From Amazon.com
The direct-to-DVD animated feature
Superman: Brainiac Attacks pits Superman against two of his longest-running foes: Lex Luthor and the robotic Brainiac. Luthor's scheme is to re-jigger Brainiac's configuration using a combination of Superman's DNA and a rare form of Kryptonite to make him an unstoppable weapon against the Man of Steel. Fans of TV's
Superman: The Animated Series will be pleased to note the return of Tim Daly and Dana Delaney, who reprise their roles as Superman and Lois Lane from the show, but hardcore
Superman/
Justice League Unlimited viewers may regret the loss of Clancy Brown's formidable performance as Luthor (who is voiced here by Powers Boothe), as well as Corey Burton as Brainiac (here handled by Lance Henriksen). Also missing is the series' adherence to its DC Comics origins and its serious tone, which here is blunted by Duane (
The Batman,
Jackie Chan Adventures) Capizzi's frothy script, which hews closer to a combination of the
Superman films and broad comedy.
--Paul Gaita
Review
With all of the pizzazz of the Superman: Animated Series comes this straight-to-DVD feature, Brainiac Attacks -- an explosive adventure that pits the Man of Steel against two of his most feared foes. Grand in its exhilarating fight sequences while true to character in its handling of Superman and Lois Lane's complicated relationship, the picture is bigger and more expansive than its small-screen predecessor in almost every way. In the context of the hero's mythology, the audience gets a rare glimpse into the negative zone as well as an answer to what might happen if Clark Kent's secret identity became not so secret. As usual with Warner Bros. animated products, the fun is for the whole family, so there's plenty for young kids to delight in while watching Supes duke it out with giant robots -- and that he sure does! The only thing is that there is so much action that the story almost gets bogged down by it all. Thankfully, the animators are having such a field day with the iconic hero that it's easy to be sucked back into the awe of Superman as soon as he revs up those laser eyes of his. Exceptional voice talent is utilized for the film, most notably Lance Henriksen as Brainiac and ex-Wings-man Tim Daly as the man in tights. Somewhat heavy opposition came from the animated series' fan base with the changing of the vocal guard with the film, primarily with Powers Boothe taking over the acting duties of Lex Luthor from series regular Clancy Brown. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide