How about a time-out from the Marvel vs. DC flame-war?
If anything, DC fans can definitely feel confident in this arena because if it's one thing WB/DC Animation does well, it's set the standard for comic-book adaptations. While its film-verse continues to polarize in terms of the gritty, brooding and action-packed atmosphere of its films (Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice), DC's animation continues to endure and more so, persevere, taking on mature-themes and a similar relentless pace as to what Snyder/Goyer/Terrio craft on the big-screen. Justice League vs. Teen Titans extends the style and success laid down by its predecessors, sating the appetite of those clamoring for more Young Justice, but in doing so, it finds itself still stagnant in terms of universe building by placing more focus on the JLA -- which we've had so much of already. Sure, we get the Teen Titans, parables of adolescent heroes, stubborness and team-work, but you can't help feel that the story would have been much more fluid had it just stuck to the Titans, rather than have them juxtaposed in the spotlight to the League. I guess it's the cynic in me speaking after never getting Judas Contract, despite it being promised. That said, it's worth the watch and makes the younger team look impressive while highlighting quite a few tropes we've loved in the cartoons and comics over the last few years.
The characteristics of all involved are done pretty smartly, with some twists and turns here and there, particularly regarding Starfire's new mentorship role -- as well as Nightwing's chemistry with her. But with the JLA as stoic as ever (something we're very much accustomed to at this point), it's an intriguing contrast to see the Teen Titans gel to combat them. The antics of the budding team do get a bit muddled here and there with Damian Wayne as annoying as he is petulant -- so much so that it feels DC's been flogging him as well as the senior team to death. But all quibbles are quickly offset with the likes of Blue Beetle, Raven etc really feeling worthwhile and driving the plot forward -- especially the latter. What paces the story further is the smart choice of Trigon's magic as the antagonist as it adds gravity to the situation, evening the playing field a bit.
What stands out is that the creators really didn't hold back on the Titans, which is a major plus that parallels
Young Justice. The fight sequences are on point, the dramatic pieces are as roller-coaster as can be and the balance with how the writers subvert lore and new directions are all major positives. Ones that feel very familiar but still have that contemporary twist with new characters distinguishing themselves from the stuff of old. At 1 hour and 20 mins, the movie doesn't feel stretched which allows the writers a lot of meat to play with and this they do in spades. They explore the dynamics of both teams well but again, I feel like more emphasis should have been placed on Starfire's team. With Damian and co. fighting amongst themselves, Raven's history throwing wrenches in the wheels, Superman struggling with life and love; there is a lot to take in but definitely a trip for diehards.
While Batman and his son's story leads the core of the story at first, following up from the company's past releases, there's just enough momentum from the supporting cast to propel this film forward, if not as a standalone, as a great accompanying piece to the solid foundation laid before. Prep yourselves for a crazy finale that packs quite a wallop. Maybe, it'll help quell the war you guys are entrenched in at the moment.
Rating: 3.5/5