For the Teen Titans first foray onto the big screen—Teen Titans Go to the Movies—the tenor and temperament of the Warner Bros. animated flick is utterly pitch perfect.
Teen Titans Go! has been entertaining audiences on TV over on the Cartoon Network since 2013 and features a quintet of heroes who don’t get that much respect in the DC Comics universe. In their silver screen debut, the five are seeking the same Hollywood respect that has befallen the “better known” heroes in the DC canon—Superman, Batman and of course, Wonder Woman.
They come up with a plan and it’s Hollywood fame of bust! Robin (Scott Menville), Beast Boy (Greg Cipes), Cyborg (Khary Payton), Raven (Tara Strong) and Starfire (Hynden Walch) are in La La Land and looking to meet with the director who is behind all those superhero smash hits—Jade Wilson (Kristen Bell). Problem is, a maniacal villain and his plan for world domination is firmly in the way of that goal for our fab five. Slade (Will Arnett), who is not Deadpool(!), has designs for Robin and his gang of lesser-known heroes that will either make them Hollywood royalty or the butt of a 1,000 superhero movie jokes.
The meta reality of all involved is off the charts. Just one example of that is the casting of Nicolas Cage as the voice of Superman (a role he almost played for Tim Burton back in the day). Joining him in the “real” superhero department is Eric Bauza as Aquaman, Halsey as Wonder Woman and Jimmy Kimmel (of all people) as Batman. This is a film that is hilariously self-aware. When a motion picture can achieve that element, all while having a compelling and funny storyline, it is a beautiful thing to behold. At a time when the superhero movie genre is filled with heroes and villains that are so serious, having a tale in that realm that finds its tongue firmly in its cheek is a rare stroke of genius, indeed.
The voice talent is sublime. The Teen Titans themselves, as fans of the TV series know, are all in and keenly know how far to push the self-aware envelope on one hand, and on the other hand—bring something unique to the superhero world that is as refreshing as iced cold lemonade in the middle of August. Joining them in the awesome department is a twin titan of vocal performance from Bell and Arnett.
Bell is every bit the blockbuster movie director who only turns her attention to these lesser known heroes because she sees dollar signs in what they’re trying to do. The fact that this menacing villain is obsessed with bringing down the Teen Titans only adds to her interest in bringing them into the ever-booming tent that is the superhero movie world. Meanwhile, Arnett has an utter blast in the role mirroring the stunning achievement he has delivered with his role as the Dark Knight in The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie. The actor is firmly in his element as a voice actor, particularly when the role he’s tackling is, in a sense, lampooning something that pop culture and society holds dear. We love Batman. We love superhero movies. As he does in The LEGO Movie world, he too does in Teen Titans Go to the Movies. Arnett relishes in the opportunity to deliver humor to something that is traditionally quite serious. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that right now in the world of movies—nobody does it better than the Arrested Development alum.
When it comes to bonus features, there is not a whole lot—which is unusual for an animated title. Traditionally, animated films have a bevy of bonus features. Then again, leaving the audience wanting more from this world is a good idea, given that one can tune into the Cartoon Network and watch these cats each week.
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies: WB Lot Shenanigans is a live action featurette with folks in cartoon character outfits descending on the fabled Warner Bros. lot featuring people dressed as WB cartoon characters invading the Warner Brothers lot. Before getting kicked off the lot, they have a whole lot of frenzied fun discovering all the historic prop displays and costumes as they mingle with tourists. It’s good clean fun.
For those with an interest in how an animated movie comes to life, do not miss Storyboard Animatics. Two important scenes from the film itself are presented in storyboard form and it is fascinating how they both progress to the animated film scenes. After witnessing this featurette, you will certainly want to go back and check out the Time Cycles scene and of course, The Final Battle scene.
For those craving more from this world, DC Super Hero Girls: The Late Batsby is a new, never-before-seen, animated short that finds Wonder Woman calling on Bat Girl to help fight the iconic DC Comics villain, Mr. Freeze. It’s not only cute, but wildly entertaining. Could a stand-alone movie featuring this incarnation of Wonder Woman be in the future? Stranger things have happened, just ask Spider-Man and his new Spiderverse!
The Lil Yachty Music Video is a blast as it introduces the team and their powers through the Teen Titans Go!. The musical realm has a few must-see featurettes in addition to The Lil Yachty Music Video. Sing-Along with Silkie is another meta musical moment that is utterly priceless. It’s two tracks—Inspirational Song and My Superhero Movie—that have the Titans and Robin having a ball exploring this universe with truly meta lyrics and beyond catchy tunes. Finally, Everything is Fake is an exclusive track that never made it into the movie. It’s blink and you’ll miss it quick done in storyboard format that basically has some fun explaining that everything in the movie that we see is bogus.
Film Grade: A-
Bonus Features: B