DC Showcase: The Phantom Stranger

Not upto the mark. The plot was below average . The cgi was okay but it was not entertaining.

I enjoyed this. Definite shades of Scooby-Doo at the beginning. Only minus for me was Peter Serafinowicz's voice acting. I know Phantom Stranger is a powerful being entitled to make proclamations when he wants, but he sounded too 'hammy' compared to the rest of the cast, like he was in a stage production. Still an 8/10 though.

This is a movie that uses the same animation from the 1990s when it comes to DC. That is welcome. The short is well put together: the characters are shown in such a way that one manages to understand the stupidity of all of them and suspect that one of them will have its great moment of redemption. The protagonist of the story appears in a mysterious way and acting as a voice of conscience offers one opportunity after another to do things right. The villain will not make things easy and the final duel has twists and turns and a welcome outcome. There is a moral background with which I would not necessarily fully agree. However as short it works and that is what is expected.

A rather entertaining DC Showcase that features the character of The Phantom Stranger in that animated universe where Bruce Timm is present. A director who has been faithfully involved in DC productions and always has sustainable arguments among so many stories. Here, some justice is done to an interesting character who, in just 15 minutes, leaves you wanting to know more.

The short film has a simple premise, but it is different from the rest of the other Showcases presented previously, being more focused on the total reflection of the characters on a moral truth before their eyes. At this point, it is executed remarkably with an essence towards "The truth." That way of finding it and giving authenticity to life through a path with many obstacles.

Giving that message of reflection on the search for truth in people for better purposes and achieving personal balance is the best thing that is conveyed. The Phantom Stranger teaches our friend Marcie that lesson, and it is definitely admirable. On the other hand, the themes of trust, friendship, the occult, fun, responsibility, and ignorance are depicted in each of the scenes.

In terms of animation, we once again have that characteristic essence of other installments in the DC animated universe; even so, it's decent. The color tones, the drawing style, and the movement sequences are appropriate for this short film.

Michael Rosenbaum once again does it well. His performance in giving voice to our villain is well executed. It surprises and gives it that touch of intrigue, mystery, and darkness.

Without a doubt, it's not the best DC Showcase, but it's quite entertaining. Bringing to life an interesting character that is worth giving a chance.

Where to start? Terrible 1960's style parody animation, Scooby Doo parody characters, bad graphic design and titles...The story, such as it is, has been done better a dozen times before, the music is terrible and the "psychedelic" effects look like they were done by a five year old, throwing oil on a puddle and a supposed master sorcerer mispronouncing Ouroboros is unforgivable and then... OH boy... and then Peter Serophinorwitz doing the worst Mike Berry impersonation imaginable for the voice of the Phantom Stranger to the point where the cringe factor makes you want to chew your own ears off! Serophinorwitz is awful at the best of times but here, he really abuses the privilege. All in all not what you would expect from Bruce Timm unless he is deliberately trying to wreck his own career.