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View Full Version : My take on FF after watching the DVD set.


X
03-10-2007, 10:07 AM
Well I felt the need to voice my opinion. It wouldn't be the first time voicing my thoughts on FF, but after rewatching the episodes last night and today on DVD with my son, I thought I would re-evaluate the series.

I will be frank right now, I love 2k3 animation more, and the stories more, however I have never disliked FF. Well wait, I'll retract that. I disliked FF at first because everyone else did. Everyone elses negativity toward the series made me see the faults as well. The animation was bugging me because it was getting to everyone else. It still isn't up to par with 2k3, but I could find worse things to gripe about. So after not looking at negative posts about FF and rewatching it, I like it more. However, I still miss 2k3, but I like what FF brought to the table. Here is what I like about FF.

1. The Turtles are taken in a new direction.

"What I mean by new dirtection, is that they can for the first time in the history of Turtles, live freely. I like this approach because it has made them lazy, and has made Splinter hang loose a little. Splinter probably thinks, "Hey my sons have worked hard, now we're in a world where there is no alienation, so why not let them enjoy life for once." This is probably why all the characters are out of whack. They don't have to focus so much in such a free environment." Again this is all my take on what FF means.

2. There is more humor and vibrance.

"Sure everyone likes the darker tone of the Turtles, but hell, I'm getting bored with Lost in its third season (love Heroes though,) but was never bored of Turtles in its third season. I guess the reason behind this, is that Lost is becoming the same old, same old. Nothing really new or interesting. Back in the day I vented about their being a lack of stand alone episodes. Turtles was starting to play out like Justice League. Every episode almost had to be a two or three parter. Again though, FF brought more stand alones and difference that I was letting others negative thoughts cloud my judgement. While most of the humor falls flat in FF (and 2k3 for the matter,) it still tries to be different within the same series (TMNT is TMNT no matter how you slice it.)"

3. Difference and not more of the same.

"Like I touted above, this show wasn't afraid to take a new direction within the same context of the series. Other series get old after awhile and seemingly don't know where to go due to running out of ideas (read Lost.) With Turtles in just one season, we get to see for the first time in history, the Turtles being Lazy and not following their same old trends. Living freely, not training, etc... I wish sometimes that american shows followed the japanese routine. They believe in series. Sometimes more of the same, but different, or completely different. This allows for no staleness in the property."

So I do like FF, I will not try and convince others to see its faults or dislike it, but I do like it. I miss 2k3 and cannot wait for them to get back, but honestly, isn't it good to miss something once in awhile so when you do go back, it feels fresh instead of rehash? When the Turtles do go home, and hopefully another season plays out in the 2k3 series, I can look back and say, "Thanks FF for showing me a side of the Turtles I have never seen, and making things different and fresh." Now I cannot gripe anymore that 2k3 was starting to rehash itself, because thanks to FF this cannot be the case. BRING ON THE GOODNESS!!!

Another reason I like FF is because I never like being the same as anyone else. If everyone in the world was the same as one another, life would be boring. So no more judging for me based on others thoughts. That is something I should thank those who hate the series for. A good wake up call.

EDIT: BTW this is not telling anyone who works at 4kids who may read this, that they should continue this series beyond what it should be. I do miss 2k3, but I wasn't afraid to like FF. I do like the fresh approach but it was needed so 2k3 wouldn't be rehash. AGAIN BRING ON THE GOODNESS!

-X-

mumbo230
03-10-2007, 11:02 AM
While personally I disagree with your views on Lost, you bring up some very valid points.

Personally, I prefer multiple-part episodes to standalones because it allows for a longer and more fleshed out story. I love long, arcing stories, and 2K3 delivered that. I'm also not quite understanding the complaint of there not being enough standalone episodes, since that's practically Season 4 in a nutshell.

But I do agree with the added vibrance and humor in FF, though I can also see why it would turn a lot of people off. As a matter of fact, one gripe I had with 2K3 was that the lighting was often so dark that you couldn't see what was happening! In a few particular spots it got a little frustrating to watch. FF doesn't have that trouble, though in a tradeoff things look more plastic-y.

Like you, overall I like FF, though obviously not as much as 2K3. It is a nice departure, I guess somewhat of a break. Also, for those who hate it, it makes you appreciate 2K3 that much more :)

CyberCubed
03-10-2007, 11:02 AM
The only things that bug me about FF:

1. The animation shouldn't have gotten worse

2. "It's Ninja Time!" doesn't need to be said in EVERY single episode.

3. They should use this opportunity to adapt some Volume 4 storylines, like with the Utroms base on Earth and maybe go explore why there are Triceratons on Earth now.

4. Give Don more episodes! They're in the future for goodness sakes, Don should be amazed!

Other than that, I found most of the individual episodes fun, but they need to go far more in depth with them.

To be honest, FF reminds me of the original cartoon for some reason. Maybe that's why I'm having fun with it?

X
03-10-2007, 11:27 AM
You are absolutely right Cyber, and it is a very good point. I watch the old show because it was so fun and not always so serious. Old toon = good fun, new toon = good action and seriousness.

FF blended them in somewhat well, but I agree it could have done without the word, "Ninja Time." Other then that I will repeat my thoughts. FF is a good change to make us miss 2k3 so when it goes back to 2k3 it can feel fresh. Honestly I would like this show to last forever, ONLY as long as they have breaks in the 2k3 series with series like FF, or find another angle for a season. Placing breaks with standalone seasons may make the show last forever, if the cards are played right.

That's why I like FF. Because we get to see the Turtles play around for once and not have a care in the world, Splinter quit being such a hardass and hang loose, the vibrance of the scenario, and the fact that 2k3 would become stale if done season after season. Now I'm ready for them to go home and back to that 2k3 goodness.

EDIT: If Simpsons can last as long as it has, Why can't Turtles? THERE'S NO EXCUSE! MAKE IT HAPPEN!

-X-

ZariusTwo
03-10-2007, 11:58 AM
There's no argument for wanting TMNT to last a long time, but I'd like to think it could go on the way Doctor Who did, or Stargate, and have a degree of credible quality. Comparing it to The Simpsons is a little contradictive, given that, like FF, the Simpsons has neither been funny or good for the past six years

X
03-10-2007, 12:26 PM
Even more reason it should stay on the air. If it is better then the Simpsons, in peoples eye, there's no excuse why it cannot. Heck even Power Rangers somehow has been on the air for what 16 years now, or are on their 16th season?

-X-

Revan
03-10-2007, 01:39 PM
I have to admit that I felt the same way as X. The first FF ep. angered me with it's new style of animation. However, after re-watching the dvd set, I found myself getting into the stories. I do miss Leo's fighting skills though. It seems that he has become an average fighter and not the same leo from the 2k3 series. Also, splinter's skills seem similarly weak. Just my observation.

BTW I can't help but love starly. She's alright in my book.

X
03-10-2007, 04:17 PM
Yea Starly is cool. I will go even as far to say that Cody breaks the mold when it comes to sidekicks or main characters that happen to be young. You know the Anakin type of young in Episode 1, or the son of Brendan Frasiers character in Mummy 2. Cody simply isn't there for the audience to laugh at, he isn't made to be a focal character, and to be quite honest, he is a good helper when the boys are in dire need. I've certainly seen worse when it comes to young sidekicks.

And Leo's lack of true skills like he displays in 2k3 can be attributed to the fact that they have no reason to be in hiding anymore. They can live freely and I hope that is why Splinter even acts the way he does. Think of FF as the Turtles taking a vacation, as well as Splinter.

-X-

Revan
03-10-2007, 06:53 PM
I definately see your point about the vacation. I would even agree. I just hope things go well for tmnt. I know all the posters on this board are pulling for the series to survive FF.

Can't wait to see the movie!

VaughnMichael
03-10-2007, 07:27 PM
There's no argument for wanting TMNT to last a long time, but I'd like to think it could go on the way Doctor Who did, or Stargate, and have a degree of credible quality. Comparing it to The Simpsons is a little contradictive, given that, like FF, the Simpsons has neither been funny or good for the past six years
fast forward also hasn't even been fully on for a year let alone six but I agre about the doctor who thing that would be nice evn though I find stargate a bit boring I'd enjoy turtles in the future if it was something more like let's say Farscape.

oldmanwinters
03-11-2007, 07:46 PM
I'm glad I'm not the only one to enjoy FF.

Often times we forget that some of the same critcisms we raise against the new show could apply to the first 3 seasons as well.

For example:

Overuse of "Shell" in various contexts as opposed to "ninja time."

or

Cheap animation re-usage (Shredder Strikes/City at War Pt.1, pre-designed attack clips in the Mouser episodes, etc.)

Let's hope FF season 2 is even better than the first since the writers may have found their groove.

ThemanthatwouldbeRaphael
03-11-2007, 08:10 PM
After watching the whole Lost Season...my take on Fast Foward is worse than before.

MAESTAS
03-11-2007, 09:10 PM
I like TMNT Fast Forward a lot. I like how the turtles have a new look, new enemies, and upgraded weapons. I am also a die hard TMNT fan, so I will always like everything about the turtles under any conditions.

X
03-11-2007, 09:24 PM
I just hope there is another season after FF where they are back home, so we can have some more stories. FF was a refresher to me, so 2k3 wouldn't get old. Now I'm ready for more 2k3.

However I keep having this feeling they're using the whole, "wrap it up and bring the boys home," saying as, "Hey bring em home, nix the show." That would be a cheap way to end the series (yes FF is a season, and in the continuity, save for Leo mysteriously growing shells.)

-X-

poobone
03-11-2007, 09:55 PM
Well I felt the need to voice my opinion. It wouldn't be the first time voicing my thoughts on FF, but after rewatching the episodes last night and today on DVD with my son, I thought I would re-evaluate the series.

I will be frank right now, I love 2k3 animation more, and the stories more, however I have never disliked FF. Well wait, I'll retract that. I disliked FF at first because everyone else did. Everyone elses negativity toward the series made me see the faults as well. The animation was bugging me because it was getting to everyone else. It still isn't up to par with 2k3, but I could find worse things to gripe about. So after not looking at negative posts about FF and rewatching it, I like it more. However, I still miss 2k3, but I like what FF brought to the table. Here is what I like about FF.

1. The Turtles are taken in a new direction.

"What I mean by new dirtection, is that they can for the first time in the history of Turtles, live freely. I like this approach because it has made them lazy, and has made Splinter hang loose a little. Splinter probably thinks, "Hey my sons have worked hard, now we're in a world where there is no alienation, so why not let them enjoy life for once." This is probably why all the characters are out of whack. They don't have to focus so much in such a free environment." Again this is all my take on what FF means.

2. There is more humor and vibrance.

"Sure everyone likes the darker tone of the Turtles, but hell, I'm getting bored with Lost in its third season (love Heroes though,) but was never bored of Turtles in its third season. I guess the reason behind this, is that Lost is becoming the same old, same old. Nothing really new or interesting. Back in the day I vented about their being a lack of stand alone episodes. Turtles was starting to play out like Justice League. Every episode almost had to be a two or three parter. Again though, FF brought more stand alones and difference that I was letting others negative thoughts cloud my judgement. While most of the humor falls flat in FF (and 2k3 for the matter,) it still tries to be different within the same series (TMNT is TMNT no matter how you slice it.)"

3. Difference and not more of the same.

"Like I touted above, this show wasn't afraid to take a new direction within the same context of the series. Other series get old after awhile and seemingly don't know where to go due to running out of ideas (read Lost.) With Turtles in just one season, we get to see for the first time in history, the Turtles being Lazy and not following their same old trends. Living freely, not training, etc... I wish sometimes that american shows followed the japanese routine. They believe in series. Sometimes more of the same, but different, or completely different. This allows for no staleness in the property."

So I do like FF, I will not try and convince others to see its faults or dislike it, but I do like it. I miss 2k3 and cannot wait for them to get back, but honestly, isn't it good to miss something once in awhile so when you do go back, it feels fresh instead of rehash? When the Turtles do go home, and hopefully another season plays out in the 2k3 series, I can look back and say, "Thanks FF for showing me a side of the Turtles I have never seen, and making things different and fresh." Now I cannot gripe anymore that 2k3 was starting to rehash itself, because thanks to FF this cannot be the case. BRING ON THE GOODNESS!!!

Another reason I like FF is because I never like being the same as anyone else. If everyone in the world was the same as one another, life would be boring. So no more judging for me based on others thoughts. That is something I should thank those who hate the series for. A good wake up call.

EDIT: BTW this is not telling anyone who works at 4kids who may read this, that they should continue this series beyond what it should be. I do miss 2k3, but I wasn't afraid to like FF. I do like the fresh approach but it was needed so 2k3 wouldn't be rehash. AGAIN BRING ON THE GOODNESS!

-X-

everything you listed is, in my opinion, a bad thing. you can't compare it to lost because in Lost, the whole appeal is not knowing what's causing all these problems. At least in TMNT there was plot progression.

jestergoblin
03-11-2007, 10:33 PM
FF isn't terrible and it does allow for the writers to go back to 2k3 without having to worry too much.

Still, I just finished with the lost season and... FF has NOTHING on it. There is something to be said for 116 episodes that are FAIRLY tightly knit together and come together for an epic of awesomeness.