DVD movie review: ‘Teen Titans: The Judas Contract,’ teen superheroes adventure is fun flick for cartoon comic fans
Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (Warner Bros.)
Parents need to know that "Teen Titans: The Judas Contract" is a direct-to-DVD feature from warner Bros. Animation based on a 1984 DC Comics Teen Titan story. (Common Sense Media/TNS)
Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (Warner Bros.)
Parents need to know that “Teen Titans: The Judas Contract” is a direct-to-DVD feature from Warner Bros. Animation that’s based on a 1984 DC Comics “Teen Titan” story. Directed at fans of the long-popular comic book series about young superheroes (first issued in 1973), the movie doesn’t give much time to the players’ histories (except for a few flashbacks), explanation of their unique powers, or past relationships. For new viewers, however, once the fast-moving story gets going, enough information is provided to make it work. Some action sequences, and there are many, are particularly brutal with point-blank gun action, laser blasts, heroes shackled to the wall, ferocious hand-to-hand combat; characters are crushed, shot to death, and buried alive. Occasional profanity is used (i.e., “s–t,” “bastard,” “piss off,” “hell”). Two prominent members of the team are engaged in a relationship; they kiss and engage in sexual banter (i.e., “try that move from last weekend”). Because of its mature themes, frequent violent action, occasional profanity, and light sexual references, it’s for mature tweens and teens only, and not at all like the kid-friendly TV cartoon show (“Teen Titans Go!”).
WHAT’S THE STORY?
Megalomaniac cult leader Brother Blood (voiced by Gregg Henry) is out to rule world in “Teen Titans: The Judas Contract.” What will insure his success is the destruction of the Titans and taking possession of their extraordinary powers. Blood has enlisted the services of formidable Titan foe, Deathstroke (Miguel Ferrer in one of his last roles), to capture the band of superheroes, one by one. For this long-planned assault, Deathstroke has a secret weapon in place — unbeknownst to the team, there may be a traitor in their midst! Titan leader Starfire (Kari Wahlgren), along with Nightwing (Sean Maher) and the rest of the heroes: Robin/Damian (Stuart Allan), Blue Beetle (Jake T. Austin), Raven (Taissa Farmiga), Beast Boy (Brandon Soo Hoo), and newest Titan Terra (Christina Ricci), find themselves up against dangerous fiends who will stop at nothing and have old scores to settle as well. In a series of fearsome and bloody battles, using all of the weapons and superpowers at hand, Teen Titans fight for their own lives and for the very survival of a free civilization.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
Attention is paid to character, as well as dynamic action, in this animated story of treachery and world domination, providing considerable emotional heft as well as solid adventure. Director Sam Liu has made a very grown-up version of the “Teen Titans,” relying on a story once told in comic book form more than three decades ago. “Teen Titans: The Judas Contract” will be most satisfying to fans who are already familiar with the various team members, their powers, as well as what lead them to join up and fight against oppression and evil. Well-made, well-performed, with a comprehensible plot, this film has all the essential zaps, blasts, fights-to-the death required of teen superhero movies, as well as a few sad, reflective moments. It’s appropriate only for older, mature kids.
RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for ages 13 and older
Quality: 3 out of 5
Positive messages: 3 out of 5
Positive role models: 3 out of 5
Violence: 4 out of 5
Sex: 2 out of 5
Language: 3 out of 5
Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 0 out of 5
Consumerism: 3 out of 5 (Are products/advertisements embedded? Is the title part of a broader marketing initiative/empire? Is the intent to sell things to kids?)
MOVIE DETAILS
DVD/Streaming release date: April 18, 2017
Director: Sam Liu
Studio: Warner Bros. Animation
Genre: Action/Adventure
Run time: 84 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13
