| | Hey again everyone, glad you've stopped by I and my team members loaded up to go see TMNT on opening night, and I will say this to anyone who are wondering if it sucks. TMNT ROCKS. It's a great film, and to find out why, read on! ******** It's been 14 years since the Turtles graced (or embarassed) the big screen with Turtles III, and much has changed. Turtle mania, although kept alive by fans, the comics, and the excellent 2003 4Kids animated program, is not what it once was. TMNT is a movie that just may change that. The Turtles are back, only they are not the family they used to be, after their final defeat of the Shredder in Turtles II, they are left directionless with their leader, Leonardo leaving to train in South America. Little do they know that amidst their family difficulties, strange events are about to take place. Over 3,000 years ago, a warrior named Yaotl opened a portal to another dimension in order to conquer the world and all it's kingdoms, but with the immortality it granted him, it also cursed the Earth with 13 horrible monsters as well as turning his brotherhood of generals to stone. Yaotl, still alive in the present day as Max Winters has began collecting his stone generals from the corners of the earth, supposedly to reopen the portal that caused such a catastrophe 3,000 years prior, but not all is as it seems. Soon the Turtles will either have to come together, or see all that they love, most importantly their family, be destroyed. First of all, I must compliment the director, Kevin Munroe for bringing back the TMNT with all the action and seriousness mainstream film could hope to see. He brings far more punches than one-liners to the table for the Turtles fourth big-screen outing. This is a film that never gets boring or stays anywhere longer than it needs to. TMNT is a fast paced, thrilling adventure from the get-go. The action is unlike any other Turtles-to-film you've ever witnessed. Our boys in green move more like frogs than Turtles, meaning that their amazing acrobatics and graceful team combat will have your eye-balls popping out of your head no matter if they're in a battle, or simply moving from roof-top to roof-top. The story is excellent, and the plot is filled with excellent lessons about family and honor, themes significant to any well-made TMNT epic. The storyline itself is a very interesting one that's full of surprising twists and interesting mythology, along with being peppered by elements and throwbacks to the original three films. The only negative aspect to the entire experience I could find was that the humor missed a few times, mostly on Michealangelo's behalf, although Splinter's humor is hilarious and unforgettable, as well as the final joke. I must also compliment the narrative's excellent scope and huge scale, which I thought wouldn't translate well to the big screen, but just like many of their comic book adventures, this story is big and the Turtles seem right at home. The voice acting compliments the story superbly. All four Turtles sound completely correct, as well as the celebrity voice actors who only add flavor instead of distraction. The team is in total agreement that the finest performance in the film belong's to Mako's Splinter voice. For the first time, Splinter actually sounds like an elderly Asian man would, and his voice is not only fatherly and loving, but at many times comandeering, and respect-demanding, just as any true teacher's voice would sound to his students. Unfortunately, the great Mako passed away a very short time after recording his lines for this film, making this his last role, and what a great one it was, I'm just sad that he cannot portray Splinter in future films. The music was all excellent, and orchestrated, with only a few lame pop-tie-ins, and a few cool songs. I especially dug the TMNT and Splinter themes used throughout the film. With audio so excellent, it's no wonder that - (read on) Imagi did a stand-up job on the CGI for this film. Initially, upon hearing that this film would be CGI, I was very displeased, believing the medium to be all wrong for the Turtles. Imagi has made an absolute fool of my expectations. The CGI is honestly some of the best I've ever seen in an animated films, with some shots almost passing for live action (a beautiful rooftop rain soaked battle between two key characters that you've got to see to believe). The Turtles are animated beautifully, with all the subtleties and great acting you could wish for. Also, the designs for the characters are all very cool and slick, another thing I didn't expect from initial viewing of the designs. The only model the team and I were slightly dissapointed with was Casey Jones who was not quite bulky enough for our tastes, as well as a few of the human models who looked a little Pixar-ish. Other than that, the city scapes could pass for the real thing in many shots, and the Turtles are looking better than ever. In conclusion the animation quality leaves me with just one thing to say: Pixar WHO?? I've already seen the movie twice, and everyone who I've spoken to loves it. Whether you're a life-long fan like us, or a family member who's been dragged along with your kids, from the superb CGI, engaging story, and excellent voice acting, everyone will find something to love this movie for, and with box office returns for the weekend now in, and TMNT a 25 million dollar hit (the film only cost 34 million to make) expect the Turtles to make a return very soon, I can't wait. I suppose I'll end this review on a few closing notes: "I could do with about twelve of these things." - Team Member Brandon "This is the kind of movie that makes me want every one of the toys" - Me "That was really good, so much better than I expected, I mean, I didn't expect it to be bad, but, it's usually not my kind of movie. I'm really impressed" - My girlfriend "Oh yeah man, it rocks, you're gonna love it" - a friend of mine "I sure hope the CGI GhostBusters III is that good." - Team Friend Aaron At my job, talking to a customer taking his kids to see the TMNT: "Yea I actually went to go see the new Turtles last night" - Me "Oh really, that's where were going right now, so it's good?" - Customer "Oh it's great, you guys have a good time." - Me * a few days later "Did you like TMNT the other night?" - Me "Oh, yeah, it was really cool, even my wife, who fought me tooth and nail all the way up there came out of the theater talking about how good it was." - Customer "Even Mom really enjoyed it." - Team Member Brandon Review by Team Member Jared ******** So there you have it, readers, our opinion on TMNT. We're sure you'll love it. Although let me stress that although we enjoyed this film thoroughly, "The Other Strangeness" will be hardly anything like it. "TMNT" is a great example of how a main-stream Turtles film should be done, and that's great, because the mood and art direction of our film is unlike anything seen in current main-stream entertainment. I hope to update soon upon recent breakthroughs we've had on the screenplay for Other Strangeness. Till then, do you agree with what you've read here after watching "TMNT", if so, drop us a comment, if not, drop us comment (keep responses polite and PG thanks). Once again, I personally appreciate your time loyal reader, and your enthusiasm that keeps this project alive, God bless you and yours. Jared and team. |
