TMNT 3/5 reviewed by Mike
Let me just go ahead and tell you what you really need to know here: If you already love the Ninja Turtles, then you'll like this. If you don't already think that Ninja Turtles are awesome, then this won't change your mind. This movie is tailor made for us nostalgics who grew up loving the turtles when we were kids, and for new kids who have seen the cartoon or are just looking for a good time.
Now that I've pretty much answered all the questions you have about this film, on with the review.
The first interesting thing about this film's story is that it works as a sequel. This isn't an origin story, or a retelling of something you've seen. None of the elements are explained not due to bad writing, but because the assumption is that if you're watching this movie, you either already know who the turtles are and why they are, or you're too young to care. Thus, the story isn't bogged down by trying to tell you all this history and baggage like other superhero flicks. The story itself is about a 3000 year old warrior (voiced by Patrick Stewart, no less!) who opens a portal to another dimension and lets loose some monsters, and then hires the foot clan (some sweet ninjas) to help him... okay, it's wierd ok, but remember, this story is about giant turtles who fight like ninjas. The rest of the plot is actually cool--it's about the turtles having to reunite, learn to get along and trust each other. Thus it actually becomes a story about brotherhood, friendship, honor, trust, and unity. Not in a really serious way, of course. Remember the title.
All the elements you love are there: The turtles personalities (Raph the hot-head, Leo the leader, Donny the smart one, Mike the goof), Casey Jones wielding sports items as weapons, Master Splinter, Ninjas, monsters, a sweet sewer base, and of course, April is a hot as ever. All this is rendered in pretty cool CGI. Some reviewers have said the graphics suck, but I totally disagree. They're very stylized, but the style is suited perfectly to this kind of movie. The texturing is amazing, especially on backgrounds and rain effects. The one-on-one fight scenes are pretty awesome, too. There's tons of action in the film, enough to where kids don't get bored, and neither will you.
The only thing that really holds the movie down is the God-awful opening narration... seriously, just bear through it for 3 or 4 minutes, and then the movie will start. It's one of the worst opening narrations ever (except of course for Eragon) but I think it's there mostly so the kids won't be too confused.
Like I said, this isn't Batman Begins--if you don't already love the turtles, this won't convince you, and even if you do, you probably don't want to own this. But if you're like me and you reminisce fondly of the days of action figures and saturday morning cartoon marathons, then by all means, spend a saturday afternoon with this flick and have a good time.
See this movie if:
-You like (or ever liked) the TMNT
-You're looking for a popcorn flick on a nice afternoon
-You're a young boy who wants to see some ninja action!
Don't see this movie if:
-you didn't grow up loving the ninja turtles
-you're expecting a deeper, character driven drama
-If you read all this and still need to read these little recaps at the end
Now that I've pretty much answered all the questions you have about this film, on with the review.
The first interesting thing about this film's story is that it works as a sequel. This isn't an origin story, or a retelling of something you've seen. None of the elements are explained not due to bad writing, but because the assumption is that if you're watching this movie, you either already know who the turtles are and why they are, or you're too young to care. Thus, the story isn't bogged down by trying to tell you all this history and baggage like other superhero flicks. The story itself is about a 3000 year old warrior (voiced by Patrick Stewart, no less!) who opens a portal to another dimension and lets loose some monsters, and then hires the foot clan (some sweet ninjas) to help him... okay, it's wierd ok, but remember, this story is about giant turtles who fight like ninjas. The rest of the plot is actually cool--it's about the turtles having to reunite, learn to get along and trust each other. Thus it actually becomes a story about brotherhood, friendship, honor, trust, and unity. Not in a really serious way, of course. Remember the title.
All the elements you love are there: The turtles personalities (Raph the hot-head, Leo the leader, Donny the smart one, Mike the goof), Casey Jones wielding sports items as weapons, Master Splinter, Ninjas, monsters, a sweet sewer base, and of course, April is a hot as ever. All this is rendered in pretty cool CGI. Some reviewers have said the graphics suck, but I totally disagree. They're very stylized, but the style is suited perfectly to this kind of movie. The texturing is amazing, especially on backgrounds and rain effects. The one-on-one fight scenes are pretty awesome, too. There's tons of action in the film, enough to where kids don't get bored, and neither will you.
The only thing that really holds the movie down is the God-awful opening narration... seriously, just bear through it for 3 or 4 minutes, and then the movie will start. It's one of the worst opening narrations ever (except of course for Eragon) but I think it's there mostly so the kids won't be too confused.
Like I said, this isn't Batman Begins--if you don't already love the turtles, this won't convince you, and even if you do, you probably don't want to own this. But if you're like me and you reminisce fondly of the days of action figures and saturday morning cartoon marathons, then by all means, spend a saturday afternoon with this flick and have a good time.
See this movie if:
-You like (or ever liked) the TMNT
-You're looking for a popcorn flick on a nice afternoon
-You're a young boy who wants to see some ninja action!
Don't see this movie if:
-you didn't grow up loving the ninja turtles
-you're expecting a deeper, character driven drama
-If you read all this and still need to read these little recaps at the end
posted by Hankinstien at 10:14 PM
2 Comments:
This comment has been removed by the author.
I figured this review would be something along the lines of if you liked this growing up, you'll still like it. And I've recently come to the realization that...well, that's good enough for me. I'll probably see this because I grew up with a TMNT punching bag and videogame and shoes and Halloween costume. I'm not expecting any awards, but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna enjoy it.
Great review.
In other news, holy !^#*@&...
www.apple.com/trailers/fox_atomic/28weekslater
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