This week brings a lengthy list of titles running the gamut from the good to the bad to the ugly. There are lots of television titles, some unknown releases, and even a few movies. No matter how long or short the weekly release list is, there is always a minimum of one title that I would like to add to the ever-growing collection, usually more. This week is no different, and despite the number of decent offerings, it was pretty easy to select this week's top pick.
This week's pick is none other than the latest incarnation of everyone's heroes on the half shell, TMNT. It wins out based partially on childhood nostalgia, but mostly because it is actually a quality film filled with good action, nice animation, and is all around an exciting slice of cinema.
The story picks up after the live action series. Following the defeat of Shredder, it seems that the team dynamic changed. Splinter sent Leonardo away to learn to be a better leader. During that time, the team split up, each of the remaining brothers doing their own thing. But trouble is brewing, and the promise of danger brings the four back together. Yes, there is another "but" — before they are able to face the oncoming threat, they must first learn to deal with each other.
A big part of the story centers on the strained relationship between Leonardo and Raphael. This story is great, but pushes Michaelangelo and Donatello to considerably smaller supporting roles, something I assume will change should there be a sequel. Raph is something of a hothead, not happy with Leo's departure, and decides to take things into his own hands. Now that Leo is back, Raph is even less happy now that his brother has returned. It is an interesting dynamic that plays out, but there is the bigger story that they are all forced to deal with.
There is an ancient, immortal warrior who unwittingly let a number of ghastly beasties loose upon the earth, while his generals were turned into beastly stone statues. It just so happens everything is converging on New York; the warrior goes by the name Winter, and he has just bought the statues and is intent on bringing his men back and recapturing said beasties. It is up to the turtle foursome, along with April O'Neil and Casey Jones, to get their act together and get to the bottom of the creature activity. Oh yes, the Foot Clan are still around, too.
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