I was a big fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles when they first appeared back in the 1980's, and that carried through to the first live action film in 1990. Shortly thereafter, I grew out of the turtle phase and left such things behind me. I have now come full circle and have a growing nostalgia for such things from my youth. With the nostalgia kick, I was intrigued when I first learned of a new animated film, wary, but intrigued. The wariness was immediately eradicated when I saw the first teaser trailer showing the mean green machine in full computer generated glory, sprinting and jumping across the rooftops. Yes, that is what I'm talking about. I am happy to report that the movie lives up to the promise of the trailer and delivers what may be the best incarnation of everyone's favorite shell wearing ninja brothers yet.
OK, now I am sure that most of you have at least a slight idea of the Turtle's story. Here's a quick recap, which I know has changed over they years, but the general gist is that four turtles were dumped in the sewers where they came into contact with some radioactive ooze that mutated them into humanoid form turtles. Along with the foursome, a rat also was mutated. The rat, named Splinter knows the ways of the ninja, taught them to the turtles and the fought crime. Great story, huh? Well, they had a nemesis named Shredder, who was defeated in the 1990 film.
The story picks up after the first live action film, let's just forget the other two ever happened. 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.
Article comments
1 - Dynamo of Eternia
I was a big Turtles fan back in the day as well, and I also loved this movie. It was very well done.
However, there is a correction that needs to be made. This film does not take place right after the first film as if the other two never happened. It actually takes place after all 3 of the previous films. (I actually had been under the impression that it was meant to take place after the first 2 movies as if the 3rd never happened, and was proven wrong on that one).
(SPOILER WARNING AHEAD)
This is strongly evident by the trophey shelf shown at the end of the movie that Splinter places Max Winter's helmet on (soon followed by Raph's Night Watcher helmet). If you look, you clearly see Shredder's helmet, but you also see other items from the other two movies including the ooze canister from the second film, and the ceptar from the 3rd film that sent the Turtles traveling through time.
But at any rate, this new movie was awesome and very well done. I hope that another is made, hopefully including the Shredder this time.
2 - Kaonashi
Dynamo is right, you do see references to the last two films, so unfortunately we're not allowed to forget them- and "Ninja Rap" :P
3 - Chris Beaumont
Is it OK if I ignore the two films in question? :)
4 - Vindi
I absolutely loved TMNT when I was younger! Looking forward to seeing the movie!