Hello guys, this is my first article on comicbookmovie.com, and I hope you guys like what I have written. I have decided to explain why I think Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1990 is one of the most underrated and best CBMs of all time.
1. My first reason for TMNT 1990 being one of the best CBMs of all time is the fact that it successfully combined several aspects from multiple forms of media. TMNT 1990 used aspects from both the 80’s cartoon (April O’Neil being a new reporter, and the Turtles different colored masks) and aspects from the comics (the dark tone, Splinter being Yoshi’s pet rat, etc.) seamlessly to make a well- crafted story.
2. My second reason for TMNT 1990 being one of the best CBMs of all time is successfully bringing a dark and gritty tone to the movie. When most people think of the TMNT, they think of happy go lucky, ninjutsu weapon wielding turtles who are just for kids without knowing the original comics had them assassinating people at age 12. TMNT 1990 managed to put in several dark moments, (The Turtles losing Splinter, Raph being grotesquely assaulted by the Foot Clan, Shredder being crushed by a garbage compacter, etc.) while avoiding becoming melodramatic and keeping it fun.
3. My third reason for TMNT 1990 being one of best CBMs of all time was great supporting characters. April O’Neil has to be one of the few female CBM supporting characters I wasn’t annoyed with. She managed to avoid the annoying damsel in distress effect and felt like a memorable addition of the team. And Casey Jones. Man, Elias Koteas killed it as Casey Jones! He was brash, gratuitously violent, and a great foil to Raphael. Michael Turney was also another good addition to the film who didn’t feel like an annoying teenager.
4. My fourth reason for TMNT 1990 being one of the best CBMs of all time is the inauspicious, cold blooded villain, Shredder. James Saito was breathtaking as the Shredder. I remember my first time watching this movie on YouTube with my younger brother (I never got to see it in theater since I’m 14, and the DVD is hard to find) and seeing the Shredder drop down and surprise the TMNT. I was at a loss for words, Shredder was a legitimate threat who managed to easily trash the TMNT, and had to be beaten by Splinter. I honestly think he’s one comic book movies greatest villains.
5. My final reason for TMNT 1990 being one of the best CBMs of all time was that it was just straight up fun! I’m a light and optimistic guy and this movie hit so many cords with me, and had me screaming Turtle Power! I think it is tantamount to the Avengers in the fact that it is a fun CBM which can appeal to kids and adults, and that is always a plus in my book!
Those are my thoughts on TMNT 1990. Did like my article? Hated it? Give me feedback and love for Turtles in a Half Shell in the comment section!