Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Review: Welcome Back
Review by Nolan P. Smith
(Victorville)— They are a staple in pop culture, and the last few years have been particularly great. Thanks to the recent Nickelodeon cartoon, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are a hit once again. But with this new film, many, including myself, have speculated that it would be a huge misstep for the franchise, as director Michael Bay is connected to the project. Much like how the Transformers franchise was ruined in the eyes of hardcore fans, many thought this film would do the same to the heroes in a half shell. So did the new film sink or swim?
Well, first I would like to address that even though Michael Bay is connected to this project, he is not the director or writer. Second, I would like to make clear that this movie is an enjoyable film that does the shell-shocked heroes justice. Feeling a little shell-shocked yourself from that news? So am I.
The movie follows the four turtle brothers and their “dad”, the mutant rat Splinter (Tony Shaloub) as they prepare to combat the evil of the Foot Clan that has been taking over New York, led by the armored villain Shredder (Tohoru Masamune). A insistent reporter, April O’Neil (Megan Fox) begins to uncover the attacks of the Foot Clan, and sees the shelled protectors in the process. With twists and turns along the way, everyone knows it boils down to the turtles overcoming overwhelming odds, and doing so in grand fashion.
The turtles personalities are true to what many of us remember from the past films and cartoons (even hints to the original comic book). I loved their personalities, their methods of fighting, as well as whenever Splinter was on screen. When I left the theater, I was so excited for the franchise, as I now wait for the word of a sequel. This might not be the truest TMNT interpretation, but it honors what came before, and more importantly, it has fun doing so. With this and Guardians of the Galaxy at the box office at the same time, you have no reason not to smile this summer.