TMNT Review: The Turtles Have Arrived

tmnt

Hi guys! My name is Spocktopus and I will be reviewing movies weekly for you. Spoiler free of course! ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!?! This week’s movie is… Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!!

Now I know what everyone is thinking…I was thinking it too.

My expectations going into this movie could not have been any lower. I am not a fan of Michael Bay’s Transformers by any means. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was honestly one of the longest, most grueling experiences of my life. Whenever I saw an AD for the newest Dinobot Transformers I felt like the Ark of the Covenant was opening up and melting my face. However, I have never been the biggest Transformers fan so the Michael Bay movies never felt that devastating to me. BUT I DO LOVE THE TURTLES. The 1990’s TMNT and Secret of the Ooze were my jam as a child so I was actually pretty excited to see a new live action incarnation. That is until I heard that the dreaded overlord Michael Bay was producing the film. Through this dread I learned a valuable lesson.

Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.

As I took my seat and the opening sequence started I felt a wave of relief overcome me. The title sequence was actually really cool! It harked back to the old comic book style of TMNT and had bright explosive colors. But wait… could this be a fluke? Were they luring me in with a shiny retro comic feel only to slap me in the face with terrible-ness? Luckily it wasn’t.

I was highly entertained for the rest of the film. I laughed and was engrossed in the action the entire time. The turtles had the same boyish humor that I had come to know and love, but with a re-vamped look. Now I know their new look irked quite a few people, they aren’t as cartoonish as the wonderful Jim Henson suits, but they do have a cool effect. Oh! The voice acting was really great too. Each turtle had such great distinctive and emotive voices that really fit their personalities. Shredder and Splinter had really wonderful designs as well. The movie felt nostalgic yet new at the same time, which I completely loved. Sure the lore had changed a bit, but they were still the same violent, immature ninja turtles that I knew.

Now for the not so great stuff. First off is Megan Fox. Megan Fox… MEGAN FOX. Other than the fact that Michael Bay was involved I have no idea why she was cast as April O’Neil. She didn’t have the right hair color, but she did wear the signature yellow. She was much more tolerable than she was in any of the Transformers movies, but she’s still not great. (I personally thought Emma Stone would be perfect as April O’Neil, but that’s just me. Who would you recast to be April?). Aside from Megan Fox the only other thing I would say is a negative is the plot. It wasn’t great but it wasn’t terrible. Just a little been there, done that. The music was also pretty standard action movie music so it didn’t get any points there.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle’s strengths were definitely in its campy humor and action sequences. Though I will be honest that I did tear up at one point during the movie. Damn turtles makin’ me all emotional and stuff. I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone who just wants to see a fun movie. Also I would recommend it purely for the snow scene. That scene was just badass. TMNT isn’t a deep or groundbreaking movie by any means, but it is a great gateway for new turtle fans. If you’re hesitant wait until it’s on Netflix or you can see it by OTHER means (wink wink nudge nudge). But don’t knock it ‘til you try it.

-Spocktopus

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2nd in command for Starship Geek Lyfe, Spocktopus is awesome incarnate. She loves all things geeky and has no problem letting the world know. Checking her bank account, you may be surprised by just how much of her finances goes to video games, various geeky box services, anime, manga, seasons of TV shows and so much more. Her passion far exceeds just being a spectator though as she actively cosplays, making crafts for different fandoms and even gifts for fellow Geek Lyfe fans for giveaways!

Comments
  • Nikki_boagreis

    Very informative article really enjoyed reading this thank’s for submitting this post always a pleasure reading new post!

    February 14, 2023
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