Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo
DC superhero cartoon sequel has violence, positive messages.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo is an extended episode and conclusion to the original animated DC Comics action-adventure series. Set in Japan, there is lots of cartoon violence, but also plenty of positive messages. The Teen Titans -- led by Batman's sidekick, Robin (voiced by Scott Menville) -- work hard and show bravery. Some are hard-headed and driven to a fault, but they all eventually realize the error of their ways and bond together to help the group. There is strong diversity across the group and cast, with multiple nationalities, genders, and races represented. The Japanese setting also enables the characters to advocate being polite and sensitive to foreign customs, despite some culture clashes, which are played for comic effect. Violence is frequent but not graphic, even when characters have holes blown in them and lose limbs. Fights include punching, kicking, and the use of weapons, which also causes extensive property damage. Some adolescent crushing with one character referring to another as "hot girl." The Teen Titans shop, play arcade games, and take advantage of an "all you can eat" buffet. As part of the DC Universe, various tie-in merchandise is also available.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
TEEN TITANS: TROUBLE IN TOKYO follows the band of superheroes to Japan where they face off against a group of supernatural villains.
Is It Any Good?
This feature-length episode concludes the popular 2000s animated series. Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo transplants adolescent versions of some DC Universe favorites to a very unfamiliar setting. Letting the action unfold against a Tokyo backdrop enables the creators to have some fun with Godzilla-like foes and seemingly indestructible ninja warriors with the power of flight. The movie's 75-minute runtime means there's not much time for plot or character development, but this brightly colored animation clearly knows its audience. The movie is jump-started with a lengthy battle scene in the Teen Titans' home city, before they find reason enough to whizz halfway around the world to pick up the trail of Saico-Tek (voiced by Keone Young), a mysterious ninja interloper.
As long as you don't think too hard, this is passable fluff for fans of iconic comic book stars and action that comes packaged in a pseudo-Japanese aesthetic. The ending is rushed, the "surprise" reveal is likely to be predictable to even younger viewers, and the jokes seem like they're stuck on "repeat" at times. But it's also breezy and energetic enough to stay watchable, with several neat moments squeezed in among the chaos.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the cartoon violence in Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo. Did it feel appropriate for a movie like this? Why, or why not? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
In what ways did the characters show courage, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these such important character strengths? Can you give any real-life examples when you've demonstrated any of these?
Discuss the Teen Titans' trip to Japan. How much do you know about the country? What aspects of Japanese culture were surprising or different?
Talk about Robin's relationship with Starfire. How was this harmed by Robin's dedication to his work? Why is it important to find a balance between our professional and personal lives?
How did this compare to other Teen Titans' adventures you might have seen?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: September 15, 2006
- Cast: Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton
- Directors: Michael Chang, Ben Jones, Matt Youngberg
- Studios: Cartoon Network, HBO Max
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Superheroes, Adventures
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 75 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Teen Titans
All action all the time -- not for all viewers.
-
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies
Irreverent, immature comedy cleverly mocks superhero genre.
-
Teen Titans Go! vs Teen Titans
TT universe crossover movie is irreverent and fun.
For kids who love superheroes
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate