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 TMNT
by Jane Louise Boursaw
MPAA Rating: PG for
animated action violence, some scary cartoon images, and mild language.
Suggested Ages: 7+
Released in Theaters: March 23, 2007
Reel Rating: 2.5 out of 4 Reels
Should you bring the
kids? Yes. The storyline is a bit lame, but the special fx are awesome.
For more info, see "Bringing the Kids" below.
THE STORY: If
someone had told me in 1987 that four ninja-fighting turtles would go down
in cinematic history, I'd have thought they were one gene short of a full
mutation. Clearly, the rest of us are working too hard. Here we are, 20
years after the first TV series, and those warriors-on-the-half-shell are
still thrilling audiences. And a whole new generation at that, Dudes!
Directed by Kevin Monroe,
this movie brings back the four heroes we know and love, but in a fresh CGI
format. Leonardo (voiced by James Arnold Taylor) is still the leader of the
pack. Michelangelo (Mikey Kelley) is a loveable party animal
uh, make that
party TURTLE. Donatello (Mitchell Whitfield) is the smart one. And Raphael
(Nolan North) is still searching for his true self.
After defeating their
longtime enemy, Shredder, the green lads have lost their sense of purpose.
They're drifting apart, and their rat sensei, Master Splinter (voiced by
Mako, who died shortly after filming), is struggling to keep the group
together.
But strange things are
happening in New York City. Tech industrialist Max Winters (Patrick Stewart
every time he spoke, I saw Capt. Jean-Luc Picard) is assembling an army of
ancient monsters to take over the world. He's got help from the mysterious
Foot Clan, who are backing his diabolical plan with their own ninja skills.
It's up to the turtles --
with help from old pals April O'Neil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Casey Jones
(Chris Evans) to save the world. Again.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles were the brainchild of Peter Laird, who's also one of the writers on
this movie. They entered the world as comic book characters and morphed into
TV, movies, video games, toys, you name it. If it could be worn, played
with, or looked at, it probably sported a TMNT logo at one time or another.
So what is it about the
green guys that keeps fans coming back for more? I think it's a combination
of things: They're teenage turtles. They're mutant warriors. And they love
pizza. What else is there to know?
 BRINGING
THE KIDS:
PRESCHOOLERS (ages 2-5):
Too much fighting and emotional turmoil for preschoolers. A better option:
Franklin the turtle and his forest friends. They're gentle. They're quiet.
And they're trying to figure out how they fit in the world just like your
preschoolers.
GRADE-SCHOOLERS (ages 6
- 10): Grade-schoolers especially those familiar with the TV series --
will probably like this movie. Although the storyline is somewhat lame (lots
of "family issues"), the characters are fun, and the special effects are
downright awesome. I've never seen such detail in a CGI movie sometimes
you'd swear the backgrounds are real. That said, the overall tone is darker
than previous TMNT movies, and some of the violence leans towards PG-13
(though it's not much worse than a Saturday morning cartoon I'm not saying
that's a good thing). Still, I think it's ok for kids aged 7 and older.
TWEEN / TEEN (ages 11+):
Even though it has plenty of action, this movie is very much character
driven, with lots of humor and bickering among the turtles similar to the
original comic book and TV series. All in all, an ok balance that appeals to
both its 20-something fans and new crop of fans. And let's be real here.
It's a movie about crime-fighting mutant turtles who love pizza. Don't email
me I'm not dissing the turtles! I'm just sayin', I don't think we're
supposed to take them too seriously.
SCORE: 2.5 out of 4 Reels.
JANE'S REEL RATING
SYSTEM:
One Reel Pathetic. Even
the Force can't save it.
Two Reels Tolerable. Coulda been a contender.
Three Reels Thought-provoking. Something to talk about.
Four Reels Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.
Read my other reviews
HERE.
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