Teen Titans: The Judas Contract

Another movie in this continuity based on new 52 but doesn't disappoint.

The story is little predictable thru second act but still nice and thrilling. Its filled with slight humor enough to make you smile here and there. Titans and their relationships are quiet enjoyable just like in previous one even if some voice acting could be better.

Action is same like in any other DC movie, not much improvement but it do the job right.

The one problem I have with this whole continuity is Damian, in the every movie It feels like his character progressed very little or not at all from the previous one. He is always that edgy kid that is grumpy and mean to everybody, It kinda feels wrong to me because he kinda started to connect with the titans especially Raven.

There are few minor details that bothered me but nothing too much to ruin the fun.

Teen Titans now has a new member, namely Tara Markov who has the power of the earth element. Together with Tara, the Teen Titans now face new enemies and threats from a dangerous sect. Deathstroke's presence complicates all their efforts with the secret plan he makes.

Continuing the story of Teen Titans, now they have a new member. This film became a solo film for them. Has a pretty good conflict and is quite satisfactory. The conflict between Deathstroke and Robin is very eye-catching. For the main villain, Sebastian Blood, it seems that it's just sweetening the conflict between the Teen Titans and the Deathstrokes. Deathstroke as a third person who has his own plans but does not look seamlessly portrayed in this film. There is not much to see Deatshroke as the brain of evil. Likewise, Terra's inner conflict that begins to discover her identity in Teen Titans turns out to be a tool for Deathstroke. And baam... I suspect Terra will be the key to this movie, but it was unthinkable that she would become a villain even though she would eventually have to sacrifice.

Opening with a little story of Starfire's arrival which is a new insight, Teen Titans in this film is nothing but a movie with a group of boys who have their egos. Seeing the character development is much different from the previous Teen Titans movies. Jaime, who is troubled by his beetle aliens, Robin, who looks pretentious and pretentious, Beast Boy, who is still the same as yesterday, although a little silly. Tara Markov, as an introduced new member also did not make a good impression. It seems that he seems to be a bad thing even though he has a fairly important role. Dick and Starfire certainly underwent a change that they have now lived together as well for me to be the sweetening premise for this film.

Okay, I personally don't like the direction DC has been taking in recent years with most of its animations. This includes "Son of Batman," "Batman vs. Robin," "Bad Blood" and, of course, the predecessor of the film that I'll speak about later, "Justice League vs. Teen Titans."

The reason I do not like it is not relevant here, what matters is that "The Judas Contract" left me with hopes of a better future within that medium. The movie is not perfect, far from it, there are things that I really found awful, like the flashback quite "loose" and without connection with the rest of the story that we have in the beginning, or the whole story involving Terra, however, these things are less annoying than in previous ones, and good and more engaging things stand out. Even Damian Wayne is no longer the center of this universe of animated films that DC has been creating for the first time, and that makes an incredible difference, he almost becomes a cool character!

It's worth the addition to Kevin Smith's participation here, seriously, why the guy is so venerated in the nerdy way?

The construction of the Blue Beetle story is really cool, they can tell you more about the character in a subtle way that does not seem to be played (even though they have no connection to the main story line). The scenes with the Nightwing are very good, with a very cool specific action sequence.

In short, "The Judas Contract" is a film that still has problems, but it is by far a lot better than I mentioned above, and despite everything, still provides a cool pastime, being fun and very fast!

Well, watching it in 2018, this movie is seriously action packed, gripping, thrilling and also imparts a bit of an emotional connect which makes it even more spectacular. The graphic action stands out--- just impeccable! The storyline's concise and on point. They've definitely gone deep into every character this time. Nightwing's role in this movie proves why he's Nightwing, and why he deserves to be the best protégé's of Batman. Damian too, on the other hand, is growing up to be one of the best in the business. Though I was disappointed I didn't see much of Starfire in action, her personal life was given more screen time this time, which in my opinion, is not that bad. The post credit scene makes me excited for the next Teen Titans movie, if it's in the making. Though I haven't watched the TV show completely, the movies have definitely made me a huge fan of Teen Titans/Titans.

'Teen Titans: The Judas Contract' may not be among the best of the numerous animated superhero/comic book films, and there are some pretty good to excellent ones out there (as well as some disappointments). To me, it's a worthy effort though the divisive, leaning towards the positive, opinions are understandable.

It's certainly far more preferable than the series 'Teen Titans Go!', that was cheap, poorly written and was basically dumbed down childish stupidity that forgot basically everything that made the original series so great. 'Teen Titans: The Judas Contract' is a very welcome return to the dark grit and touching upon complex sensitive themes, both done very well indeed.

Animation consists of atmospheric colours, detailed character designs and backgrounds and fluidity of movement. The music has an ideal mix of haunting intensity and jaunty infectiousness. The writing balances light witty humour, poignant drama and dark tension.

Most of the story is very absorbing and it's well paced and coherent. It's standard stuff that doesn't break new ground by any stretch, but a lot happens and the film succeeds in making most of the story and characters interesting and well done.

Particularly well done of the characters are Deathstroke (much more than a typical villain), Blue Beetle, Beastly and Nightwing. Nightwing and Starfire's chemistry is incredibly well done in the comedy and drama. The voice acting is very good, especially from Christina Ricci and the revelation that is the late Miguel Ferrer.

For all those great things, 'Teen Titans: The Judas Contract' has shortcomings. It could have done with more development to Damian and Terra's motivations and character development to be made clearer and more consistent.

A slightly longer length by about 10-15 minutes may have helped perhaps. Just personal opinion of course.

On the whole, worthy if not brilliant. 7/10 Bethany Cox