Review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016) by Kyle M — 08 Nov 2016

Two years back when the TMNT film series got rebooted, I've observed that the filmic iterations released around an animated TV series currently airing at the time of release, faithfully reflected upon. To elaborate: the first three films reflected the tone of the original 80s cartoon series; the fourth film with an assumed continuity reflected the 2003 series; then finally the reboot trilogy started in 2014 reflected the 2012 series. The way the films over the years reflects the television series with faithfulness is based on the matching preference of the timely viewership, fueling their enjoyment upon seeing the released film. The 2014 reboot does that, while its sequel today "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows" drawn some strings from the 80s cartoon to today's current animated series when done some lightening improvement over its same-valued predecessor.

The reboot's sequel takes place a year later where we see the Turtles are dealing with their existential dilemma by accepting not to receive credit for their heroic deeds they've done to their city. Their next mission brings them to face more foes as the Shredder's escape brought in an alliance with the Krang and recruited two other escaped prisoners as subjects into mutants known as Bebop and Rocksteady by Baxter Stockman. As the events enlarges, and the Turtles deal with their dilemma that intersected with what they're dealing with, helped by April and Vernon, along with newcomer skilled in Hockey Casey Jones who has faced the new mutants before, they went to thwart the Shredder's plans of an incoming invasion.

Basically a continuation of its predecessor's elements with the Turtles' dilemma additionally thrown in as a probable original observation of their mythology that also touched base with reality on acceptance in society - a similar, related fashion seen in the X-Men. In the critiquing light of the elemental continuity is the sense of being a more fun ride through the lightening improvement of the CGI Turtles' slightly increased screen time that displays more of their dynamics alongside with the overall funnier humor.

In addition to the fun ride, the effects-driven sequences as the film's makeup to deliver the action and the social blend are still well done. On another branch is the appealingly charismatic performances with Megan Fox as April O'Neil sharing a friendly chemistry with Stephen Amell's Casey Jones, welcomed to the team and filled the gang as a whole. And to further the enjoyment level for a convert or a non-convert, producer Michael Bay's collaborator Steve Jablonsky composed what sounds like a definitive update score for the four brothers.

What flaws to pointedly criticize that are still apparent, or couldn't be shaken off, starts with the derivation that still drives the film like its predecessor within the respective, and recommendable genres, particularly the returning vibe previously felt in "Transformers" that really couldn't be shaken off. Then on another that may have a relation to the original 80s cartoon with required familiarization is towards the portrayals and CGI treatment of the antagonists that seems juvenile with the silliness being unfunny to the broader audience and/or today's viewership who enjoys the 2012 series. Not interested on seeing that cartoon series, but it seems that while on the faithful route, it was only calling for recognition of the earlier fans' judgment when the overall characterization is mostly well-known to the spectatorship without going back in time.

Going back to how this sequel improved over its predecessor, the noticeable flaw of being marked with the similar kit used in "The Last Airbender" through few areas such as the designs and cinematographic structure was dropped. This opened opportunities on few recasting and designs.

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows" may be almost the same as its predecessor, which could be a good thing as long it retained the experience of being an absolute fun ride made up by the aspectual qualities, including the direction on the faithful route and improvement for the good of the enjoyment level. Despite still deriving along putting in some juvenile silliness that are away from the main spotlight, the film's at least the best yet of the TMNT franchise. (B+).