Reviewstravaganza : Teen Titans :- The Judas Contract
Before I started with my Reviewstravaganza, let me preface few things. First off, this movie has been out at least a month ago, and as per usual with all Reviewstravaganza, I'll be going full spoiler for this. Secondly, while it is being considered as the definitive Teen Titans movie, I am not familiar at all with the original source from the 60's or possibly 80's, however I do know the basis of the story itself.
Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (TJC) revolves around Nightwing in attempt to take down HIVE lead by Brother Blood, brought in the Titans to help him. At the same time, the Titans themselves are dealing with several personal problem in particular their newest member Terra. As they are getting closer taking down the cult, they found out Brother Blood is actually paying a special interest towards the team itself and there is a traitor within themselves.
In term of the plot, there are two big element being thrown all over the story; religion and sexual tension. In line with the title, the writer decided to alter HIVE into a religion cult and going as far as changing the head of organization instead of its original terrorist organization lead by Queen Bee. In term of sexual tension, it has been spread out throughout the movie and referenced all the time. At times, if feels very much like a CW teen drama with sexy teens, and angst. In fact, the opening of the movie itself define how the movie gonna be with the first meeting of Dick Grayson and Starfire leading to their first kiss (the prologue didn't payoff in any way at all).
In term of character, the writer did a very good job of taking the Nightwing story to the next level by confirming the relationship with Starfire after hinting it since Son of Batman. Damien is being sideline a little bit, but still capable to steal the scene especially in that first confrontation with Deathstroke (I'll come back to this). Beast Boy gets the spotlight this time as the movie does highlight his relationship with Terra (which might goes back to its original source), and that final speech for him does add a layer to his character.
While Brother Blood is the big bad, Deathstroke and his 'assistant', Terra are the villains of the focus of the movie. Deathstroke returns since the Son of Batman and his obsession with Robin has been shifted from Dick Grayson (in the original Teen Titans) to Damien Wayne instead. Terra's betrayal on the other hand is believable but less heartbreaking mostly because we didn't spend long enough time with her. That being said, there is not really a way to make it more heartbreaking as she is define by TJC, so even if you introduce her early, people would have guess where she'll end up. While the writer did a very good job of hinting this weirdness and creepy nature of Terra relationship with Deathstroke in her voice and clothing (she wears revealing cloth almost as much as Sunfire), that look changes at the end of the movie really didn't work.
The animation is as stellar as the other previous animated movie. There is less fighting animation as most of the Titans' power set consist of firing light beam but we do get a great fight scene between Nightwing and Deathstroke. Raven's design however looks a little bit wonky at times and I think it might be her face doesn't fit her hair style.
In terms of flaws, I've mentioned some of them. One biggest disappointment is that we didn't get to see the original Teen Titans reassemble again at the of the movie. I honestly thought when all the Titans were taken down, Nightwing will call for help from his older teammates again. While that didn't really took me out, that weird scene between Terra and Deathstroke really didn't work and it just really show how creepy and gross the relationship between them are. That being said, DC manage to walk the line this time by making Deathstroke not-so-subtly refusing to go further instead of what happen in The Killing Joke.
Overall, Teen Titans: The Judas Contract is a must watch if you are a big fan of DC Animated and Teen Titans. It is a movie that celebrates the fact that animation is not just for kids and celebrates the fan of Teen Titans that is very much an older and grown up person nowadays. In the end, I give Teen Titans: The Judas Contract a 4.0 out 5.0. A must watch DC Animated movie, with a consistent quality in compare to its best despite some creepy scene that didn't work out well.
What do you think of Teen Titans: The Judas Contract ? Do you agree with me or flat out disagree. Sound off your thought in the comment section. Stay tuned for another Reviewstravaganza next week for Gantz:0 by following and liking Comikrew Studio right here and on Facebook. Be sure to subscribe to my comic on Tapastic and finally follow and hit me up on Twitter.
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