'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles', 4 words that bring up many many happy memories from the late 80's and early 90's. Yes I loved the turtles as a kid and still do to this day, an
d I like most was horrified when I heard the horror stories about this new reboot, new origin story, horrible character designs etc. But fear not people, it's not that bad, too be fair it's quite enjoyable and kids will love it which is the whole point I guess.
The look and design of the turtles has grown on me but I still feel there is too much going on with them, for example, Donatello is the brainy one and is burdened with ridiculous amounts of gadgets and gizmos. It's just a tad OTT. They still look too 'big' as well, more giant mutant turtles than ninjas. However the makers and Michael Bay have got the key element right and that is the bond between the brothers and Splinter. The family dynamic is present and correct and without this the film would fail. The love and bond of the turtles is what it's all about and thank god they realised this. The chemistry between the 4 is perhaps the best thing about the whole film, they laugh they joke, it all feels right, it's true to the characters and fans won't be disappointed.
However, it's not all positive, Shredder is competently wasted, devoid of any character whatsoever and is simply a foe to take down and not the great nemesis from the comics, cartoons and original films. Similar is the 'foot clan' who are no longer ninjas and are now just thugs with guns. I guess its an attempt to update it for today's audiences but I see no real issue with the original ninja incarnations. Splinter, bless him looks terrible, the majority of the CGI budget obviously has been spent on the turtles as he looks half finished. He is also far too young and doesn't have that 'old wise mentor' feel that we all know.
The look and tone is OK, although it sometimes veers from PG happy shenanigans to dark and broody in a heartbeat. I wish it had stuck to the latter but they have played the safe card. The script, such as it is is pretty ropey when the turtles are not on screen and the plot rehashes the good old 'poison gas on the city' for the 700th time.
But, despite all it's flaws, I still liked it, perhaps it's my childhood love of those heroes in a half shell clouding my judgement, all the great in jokes and references to the original film and cartoon, the promise of Krang in the sequel. All of which I'm excited to see.
The popularity of this strange creation is still baffling to most, but as someone who was there at the start it's been a totally radical experience.
Cowabunga.
3 out of 5 stars
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