Superman/Batman: Apocalypse

This week's smartest sci-fi pick in the US on HBO Max Amazon Channel and YouTube TV is Superman/Batman: Apocalypse. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. With 782 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Tim Daly's performance is the anchor the more ambitious scenes need. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on HBO Max Amazon Channel.

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. Superman/Batman: Apocalypse treats its concept seriously enough to follow it all the way through. Batman discovers a mysterious teen-aged girl with superhuman powers and a connection to Superman. When the girl comes to the attention of Darkseid, the evil overlord of Apokolips, events take a decidedly dangerous turn. Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy lead a cast that makes the ambitious moments land. It was released in 2010. The rules of Superman/Batman: Apocalypse's world are consistent enough that the big swings never feel like cheating. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Viewers burned by ambitious sci-fi that could not sustain its premise should give Superman/Batman: Apocalypse a chance. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Watch for Tim Daly in particular — the performance elevates the material. Satisfying on multiple levels.

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse was released in 2010, directed by Lauren Montgomery. The full 79-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.