Warner Bros. Animation has had a long history of dominating DC Comics animation projects. From the superb Batman - The Animated Series all the way through to the direct to video animated movies, most of which are direct adaptations of the more iconic comic book lines. The Judas Contract is one such film, intended originally for a mid to late 2000’s release before being dropped, only then to get a second life a decade later. The timeline was modified to make it a direct sequel to Justice League vs Teen Titans and it released in the spring of 2017 to mostly positive reviews. It was sadly to be the final project for long time actor Miguel Ferrer who died shortly afterwards from throat cancer.
The story begins with a brief prelude involving Princess Starfire (Kari Wahlgren) fleeing an offscreen staged coup by her evil older sister Blackfire. The Teen Titans rescue her and seal the vortex leading back to her home world, stranding her on earth. Dick Grayson AKA Robin (Sean Maher) falls immediately in love with her. Five years later Dick, now known as Nightwing, rejoins the Titans to assist them in tracking down a cult leader by the name of Brother Blood (Gregg Henry) . Brother Blood, unbeknownst to the team, has hired Deathstroke (Miguel Ferrer) to kidnap the Teen Titans so he, Brother Blood, can drain them of their powers and transform himself into a self-made god. Deathstroke does this with the assistance of newest Titan member Terra (Christina Ricci), a disturbed young woman plagued with visions of her horrific past. She sees herself as an outsider to the group and only realizes the genuine care the Teen Titans have for her once it’s too late.
For a direct to video animated film this one is pretty standard. There are no surprises in the plot, no unexpected character development, and nothing to really advance the overall narrative. Too much time is dedicated to the romantic life between Nightwing and Starfire as well as the attempts at romance between Beast Boy (Brandon Soo Hoo) and his unwilling target Terra. The levels of adolescent drama that plays out here is about on the grade school level with just a hint of adult material to remind you this is trying to aim at the teenaged audience. But it doesn’t do a good job at hitting that demographic as the most risqué thing that happens is Nightwing and Starfire move in with each other and briefly hint at some sexuality. This is the type of stuff a ten year old might find risqué.
As far as the action goes this film is on par with the rest of the DCAU (Detective Comics Animated Universe). There are plenty of action moments including a sufficiently built up climax but it doesn’t feel like there is any real stakes. The villain’s plot is generic and a little vague. He wants super powers to rule the world. So do hundreds of other villains. Deathstroke makes a more interesting villain and all he does is capture and deliver the Teen Titans to Brother Blood. His story is that of betrayal but, since that betrayal is obvious from the start, even that moment is diminished. The title, The Judas Contract, gives away everything you need to know about the plot of the film.
This film plays things too safe. There is no real threat, no surprising twists, and no emotional stakes, either. As a part of a series this is a chapter that can be skipped as it doesn’t advance the narrative at all. As a stand alone film it is just plain forgettable. There’s just not enough here. The tone is all over the place and the target demographic is given a disservice. In comparison, the Teen Titan’s Go! films have a tendency to be equally safe but absolutely nail what audience they are aiming for with their over the top adolescence humor. Those films are packed with wacky characters and madcap scenarios but never forget what audience they are aiming for. The Judas Contract isn’t a bad film, but it is a meh film and sometimes that can be even worse than bad. Better to aim high and miss than to play it too safe.
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Running Time: 84 Minutes
Rated PG-13
Starring: Stuart Allan, Tanisha Farmiga, Brandon Soo Hoo, Jake T. Austin, Christina Ricci, Sean Maher and Miguel Ferrer
Directed By: Sam Lou
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