Review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) by Matt S — 04 Mar 2017

Growing up, this was one of my favourite cartoons, aptly so because Leonardo was the leader of the gang! Several years later, and there will always be a soft spot for these amphibians, but the immature humour has lost its appeal a tad.

"Kowabunga" just no longer seems a cool thing to say, and Michaelangelo just comes across as stupid and annoying, as opposed to a lovable hero. I guess it's just a case of me growing up, and the turtles target market remaining the same.

You can appreciate how this movie would have entertainment value to the right viewer, but its definitely not an intellectually challenging production. I guess it could be compared to a James Bond movie for 8 year olds, with lovable rogues, a megalomaniac baddie, and his assistant, and not forgetting the pin up girl, that is provided by way of Megan Fox on this occasion.

The back story takes us to 'How it all Began' (which coincidentally is the name of the first turtle video I ever bought as a kid). We learn how the turtles and their master Splinter were created before watching them battle the evil Shredder - not to be mistaken for a disposer of confidential papers, but an armoured ninja with terrorist like behaviours.

It's the usual over dramatic scenario of battling to save the world, but it's a good bundle of green fun. If anything i'd say this movie is less about the ninja turtles, and more about April and her family history.

I'm unsure if that's a wise move as that risks failing to appeal to kids, but still being too childish to get the adult vote too. I'm no longer going to go out my way to watch these episodes anymore, but admittedly there will always be a piece of my heart going out to these heroes in half shells.