Teen Titans: The Judas Contract review Bobby Blakey
DC Entertainment has been on a major role with their animated features with the last few films including The Killing Joke, Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders and Justice League. One of the coolest things is the ongoing continuation of the animated universe they have created and seeing how these characters have evolved that started with Justice League War and has played out through numerous films. The latest, Teen Titans: The Judas Contract falls into this same continuity while being its own story, but does this classic Titans story justice or will it be a contract not worth signing?
Teen Titans: The Judas Contract follows Tara Markov, a girl who has power over earth and stone who is also more than she seems. Is the newest Teen Titan an ally or a threat and what are the mercenary Deathstroke's plans for the Titans? The film features the return of the cast from Justice League vs. Teen Titans including Taissa Farmiga, Jake T. Austin, Kari Wahlgren, Sean Maher, Brandon Soo Hoo, and Stuart Allan with Christina Ricci and the late Miguel Ferrer joining the cast. While the film steers a bit away from the story of the original comic arc from Marv Wolfman and George Perez it keeps a lot of it intact. Most of the changes are due to the changes in the continuity of the animated universe. I have loved all of these animated films just as they are. Would I prefer the original story to stay intact, of course, but I really like the direction they have taken some of these characters and this film is no different.
There is plenty of action to keep the fans happy, but also some great character moments that help to evolve them further in this new universe. Some of the best moments come between Nightwing and Starfire regarding their relationship taking the next level. The rest of the team get some fun moments as well, but it is Tara who gets the most to do. Here arc showcases some great emotional decisions and direction giving the film its depth it needed and the connecting of Deathstroke’s hatred for Damien from the events in Son of Batman made it all the better. Separating myself from the original source material and fully embracing this take on it left me fully satisfied with the overall film and I cannot wait to see the next chapter in this expanded universe.
In addition to the film this release includes numerous bonus features including featurettes, 2 cartoons from the DC vault and a sneak peek at the next animated film Batman and Harley Quinn. Grab your copy of Teen Titans: The Judas Contract available now on Blu-ray and DVD from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.