'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
