Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (2003)

Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman is a nicely done Batman movie with effective animation, scriptwriting, and voice talent. Batman (Kevin Conroy) begins to encounter an upstart vigilante dressed as a new Batwoman who often out-bats Batman -- she's athletic, fast, and determined, with an impressive Batglider and flying and fighting skills to match. Moreover, she's competitive and seems to have a chip on her shoulder about the crooks she pursues. Meanwhile, suave Bruce Wayne encounters three young women who are definitely or possibly interested in him -- rebellious bad girl Kathy Duquesne (Kimberly Brooks), daughter of a crime lord; resourceful police detective Sonia Alcana (Elisa Gabrielli); and klutzy researcher Dr. Roxanne Ballantine (Kelly Ripa), who reveals her agility when cornered. Is one of these women secretly the new Batwoman? If so, which one? It's a well-developed story with a variety of droll personal touches and voice roles, such as David Ogden Stiers as Penguin, Hector Elizondo as Bane, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as Alfred. The streaming version includes a 6-minute "chaser" short called Catch Me. 3.5 stars. (2-3-11)