moon, is effective without being dazzling, and the voicework is outstanding. George Newbern returns as Superman, bringing doubt and humanity to the man of steel's voice, and Pauley Perrette -- famous for tattooed goth chick Abby Sciuto on "NCIS" -- makes a terrific Lois Lane, gritty and gravely and ready for action.