New Kevin Eastman Interview about the new Movie and upcoming sequel

[TigerClaw]

techtimes.com has a new Interview with Kevin Eastman, Here are the bits he talks about of the new movie and its upcoming sequel.
http://www.techtimes.com/articles/21817/20141209/interview-kevin-eastman-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles.htm

The new film began with a bit of controversy amongst the hardcore fan base when they heard some of the details. What was it about Michael Bay and Jonathan Liebesman's angle on the project that convinced you that this was the right direction for the turtles?

Both Michael and Jonathan - especially Jonathan, who I have great respect for and think he's just an awesome guy - were great. On day two, Jonathan called me in and said, "I just want to come up with a way to bring the turtles into a today kind of story, but I want the heart and soul to be true to everything you originally created. We want to update and change some things."

Even right down to the look of the turtles in the new movie. It was based on a comic book that Michael Zulli did for us many years ago, before even the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie was made. He took a more realistic tone to the turtles and their styling. So they wanted to make a great movie and an exciting movie.

I told them that, much like when we introduced the new Nickelodeon series, there were fans that were horrified that we were doing computer animation as opposed to traditional animation. And now they love it. It goes right back to when we did the first animated show. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a black-and-white comic book that had a lot more edge to it than an animation show for kids. The original fans were mortified, but have since grown to embrace it, to a certain extent. We all have our soft spots and our hardcore fan line that we draw with our heroes that we grew up with.

Is it tough for you, as a creator, to try to please both the hardcore fan and the new fan while moving the creation in a newer direction?

It is. What comes to mind immediately is when I was growing up and reading comic books - Captain America, The Avengers, Daredevil, Batman, etc. There always seemed to be new creative teams. That's the nature of the industry. I still remember Daredevil #158 when they introduced a new penciler named Frank Miller. Each person had their own version of the characters and their own vision. Some were incredibly inspiring - like Frank Miller's The Dark Knight - and some were less inspiring, but you still liked them. You still loved the character. You might not have liked how they did the characters exactly, but you still loved that they embraced most of the heart and soul of those characters.

When we were working on and engineering what was going to be this movie, much like when we did the new IDW series and the new Nickelodeon series, there were variations in all of them. We just hoped that fans would stick with us and see that the guys are still the guys, but this is the way we want to spin the story.

I think having you behind the project is a big thing for fans, as well, because they know that this your baby and your going to take care of it.

For Michael Bay and Jonathan Liebesman, that was word one from day one. They said, "We know this is your baby and we just want to make sure that you're involved and you have some say in it, and can help us make a great film." That was really inspiring because they certainly didn't need to. I don't own an interest in the turtles anymore, but they came to me and said they wanted to make a great film. That was inspiring to me.

News for the sequel is starting to hit the web. You have David Green on board to direct, and there's been some talk about getting Bebop, Rock-Steady, Casey Jones, and maybe Krang in the film. Any other surprises fans can look forward to?

That's what has been so cool about all this. Even the new animated series and the new comic series, in each of those versions we created a new universe and a new foundation based on 30 years of turtle history. We could pull ideas that we liked, change them a little, tweak them a little, redirect them a little bit, and within that foundation there's plenty of room to introduce new characters and new things that can be equally cool.

Casey Jones is a critical character. He's the second human character ever introduced to the turtles, so we definitely want to see him back. I would love to see Krang. He's just an awesome bad guy that offers endless story possibilities. Of course, any new mutants (Bebop, Rock-Steady, or anybody else) offer some great material to mine. We hope to come up with some surprises and some things that I hope fans will get a big kick out of. A little something new with a little something old.

Was the absence of some of those characters in this first film just a result of having to do the basic world building and not wanting to bring in too many characters?

That was definitely there. We didn't want to something like in some of the later Batman movies where they brought in too many characters at once. Even some of the new Spider-Man movies, they were trying to cover too much territory with too many classic characters and too many new characters. I felt like it took away from the story a little bit, so with this one we wanted to keep it sweet and simple.

So you're interested, but you haven't heard anything just yet?

I'm being coy because I've heard lots of stuff, but I don't want to give away too much because somebody from Paramount will come down and beat me up or something. [Laughs]

[Candy Kappa]

When was Zulli's Art direction ever present in the concept art or the final product?

[Leo656]

:lol: I know, right? This guy so clearly just talks and says whatever he thinks will get a good reaction. I mean, bless him, but the fact there are a TON of people who actually take the stuff he says seriously is just mind-boggling to me.

He's turning into TMNT's George Lucas. :lol:

[TurtleTitan97]

For Michael Bay and Jonathan Liebesman, that was word one from day one. They said, "We know this is your baby and we just want to make sure that you're involved and you have some say in it, and can help us make a great film."

HAH! Yeah right! :trolleye:

[The Turtle Terminator]

Ha ha! I knew it. I just knew it. I was actually going to make a thread about Souls Winter TMNT looking like the Bay TMNT.

[pennydreadful]

I feel that only Alan Rickman can adequately express my feelings on this whole affair.

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lou15e3VIP1r08mpqo1_400.gif

http://www.gifwave.com/media/97330/movies-funny-drunk-alan-rickman-dogma_200s.gif

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

Well...if there was actual heart and soul and if the Turtles were Actual Characters in the new film...then maybe you would be making sense, Eastman.

But honestly, since the new film has none of that...Eastman just sounds like he is absolutely out of touch (I wonder if he'll repeat that the 'fight scenes will be like The Raid' when the sequel comes out).

I'm sorry for being rude, but Eastman just sounds like he has FOSS (aka Full of S*** Syndrome).

[Bloodsucker]

there are some words which pain me here. Those words are tweak, new, and change. These are the bad words.

and some were less inspiring, but you still liked them. You still loved the character. You might not have liked how they did the characters exactly, but you still loved that they embraced most of the heart and soul of those characters.

Eastman has not checked this movie section.

[Galactus]

I remember Leibesman in one of the interviews where he stated he just looked at still images for research (because y'know that's all you need) he mentioned that Eastman showed him some comic books and how edgy it all looked. I always assumed it was Eastman's own work like Bodycount and TMNT25 but it's possible among them was Zulli's Souls Winter.

I suppose it's much more likely than the lead designer claiming they were based on Eastman & Laird's original designs, a rather shocking claim but seriously if they factored Zulli's designs in at all it doesn't show in the finished product.

Not that I want Kevin to be attacked or anything but I'd love him to be interviewed by someone who had at least some TMNT knowledge where he can't get away with some of the fudging of facts he does in interviews.

Ha ha! I knew it. I just knew it. I was actually going to make a thread about Souls Winter TMNT looking like the Bay TMNT.

Yeah they look nothing Zulli's turtles.

[Bloodsucker]

They are not doing interviews. They are doing propaganda. It's like here, the news is all lies to make us distracted.

[MrTMNT2012]

The movie had a lot of heart and soul. Eastman is doing the best he possibly can for the franchise and I can't wait for some of these changes he's hinting at! :)

[Galactus]

The movie had a lot of heart and soul.

Where?

Eastman is doing the best he possibly can for the franchise

I'm not sure if being an eternally optimistic spokesman really affects the franchise. It's pretty clear most die hard fans no longer put any weight in what he says and the general public don't even know who he is.

I can't wait for some of these changes he's hinting at! :)

I doubt he actually knows himself. I think most fans are dreading it either way.

[TigerClaw]

I'm looking forward to what the sequel will bring, I'm not a fan who sticks to one version of TMNT, I have embrace every version that has ever come out, I'm just happy that TMNT is still around, And that a new generation can enjoy it.

[Bloodsucker]

I'm looking forward to what the sequel will bring, I'm not a fan who sticks to one version of TMNT, I have embrace every version that has ever come out, I'm just happy that TMNT is still around, And that a new generation can enjoy it.

Reading what you say makes me think you feel TMNT is a cause that you must fight for, and anything is acceptable no matter what as long as it has the official TMNT on it.

I think you are blinded by faith I think. Sorry it's just the truth how I see it. Many of you are sort of suckers, or hypnotized zombies who have a compulsion to buy anything and fight people who are not TMNT drunk.

They should make it a My Little Pony TMNT cross-over, and at the end they all fall in love.
You would still love it?

[TigerClaw]

Reading what you say makes me think you feel TMNT is a cause that you must fight for, and anything is acceptable no matter what as long as it has the official TMNT on it.

I think you are blinded by faith I think. Sorry it's just the truth how I see it. Many of you are sort of suckers, or hypnotized zombies who have a compulsion to buy anything and fight people who are not TMNT drunk.
I don't really get into any of those arguments, I just state what i like and move on.

I'm happy seeing something i grew up with still being relevant for today's society.

[Bloodsucker]

I don't really get into any of those arguments, I just state what i like and move on.

I'm happy seeing something i grew up with still being relevant for today's society.

Oh okay then. So you are closed minded. Okay, I'll move on.

But why are you happy that they like what you liked?
It's not the same thing anymore, they change so much. It's more like you like what they like now.

[TigerClaw]

Oh okay then. So you are closed minded. Okay, I'll move on.
Actually I'm open minded, I accepted any incarnation of TMNT that has ever come out.

Being closed minded means, You only like one version.

[Bloodsucker]

Actually I'm open minded, I accepted any incarnation of TMNT that has ever come out.

Being closed minded means, You only like one version.

I think to be closed mind means you only care for your own opinion.

[TigerClaw]

I think to be closed mind means you only care for your own opinion.
Well, Everyone has an opinion on how TMNT should be, But I wouldn't let someone else's opinion change mines, Nor will I ever change there's, So I said what I said based on my own experience with the franchise growing up.

[Bloodsucker]

Well, Everyone has an opinion on how TMNT should be, But I wouldn't let someone else's opinion change mines, Nor will I ever change there's, So I said what I said based on my own experience with the franchise growing up.

So if they are so different now, but you still like it, what is it you are likeing?
there must be a thing, that if it was not the same anymore, you would not like it anymore. Is there such a thing? please let me know.

[TigerClaw]

So if they are so different now, but you still like it, what is it you are likeing?
there must be a thing, that if it was not the same anymore, you would not like it anymore. Is there such a thing? please let me know.
I like that the new TMNT, Nick series and the movie isn't cheesy, When I look back at the old stuff, Its too cheesy for today's standards.

[Autbot_Benz]

Actually I'm open minded, I accepted any incarnation of TMNT that has ever come out.

Being closed minded means, You only like one version.

I agree with Tigerclaw on the accepting any incarnation of Turtles. Tuesday can't come fast enough.

[TurtleTitan97]

I like that the new TMNT, Nick series and the movie isn't cheesy,

That's a matter opinion. You may think so, but not everyone thinks that.

[TigerClaw]

I agree with Tigerclaw on the accepting any incarnation of Turtles. Tuesday can't come fast enough.
I can't wait for Tuesday, I ordered the Amazon one with the Raph statue.

[Bloodsucker]

I like that the new TMNT, Nick series and the movie isn't cheesy, When I look back at the old stuff, Its too cheesy for today's standards.

But you just said you accept all TMNT. Bay's film is cheesey friend, who are you kidding? I want to know what would you NOT accept as changed. There has to be something.

I agree with Tigerclaw on the accepting any incarnation of Turtles. Tuesday can't come fast enough.

My friend, why did you spell Autobot wrong? Is English you second language too? I could help you if you want. English can be tricky.

[Autbot_Benz]

I can't wait for Tuesday, I ordered the Amazon one with the Raph statue.

I got the standard bare bones just movie no special features DVD. Thanks Paramount.

[TigerClaw]

But you just said you accept all TMNT. Bay's film is cheesey friend, who are you kidding? I want to know what would you NOT accept as changed. There has to be something.
I said it was cheesy for today's standards, I never said they were bad.

[TigerClaw]

I got the standard bare bones just movie no special features DVD. Thanks Paramount.
I got the digital version when Vudu was selling it cheaper, But I still want the physical version anyways.

[Bloodsucker]

I said it was cheesy for today's standards, I never said they were bad.

You didn't answer my question. what is it that if they changed it, would make you not a fan?

[TigerClaw]

You didn't answer my question. what is it that if they changed it, would make you not a fan?
Why would I not be a fan if they change something about TMNT, It has changed throughout the years and I never complained, I never say stuff like, I wish it was like this or that, I'm just happy that TMNT is back.

It seems like you are trying to get me riled up in this conversation, So I'm just gonna move on.

[Jester]

I'm glad Turtles is still around and popular enough for major motion pictures to be made, but at some point you have to make it known that "just existing" isn't enough. You want a "quality" TMNT product.

[TigerClaw]

I'm glad Turtles is still around and popular enough for major motion pictures to be made, but at some point you have to make it known that "just existing" isn't enough. You want a "quality" TMNT product.
And there's plenty of TMNT to go around, you got the Nick series and the IDW comics.

[Jester]

And there's plenty of TMNT to go around, you got the Nick series and the IDW comics.
True, but was it to much to expect the same quality from the movie?

[TigerClaw]

True, but was it to much to expect the same quality from the movie?
Im sure its hard to expect the same level quality from a comic, TV Show and movies, Each is its own.

[Jester]

I'll rephrase: Is it crazy to expect that we can not only have a good TV and comic series, but a good movie as well?

[Leo656]

I kinda don't care anymore. This is probably the most unpopular opinion, but we've had tons of good-to-great TMNT product with only a few stinkers. If, by some disaster, the Nick show and IDW comic ended tomorrow and all we had left of TMNT to "look forward to" is more sh*t movies like the last one, I'd say Let It Die. I'm a fan of the property in general but holy hell, nobody deserves more garbage like THAT just to "keep the brand alive for the next generation".

And the fact that more people saw that awful movie than will ever watch the Nick show or read the comics means that, like it or not, Bay's TMNT is the "official" version for this generation. That's terrible. The franchise and the fans deserve much better than that.

I'm a fan of quality products, not brand name labels. When I'm not getting what I want in my fiction from TMNT, I can get it plenty of other places. Liking something JUST because it has a sticker on it is such an awful impact on the entertainment industry in general. I know for a fact that a lot of people who liked that movie ONLY liked it because of those letters T-M-N-T, and otherwise they'd hate it if it were any other movie, and that just infuriates me. I just cannot abide that kind of blind, consumerist nonsense.

[Jester]

What you get for just buying the TMNT brand:
http://i.imgur.com/KH7yv.png

[Bloodsucker]

You see that these guys are getting my point. What I was asking you Tiger, is if there is a straw that would break you. They say that maybe we are nitpicking stuff, but I think everyone has a staw that will break the camel. you are not different, if you are human.

[Leo656]

I'll throw my hat in for that proposed TMNT/My Little Pony cross-over. I wanna see Mikey smoke bongs with Rainbow Dash. :tgrin:

[TigerClaw]

You see that these guys are getting my point. What I was asking you Tiger, is if there is a straw that would break you. They say that maybe we are nitpicking stuff, but I think everyone has a staw that will break the camel. you are not different, if you are human.
Nah, No straw can break me since I don't take all this stuff personally or seriously.

I stay away from all these debates that's been going on what qualifies as a quality product.

[Leo656]

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/44/44750019da3b6b845fea4e9e5409fa1d6e9d36219188176e9c 88ea3166470ebe.jpg

:tgrin::tgrin::tgrin::tgrin::tgrin:

[Autbot_Benz]

Nah, No straw can break me since I don't take all this stuff personally or seriously.

I stay away from all these debates that's been going on what qualifies as a quality product.

you mean 90% of the Movie section on this forum :P

[TigerClaw]

you mean 90% of the Movie section on this forum :P
Pretty much, Yeah. lol

[Leo656]

Well, consider the point of view of MOST fans who've followed the property a long time. Metaphorically speaking, once you've had steak, it's hard to settle for eating dog food in a can. They may technically come from the same source, but only in the loosest sense of the word.

"Settle For Less" shouldn't be the rule.

[Jester]

Well, consider the point of view of MOST fans who've followed the property a long time. Metaphorically speaking, once you've had steak, it's hard to settle for eating dog food in a can. They may technically come from the same source, but only in the loosest sense of the word.

"Settle For Less" shouldn't be the rule.

http://cdni.wired.co.uk/1920x1280/k_n/Like.jpg

[B-Man]

C'mon, we've already been settling for less with everything post-TMNT 1990. That was the steak, everything else is just cheeseburgers. TMNT 2014 is a cheeseburger. The Nick show is a bacon cheeseburger (sometimes with fries). We're never gonna get a movie/steak better than the 1990 one, so we'll just have to cope with the cheeseburgers this franchise serves us.
I'm hungry.

[Leo656]

I'unno, they've come close a couple'a times. Granted, they've fallen short, but this time they didn't even come close. Felt like they didn't try very hard.

[Jester]

I'unno, they've come close a couple'a times. Granted, they've fallen short, but this time they didn't even come close. Felt like they didn't try very hard.
SOOOOO much this!

[Bloodsucker]

C'mon, we've already been settling for less with everything post-TMNT 1990. That was the steak, everything else is just cheeseburgers. TMNT 2014 is a cheeseburger. The Nick show is a bacon cheeseburger (sometimes with fries). We're never gonna get a movie/steak better than the 1990 one, so we'll just have to cope with the cheeseburgers this franchise serves us.
I'm hungry.

I don't think you know what a cheeseburger is pretty-man. the movie this year was not cheeseburger, or maybe you eat badly, who can tell.

[Leo656]

I enjoyed the burger analogy. I thought it was an apt follow-up to my steak metaphor.

Although I'd argue that occasionally, we've gotten Angus burgers, which are technically both burger and steak. While the new movie was some kind of mystery meat using the parts of the horse you're supposed to throw out.

On the plus side, more horse testicles means more iron.

[Jester]

http://www.cheese-burger.net/wp-content/uploads/lunch-tray.jpg vs. http://www.grubgrade.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Six-Dollar-Cheeseburger-from-Carls-Jr..jpg

[IndigoErth]

So that's how the steroids got in there. Free range beef next time.

[Leo656]

So, basically... it's a matter of degree, yes?

[Bloodsucker]

this is the cheeseburger you mean?
http://simplegoodandtasty.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog_img_large/images/blog/bigstockphoto_hand_full_of_worms_4719188.jpg

or maybe this
http://www.britishcornershop.co.uk/images/large/SGN3848.jpg

[TrickOrTreater]

I've had some amazing cheeseburgers. I've seen some great TMNT media.

This movie was neither.

And to see "fans" just bend over and take what they're given because "at least it's something" is...sad? Hilarious? Sadlarious?

Yeah. Sadlarious.

[B-Man]

I've had some amazing cheeseburgers. I've seen some great TMNT media.

This movie was neither.

And to see "fans" just bend over and take what they're given because "at least it's something" is...sad? Hilarious? Sadlarious?

Yeah. Sadlarious.

Dude, you're the only one here who isn't funny. Everyone's funny & then your bitter & overly sarcastic posts always kill it. I'm not trying to be a prick, just had to get that off my chest.

[Commenter 42]

Dude, you're the only one here who isn't funny. Everyone's funny & then your bitter & overly sarcastic posts always kill it. I'm not trying to be a prick, just had to get that off my chest.

I can't figure out why you said cheeseburgers.
Seriously, I've had some impressive cheeseburgers and I've had some shite cheeseburgers, but they all have cheese. Cheese, is great, no matter how you cut it.

If you'd compared to say, Taco Bell, or McDonald's, I'd be right with you.
2007 was meh, 2014 was blargh. Both sounds I make 15 minutes post meal, at either place.

But no matter what you do, do yourself a favour, go find a gourmet cheeseburger. It can change your life.

[B-Man]

I can't figure out why you said cheeseburgers.
Seriously, I've had some impressive cheeseburgers and I've had some shite cheeseburgers, but they all have cheese. Cheese, is great, no matter how you cut it.

If you'd compared to say, Taco Bell, or McDonald's, I'd be right with you.
2007 was meh, 2014 was blargh. Both sounds I make 15 minutes post meal, at either place.

But no matter what you do, do yourself a favour, go find a gourmet cheeseburger. It can change your life.

:lol: actually now I think of it, the film seems like something McDonald's would pimp. I'm suprised we never got TMNT Happy Meals at some point.

[Powder]

Dude, you're the only one here who isn't funny. Everyone's funny & then your bitter & overly sarcastic posts always kill it. I'm not trying to be a prick, just had to get that off my chest.

That's kinda prickish, honestly. Dude's pretty funny. At least he doesn't have a selfie attached to every post, making them somewhat hard to read objectively.

:lol: actually now I think of it, the film seems like something McDonald's would pimp. I'm suprised we never got TMNT Happy Meals at some point.

We have, like 5 times.

[Commenter 42]

:lol: actually now I think of it, the film seems like something McDonald's would pimp. I'm suprised we never got TMNT Happy Meals at some point.

That's all I've been saying. It's not great, it's McDonald's.

[TrickOrTreater]

Dude, you're the only one here who isn't funny. Everyone's funny & then your bitter & overly sarcastic posts always kill it. I'm not trying to be a prick, just had to get that off my chest.

I...wasn't trying at all to be funny there.

So...thanks I guess?

That's kinda prickish, honestly. Dude's pretty funny. At least he doesn't have a selfie attached to every post, making them somewhat hard to read objectively.

http://i.imgur.com/1DbpRVE.gif

[Cryomancer]

Every time I see one of these Eastman interviews I just become further convinced that the dude either has no taste or is just super excited for every project ever regardless of what it is or if it's any good. It's good if he does just enjoy things that much, I'm envious even, but damn how many times now has he talked something up as the best thing yet and it ends up being really lame?

[B-Man]

That's kinda prickish, honestly. Dude's pretty funny. At least he doesn't have a selfie attached to every post, making them somewhat hard to read objectively.

What are you on about? I haven't posted a single selfie on here (there's plenty of you in the photo section however). All your posts to me since I've joined have been corrections so I already know you don't like me, dude (god knows what reason). I only said that to TrickOrTreater cause I know he can take it. As Leo656 told me at the beginning; we're a salty crew here. So if you can talk sh*t, you have to able to take it.

[TrickOrTreater]

you have to able to take it.

Still waiting on the ****, frankly.

[Powder]

What are you on about? I haven't posted a single selfie on here (there's plenty of you in the photo section however). As Leo656 told me at the beginning; we're a salty crew here. So if you can talk sh*t, you have to able to take it.

Selfie was a poor choice of words. I'm referring to your avatar. Yes, there are photos of me where it is appropriate, where people go willfully to see one another, but I'm not broadcasting my mug beside every post. It's not really a forum custom, it's a social network thing, & I know a lot of people find it to be in poor taste as it gives off a narcissistic "LOOK AT ME!" vibe (not that it would necessarily be true in every case).

& just because certain users here have a chip on their shoulder doesn't mean you have to/should go out of your way to grief somebody for having opinions you dislike.

[B-Man]

Selfie was a poor choice of words. I'm referring to your avatar. Yes, there are photos of me where it is appropriate, where people go willfully to see one another, but I'm not broadcasting my mug beside every post. It's not really a forum custom, it's a social network thing, & I know a lot of people find it to be in poor taste as it gives off a narcissistic "LOOK AT ME!" vibe (not that it would necessarily be true in every case).

& just because certain users here have a chip on their shoulder doesn't mean you have to/should go out of your way to grief somebody for having opinions you dislike.

Sorry but this post is a joke. There's a good few people here with avatars of themselves. They probably feel it makes things more open & less incognito, as I feel. It's not out of conceitedness. But you're clearly the judgemental type so keep thinking whatever you want. And as for going out of my way to give "grief", please. Even Ray Charles can see that TrickOrTreater has zero qualms with talking down to people at the drop of a hat. He even just said he's waiting for the sh*t lol so give me a break.

[Commenter 42]

& just because certain users here have a chip on their shoulder doesn't mean you have to/should go out of your way to grief somebody for having opinions you dislike.


Pot calling kettle...come in kettle...:lol:

B-man's not a bad guy. Misguided though his opinions may be, he's just new, and I know how you just love the new folks.
At the very least he's kept his cool when we've all smacked him around, and I did my share early on.

He took his licks for supporting the film, and to be honest, it's as good an avatar as a Japanese pop star, or your doodle of the month.
Takes guts not to hide your real face. Not at all in bad taste.

His opinions piss me off, sure, but that's the fun of a forum. He's not overly aggressive, or obnoxious, or passive aggressive, or rude or...
Well he's nowhere near the prick that I am, so, he can't be all that bad, right?

[Powder]

I never said he was a bad guy, I don't know him from a hole in the wall. I also have zero problem with new users, contrary to what people like to project on me, constantly. Feel free to ask users like Gunpowder or Pennydreadful with whom I've formed strong friendships recently. As for you saying it "takes guts not you hide your real face", do you realize what year it is? Outside of forums where traditional avatars still reign supreme, people are just dying to share their grill.

& I came here fully intended to respond to B-Man with an angry picture of Ray Charles but apparently he was never photographed in a bad mood, the beautiful bastard.

[Commenter 42]

I never said he was a bad guy, I don't know him from a hole in the wall. I also have zero problem with new users, contrary to what people like to project on me, constantly. Feel free to ask people like Gunpowder or Pennydreadful with whom I've formed strong friendships recently. As for you saying it "takes guts not you hide your real face", do you realize what year it is? Outside of forums where traditional avatars still reign supreme, people are just dying to share their grill.

Dude, I'm just saying, he's getting kicked around a bit, and yeah, it DOES take guts to post your mug. I wouldn't do it, I look like a pile of stale octopus guts.

Look, I don't disagree with Trick's points, he's rightfully still angry they shat on us with this film. GOOD. We should be angry. ALL of us. When collectively we spend close to a half billion on the franchise a year, they've got huge balls pulling what they did.

I just think not everyone understands why it's such an obscene act.

[TrickOrTreater]

He even just said he's waiting for the sh*t

Don't misinterpret me.

I'm still waiting for it because I've yet to see it.

My jimmies remain unrustled.

[B-Man]

Hey thanks Commenter 42 :) if you were local I'd shout you a beer. Powder, I'll admit, besides Facebook, I've never joined a forum so I don't know avatar etiquette. I wish I had known so I wouldn't have made a knob of myself, which apparently I have. And I can't help that I like the new movie :tlol: honestly, I ordered the Raph statue set the other day & I can't wait for it. I could pretend I don't like it to make my time here easier but hypocrites like that piss me off more than the ones who are openly hatey lol

[Commenter 42]

Hey thanks Commenter 42 :) if you were local I'd shout you a beer. Powder, I'll admit, besides Facebook, I've never joined a forum so I don't know avatar etiquette. I wish I had known so I wouldn't have made a knob of myself, which apparently I have. And I can't help that I like the new movie :tlol: honestly, I ordered the Raph statue set the other day & I can't wait for it. I could pretend I don't like it to make my time here easier but hypocrites like that piss me off more than the ones who are openly hatey lol

See, I say nice things, then you go ahead and order that stupid Raph Statue?
For the love of!!!!

Seriously man, the design is Heinous! :P

At the very least, lock the thing away in a cupboard somewhere, and what ever you do, don't feed it after midnight. Also, that avatar thing is not a thing. Anything goes so long as it isn't indecent.

[Jester]

To be fair, Raph's design is probably the most "inoffensive."

[Powder]

Hey thanks Commenter 42 :) if you were local I'd shout you a beer. Powder, I'll admit, besides Facebook, I've never joined a forum so I don't know avatar etiquette. I wish I had known so I wouldn't have made a knob of myself, which apparently I have. And I can't help that I like the new movie :tlol: honestly, I ordered the Raph statue set the other day & I can't wait for it. I could pretend I don't like it to make my time here easier but hypocrites like that piss me off more than the ones who are openly hatey lol

No hard feelings? I wasn't tryna make you feel ganged up on or anything. Just sick of this section still having drama & I guess I thought you were at the root of it. Not that it'd matter either way as I'm not helping anything myself. & I had considered getting the statue edition too, if only for the actual collectible piece. It's not so shabby & would be especially sharp with a custom paintjob.

To be fair, Raph's design is probably the most "inoffensive."

For me, it's Leo. Raph only loses points because of that ugly mug of his. He's a dead ringer for George from Gremlins 2 (see pic). His outfit is the least offensive, though, for sure.

http://i57.tinypic.com/29fvy28.png

[Jester]

*totally off subject...BUT....*
What you doing having an oddly visually similar signature, Powder?

[Powder]

Great minds think alike, maybe? :tlol: Purely coincidental. Took me a while to find/come up with a decent Japanese TMNT sig after the last one.

[Commenter 42]

For me, it's Leo. Raph only loses points because of that ugly mug of his. He's a dead ringer for George from Gremlins 2 (see pic). His outfit is the least offensive, though, for sure.

http://i57.tinypic.com/29fvy28.png

I was joking about the gremlins thing, but man...I knew I'd seen that face before.

Leo still looks like Ed O'neil to me, but Donnie is by far the worst of em all.

[DarthRaphael]

When I first seen the previews for the movie and knew it was a Bay film I instantly wanted to hate it and dismiss it altogether. I thought it was going to totally ruin the franchise. Then I remembered how I felt as a kid when the first movie came out and accepting that it was different from the cartoon. I ended up seeing the movie anyway and really liked it. I thought that enough of the core of TMNT was kept but didn't take the new stuff too far. I think they are the most powerful version of the Turtles. They are mutants after all.

[TrickOrTreater]

I think they are the most powerful version of the Turtles. They are mutants after all.

What if they gave them huge bat wings and let them shoot lasers out of their eyes?

They are mutants after all.

Being huge, indestructible, and super strong removes all the tension from what they do, the danger they're in. And makes being Ninjas completely null and void.

[DarthRaphael]

What if they gave them huge bat wings and let them shoot lasers out of their eyes?

They are mutants after all.

Being huge, indestructible, and super strong removes all the tension from what they do, the danger they're in. And makes being Ninjas completely null and void.



Then that would have been too far for me. I think you can be super strong and a ninja at the same time. Shredder was just a dude in armor and they got beat in a few fights so I didn't see the indestructible part myself.

[TrickOrTreater]

Then that would have been too far for me. I think you can be super strong and a ninja at the same time. Shredder was just a dude in armor and they got beat in a few fights so I didn't see the indestructible part myself.

Not even remotely close to true.

Indestructible also means bulletproof and capable of this crap

http://i.imgur.com/M71akKQ.jpg?1

and getting up and walking away.

EVEN with a supposedly very badly cracked shell.

They should not be huge, super strong, or invulnerable.

[DarthRaphael]

It's an action movie. It requires 'suspension of disbelief'. Show me a fantasy/action film that has real tech / damage / physics, etc. I have to accept these things while watching a movie otherwise I won't enjoy them at all. If you just look at it as an action movie it is a good one IMO.

[TigerClaw]

It's an action movie. It requires 'suspension of disbelief'. Show me a fantasy/action film that has real tech / damage / physics, etc. I have to accept these things while watching a movie otherwise I won't enjoy them at all. If you just look at it as an action movie it is a good one IMO.
True, Movies about the suspension of disbelief, I never like it when they try to incorporate real world stuff into movies, I go to the movies to escape the real world, and don't like being reminded of it on the big screen, Its the reason why we go see this big fantasy and scifi films, It gives you a chance to be immersed in them.

[TrickOrTreater]

It's an action movie. It requires 'suspension of disbelief'. Show me a fantasy/action film that has real tech / damage / physics, etc. I have to accept these things while watching a movie otherwise I won't enjoy them at all. If you just look at it as an action movie it is a good one IMO.

Except no, not at all. A movie still has to follow its own rules.

Raphael clearly states that his shell is badly damaged(we even see it getting damaged).

He then does that stupid thing in the picture which, even under normal circumstances, should have killed him.

Once again, the Turtles should not be huge, should not be super strong, and should not be invulnerable/bulletproof.

Because, once we figured out they were bulletproof, what danger were they in from guys with guns?

[DarthRaphael]

Except no, not at all. A movie still has to follow its own rules.

Raphael clearly states that his shell is badly damaged(we even see it getting damaged).

He then does that stupid thing in the picture which, even under normal circumstances, should have killed him.

Once again, the Turtles should not be huge, should not be super strong, and should not be invulnerable/bulletproof.

Because, once we figured out they were bulletproof, what danger were they in from guys with guns?


My best response to this is ....... because Michael Bay. I agree that the movie should follow it's own rules but..... Michael Bay.

[TrickOrTreater]

My best response to this is ....... because Michael Bay. I agree that the movie should follow it's own rules but..... Michael Bay.

Yeah, Michael Bay. Bad filmmaker.

Also Jonathan Liebesman. Bad filmmaker.

[TigerClaw]

It sounds like some people here don't like seeing the Turtles being bad asses, That is something I always wanted to see done in live action, We seen the Turtles be bad ass in the comics and the animated series

And its an action movie, and thats what the average moviegoer wants to see in a TMNT movie, Non of the hockey stuff you see in fall movies, Especially since this was a summer film.

[Candy Kappa]

It would have have been pretty badass if the film makers actually utilized their stunt workers, and included proper swordplay, nunchaku action, Sai techniques and display how awesome the power of the Bo really is.

But, silly me expecting martial arts from a property heavy ingrained in martial arts.

[TrickOrTreater]

It sounds like some people here don't like seeing the Turtles being bad asses

Would have been badass to see them act like ninjas and fight other ninjas.

[ctt4lfecw]

Let's face it, these movies are crap. And that's a fact.

[Autbot_Benz]

Let's face it, these movies are crap. And that's a fact.

Its not fact it Opinion

[pingclang]

It would have have been pretty badass if the film makers actually utilized their stunt workers, and included proper swordplay, nunchaku action, Sai techniques and display how awesome the power of the Bo really is.

But, silly me expecting martial arts from a property heavy ingrained in martial arts.

This...so much this. I wanted to see high-flying, kick in the teeth martial arts and we got Hulk smash. Anyway, maybe the next one will be better. Who can say?

[newhire13]

Some of the behind the scenes videos shows that martial arts too. One that stands out in my mind was glimpsed in that Nick special. They were filming a sequence with all 4 turtle stunt actors fighting someone at the same time. They were rolling around, doing flips, attacking with weapons. It looked really cool, classic TMNT. I was disappointed that it didn't make the cut. I feel like a broken record saying this but I feel like there was definitely a whole other version of this movie.

[Candy Kappa]

There was a lot of golden opportunities to do Close quarters combat between the turtles and the Foot. there is plenty of awesome looking moves where combatants disarm and neutralize armed enemies. We saw very little of that as well.

The majority when that happened was during the "stealthy" take downs with the shipping containers and the subway. But we don't see the action (which to be fair was the point of those scenes) and very little similar after those scenes.

[Leo656]

Nah, it's definitely more Fact, this film series is the sh*ts. Like others have said, you have a unique premise like TMNT, and all you can think of to do with it is make it like everything else? Get the ever-loving f*ck outta here with that garbage. "Summer action movie". "Made for kids". "Suspension of disbelief". All I'm hearing/seeing is, "Lowest common denominator, paint-by-numbers, half-assed, half-baked f***ing garbage, with a metric f*ck-ton of excuses being made for it.

These people were not put in a difficult position. They were not tasked with spinning Straw into Gold; they started with Gold and they spun it into friggin' manure. They had 30 years of stories and characters to work with, and in the end, they came up with something that was so departed from the source, so badly-written, so clearly designed only to push plastic, so derivative of everything else being made nowadays, so unoriginal, and so much a waste of potential, it's absolutely sad.

It's not that it's not Perfect or even "no tas good as it could be". It's that it feels like they were trying to piss people off with this movie. Huge chunks of it seriously feels like the filmmakers giving fans the finger. There's just so much wrong with it. I can't for the life of me understand the enthusiasm a small segment of fans have. Because at least we got a movie? Who cares?! "It's just a movie". So what? Movies can be good and there's No Excuse to make a bad one, ever. Not with the money these guys are throwing around.

[Candy Kappa]

When Eastman said "I don't own an interest in the turtles anymore", did he mean like percentage of ownership, or actual interest, like not caring?

[Leo656]

Pretty sure he meant financially, but it's funny how it can be taken either way. :lol:

[Candy Kappa]

I thought so too, but it was a bit weird. Like hearing Stan Lee go "Oh screw Spider-Man, I'm tired of that guy... excelsior"

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

It sounds like some people here don't like seeing the Turtles being bad asses, That is something I always wanted to see done in live action, We seen the Turtles be bad ass in the comics and the animated series.

But they weren't badasses in the movie. This is something that I really scratch my head and wonder if we saw the same movie. How were they bad asses?

Seeing a shadow throw a giant container I guess = badass? Because that's what you get in the first 20 minutes of the movie. That's it.

Raph getting his ass handed to him and not throwing A Single Successful Punch or Kick at the Shredder that actually connected to the villain (no, I'm not saying 'he had to beat him'...I'm saying he was Absolutely Destroyed Like A Punk with not a Single Punch or Kick at him)...is that badass? Even in the first movie, at least he Fought Back against the Foot using successful hits/kicks/rolls and THEN got his butt kicked.

The Turtles getting their butts handed to them for 97% of the fight against Shredder, only to have 1 Successful 'Buck Buck' is Badass?

Again...where are the 'Turtles being Badass' part. I just described 90% of the action (the other 10% is the 'they went down a hill' scene and the 'epileptic seizure where you just see folks fly back into a wall in a subway'). That's it.

As an action movie, it fails. If you want action movies? Watch Edge of Tomorrow or John Wick. That's how you can do action films Right.

[IndigoErth]

Part of where it trips over itself to me is, summed up, it was basically "We're aiming to make them/it super believable, we want movie goers to be able to believe this is real! ---- Now forget all that and suspend disbelief because we're taking reality to the next unbelievable level!"

[Candy Kappa]

I actually really like that the turtles got their shells handed to them by Shredder. Considering Splinter is a terrible instructor who taught them "ninjutsu" from a picture by picture training book.

I love it that Splinter to defeated, cause they aren't actual ninja. Shreddet is, despite his adoptive almost-the-same-age son gave him a mecha suit with swords for fingers. I absolutely love that Shredder ridicule the turtles and Splinter.

[Myko]

Yeah Shredder is pretty much the only cool thing in this movie. The suit and battle scenes are pretty cool. Regular non-mecha Shredder would've been better though.

[Candy Kappa]

I hate the design of the suit, but at least it was Sacks who made the suit for Shredder during that timeframe of the movie. And Shredder himself, despite bei extremely underdeveloped to the point we don't even get his name, he had some nice lines.

I liked that he spoke for the most part Japanese. I hope that'll be a recurring thing in the sequel.

[B-Man]

No hard feelings? I wasn't tryna make you feel ganged up on or anything. Just sick of this section still having drama & I guess I thought you were at the root of it. Not that it'd matter either way as I'm not helping anything myself. & I had considered getting the statue edition too, if only for the actual collectible piece. It's not so shabby & would be especially sharp with a custom paintjob.
For me, it's Leo. Raph only loses points because of that ugly mug of his. He's a dead ringer for George from Gremlins 2 (see pic). His outfit is the least offensive, though, for sure.

Yeah no worries :) and even as a fan of the film, the comparisons crack me up. This had to be done...

http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac252/benman011/vlcsnap-2014-08-16-03h02m12s2464777.jpg

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA GREMLIN SHREK BLACK NERD ED O'NEILL'S - THE MOVIE.

THIS SUMMER.

[TurtleTitan97]

True, Movies about the suspension of disbelief, I never like it when they try to incorporate real world stuff into movies, I go to the movies to escape the real world, and don't like being reminded of it on the big screen, Its the reason why we go see this big fantasy and scifi films, It gives you a chance to be immersed in them.

Okay, now you're just sounding silly.

[IndigoErth]

http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac252/benman011/vlcsnap-2014-08-16-03h02m12s2464777.jpg

:lol::lol: Well can't argue with that.


(Wait, that's the Al Bundy guy?? Hey... lol Well I suppose there is worse. *cough*)

[pennydreadful]

Nah, it's definitely more Fact, this film series is the sh*ts. Like others have said, you have a unique premise like TMNT, and all you can think of to do with it is make it like everything else? Get the ever-loving f*ck outta here with that garbage. "Summer action movie". "Made for kids". "Suspension of disbelief". All I'm hearing/seeing is, "Lowest common denominator, paint-by-numbers, half-assed, half-baked f***ing garbage, with a metric f*ck-ton of excuses being made for it.

These people were not put in a difficult position. They were not tasked with spinning Straw into Gold; they started with Gold and they spun it into friggin' manure. They had 30 years of stories and characters to work with, and in the end, they came up with something that was so departed from the source, so badly-written, so clearly designed only to push plastic, so derivative of everything else being made nowadays, so unoriginal, and so much a waste of potential, it's absolutely sad.

It's not that it's not Perfect or even "no tas good as it could be". It's that it feels like they were trying to piss people off with this movie. Huge chunks of it seriously feels like the filmmakers giving fans the finger. There's just so much wrong with it. I can't for the life of me understand the enthusiasm a small segment of fans have. Because at least we got a movie? Who cares?! "It's just a movie". So what? Movies can be good and there's No Excuse to make a bad one, ever. Not with the money these guys are throwing around.

http://static.fjcdn.com/comments/3746163+_80d25e425a20e7e628eff336c6b9305c.jpg

Look, to me, it's obvious that Bay resents being given franchises where he's expected to play within a world with pre-existing rules and characters. Because at the end of the day, he doesn't give a f*ck about characterization and the lore. He's made it clear at every opportunity that he gets, he resents the pressure that comes with what fans of the G1 and TMNT franchises expect from his treatment of the characters.

Bay wants to make standard brainless action stuff where the emphasis is on the action and not much else - and you know what, that's fine. Let the man go do Bad Boys and The Rock -- he does well with that stuff, it's the sort of thing his creative drive is geared towards, and when he's working with that kind of thing, he serves it up.

But take the 80s franchises away from him. He is not the man for the job and frankly, everything he does with TF and TMNT reeks of a petulant child pouting over the fact that everyone's not lapping up something that he's only even doing in the first place because he was offered obscene amounts of money to do so. He comes off as someone who expects to be given a gold medal just for showing up.

He's stated numerous times he never wanted to do Transformers - the "toy movie". Every single TF film, he states he's not doing another one, the dinobots are stupid, blah blah blah - then he comes back for another one, and oh look, it's the "stupid" dinobots in his movie. It is obvious he doesn't give a sh*t about the work he's doing - and if he doesn't, why should we? Yet we're the @ssholes for complaining. Sorry, but I'm over it. His attitude sucks.

Part of where it trips over itself to me is, summed up, it was basically "We're aiming to make them/it super believable, we want movie goers to be able to believe this is real! ---- Now forget all that and suspend disbelief because we're taking reality to the next unbelievable level!"

This is so exactly it. They're meant to be more "realistic" designs, but then it's an action movie where we're not supposed to take it seriously? Basically, they keep moving the goal posts and putting the blame on the fans who aren't into it, instead of taking any responsibility for dropping the ball on anything that they've done. Nothing's their fault - not their writing, not their designs, not their casting - it's all the fault of the "hardcores" for complaining about white Shredder and Taking It Too Seriously and not realizing it's a popcorn flick, for the kiddies, yadda yadda, rinse repeat.

[Commenter 42]

Yeah no worries :) and even as a fan of the film, the comparisons crack me up. This had to be done...

http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac252/benman011/vlcsnap-2014-08-16-03h02m12s2464777.jpg

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA GREMLIN SHREK BLACK NERD ED O'NEILL'S - THE MOVIE.

THIS SUMMER.

Ok, you need to share that larger. this I need a copy of

But, you should use this pic of Leo instead. The bundy-ness is more apparent
http://www.designbolts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/leonardo-tmnt-2014-wallpaper-hd-1600x12001.jpg

[FlogginMcMurryZombiePizza]

I have always wanted to see "badass" TMNT also. I love the first movie and it still amazed me what they were able to do in those suits. The 2nd movie was still pretty good but the action was kept pretty slap stick... Tokka and Rahzar grabbing the Turtles and throwing them, etc. Not much for fighting which there was plenty of in the first movie.

This one did display good visual tension. The downhill snow scene was exciting but, again, it was just for popcorn as it's been said. Raph mentioned his shell was shattered and I cringed to see him roll into a hummer, thinking there should be repercussions from that impact. And I also agree on the bulletproof thing as its been said...
When the movie was on the horizon and we knew the Foot were para-military with guns, I was left wondering just how these behemoths would fair in combat against armed foes... and that's what we got. No threat. They are bulletproof. I suppose in some mutation thing, their shells and carapace come strengthen as their purpose in the real world is to prevent predators from eating them. But to literally show so worry or concern, able to jump in battle against 100 armed Foot and able to take them all out, wheres the threat?! They are not Godzilla. And if they are going to have that level of protective shielding, I think the threat level needs to rise. More than just a skirmish with Shredder.
Who, BTW, I dont believe they ever said why Shredder and the TMNT were involved... the story was around Sachs and O'Neil and how 'ol ball-Sachs screwed O'Neils family. Worst of all that's how she's fit in the TMNT mythos here and now Splinter introduces her as same sacred deity while every other male, Mikey included, is trying to get an eye full of her gnarly thumbs (that's all I can imagine they are looking at... her butt is ok, rack decent and face fairly average and shows slightly more emotion and conveying of thought than Kristen Stewart... and that's saying A LOT.)
Without the
feud between Saki and Yoshi what's the point of having Shredder? Did he raise Sachs? Is that what we were to think? I'm still holding out he's a Krang or whatever they do. He just kinda appeared and did things to the Turtles home and family without the convection we know Shredder to have... lets not forget that his first appearance was brief and Leo killed him with a sword after a battle that wasn't too fierce... IMO.
But if "Michael Bay" is the only reason they cant keep to their own rules, no number of sequels will fix this problem. This is where movies fall apart.
Highlander is a great example where the sequels seemed to forget certain "rules" set force in the original and thus you loose your audience because now you're expecting more from them then the audience might have the patience to bear.
There are a TON of other movies also, not just Highlander. Hell, Jurassic World seems to already be re-treading on previously set rules... and Terminator Genesis just looks like a mess ready to terminate all rules the original AND T2 sequel set in place.

Bay has said he makes movies for young boys. That's fine. However... he needs to realize in anything he directs or produces... it takes more than flash images to make a GREAT film. Will we be watching 2014 TMNT movie another 20 years from now? Probably not... I cant see his movies having any staying power... save for maybe Bad Boys 2. But I will guarantee that we will all be watching that 1990 movie still.

And if you're one who says this is your favourite TMNT movie... that's cool, but honestly give it time. I'm 30. I have seen I ton of movies and I own a **** ton of movies. I own movies I thought were the best things ever, only to watching them years later and realize they really are weak.
Likewise there are other movies I have grown to appreciate that maybe I didn't care about when I was younger. Now that I am older, I might get that movie more and realize the story is stronger.
I do not believe this to be true for 2014 TMNT. I think it's one that'll be a fun background movie to watch, at least until its sequel is on its way.

I can not knock the VFX of the film. The Turtles look great. Design aside... 'cus they look like giant Orcs from The Lord of the Rings... almost possible they could be passengers on Jabba the Hutt's sailing barge. But the believability of their presence wasn't an issue.

At the end you just wanna... pinch their cheeks, yea? :tlol:

EDIT: Leo is the ****in' man again here. Well said sir.
EDITED: and pennydredful... BOOYA! Well said too!
EDITEDER: I really should have proof read this...but it's almost 3am and I'm far too tired to get too technical on this X_X sorry guys.

My best response to this is ....... because Michael Bay. I agree that the movie should follow it's own rules but..... Michael Bay.

Yeah, Michael Bay. Bad filmmaker.

Also Jonathan Liebesman. Bad filmmaker.

And in this occasion Bay produced and Liebesman butchered/directed.

As Leo said, this is such a unique franchise. It was born of parody and satire but here we are, 30 years later and the film is being treated worse than any child movie that's come since. What happened to the cleverness?
Disney still makes kid movies and yet their movies are still adult enough to hold interest. TMNT made it's money but I can't believe it made new fans. I would probably have a bad taste in my mouth if I wasn't already a lifelong fan.

This is just coming up with excuses.
And I'm not one for defending what a movie should or shouldn't be. I love Speed Racer which many people found to be a pile of crap. I thought it was fantastic and held to the original tone characterizations from the 1960s anime. Yet it was panned and most people decided they couldn't see it unless they were stoned or tripping hard. I felt that movie was exactly what they set out to make and I find it is a stronger family/kid movie than this TMNT.

Being a "kid" movie shouldn't be a punishment. Doctor Who is considered a kids show in England, always has been. It's viewed as a family show since literally generations of people still watch it. Oldest the youngest, Doctor Who has a balance of being more than just what it should be.
TMNT has clearly proven that it appeals to all demographs (except maybe the elderly... but that could be us in the coming decades). Most of us were there at the start at varying ages... I was born in time to watch the cartoon while others already were starting high school and jobs and we able to buy the comics. 30 years have past with so many incarnations and now I talk to kids under 10 who LOVE the TMNT in the same way I always have.
WHY is this film, then, treated at it's lowest common denominator?! Who gave this franchise (and Transformers) to Michael Bay?! We have JJ Abrams directing visually stunning tales of space exploration in 2 franchise, along with giant monster/kaiju films. Del Toro is another director able to achieve grand vision to the big screen... lets not forget Scott Snyder who is able to create visually visceral films (see: Man of Steel and Sukerpunch). Ridley Scott has proven he is a force of sci-fi storytelling and then Luc Besson, I believe could do amazing things as a fan of comic books growing up (attention to Leon the Professional, The Fifth Element). Why couldn't we get directors like this on TMNT? and the writers?! Oi...

Ironically I have been watching A LOT of Kevin Smith talking (documentaries and stand up) while I'm taking a screenwriting class. He didn't take the Green Hornet when it was offered to him because it wouldn't be HIS film. There are investors who have money in the film. The film is expected to do this. They need a quota of big Hollywood names. Everyone has a hand in it and everyone has something to say. Smith wouldn't be able to use his guys 'cus the studio wanted to use X writer, X editor, etc etc.
He turned down Green Hornet because it wouldn't have been HIS movie. He turned down Superman Returns because he didn't see it the same as the executives... he saw it as a long time fan like us, while the studio just wanted to see dollar bills. Kevin Smith even went on to say the guy he had to talk to about Superman insisted there be a GIANT spider in the 3rd act of the movie. Smith didn't do that. Both guys left the project. That guy went on to work on Wild Wild West... 3rd act a giant metal steam-powered spider appears.

Unless we are blessed with another indy developer... this could be the best we get, sadly.
We need a Dark Knight treatment to revive this franchise for the Hollywood market.

[B-Man]

Haha nice sig Commenter 42 :)

[IndigoErth]

Bay has said he makes movies for young boys.
The man is missing his calling. If he wants to focus on a young male audience only, then he needs to do something along the lines of a Lego movie, but use Matchbox of some other brand of toy cars instead, and it will be an entire movie devoted to the cars crashing into each other and digitally added in explosions.

He'd not only hit is target audience, but with all the explosions he'd be happy too. And he wouldn't have to deal with the pesky problem of properties that belong to a bigger audience than just little boys.

Then leave TMNT and other wider appealing subjects alone dammit...

[Leo656]

People who "Get" the "Speed Racer" movie are, generally, among the wisest of people. :tgrin:

[The Boston Ninja Turtle]

Seeing a shadow throw a giant container I guess = badass? Because that's what you get in the first 20 minutes of the movie. That's it.

dont forget the game of fruit ninja in the opening speech

[url]

Bay wants to make standard brainless action stuff where the emphasis is on the action and not much else -

ive always wondered how many people realize Bay started out making Victoria secret and car commercials


ever wonder why Car chase and Hot babe scenes are always the best looking in his movies

[IndigoErth]

ive always wondered how many people realize Bay started out making Victoria secret and car commercials


ever wonder why Car chase and Hot babe scenes are always the best looking in his movies
Seriously? Well that explains a lot. :roll: He needs to go back to that and leave everything else alone.

[Lou 500]

I'm really split upon Kevin's overall attitude towards this film:

I want to shake my head at how uncaring he seems but at the same time I ask myself: If I had a franchise I created and it became successful enough for it to become a film, cartoons and sell s***loads of toys, would I challenge the descisions made and kick up a fuss? Because at the end of the day, it's a franchise about talking shinobi terrapins and it's got him securely banked for life.

But as a fan, I just want to scream "How can you sit back and just pretend to accept this?!" He's turned into a sell-out, but can you blame him? If I were in his position I may very well do the same.

[Leo656]

Everyone is different and everyone's feelings about their own IP is different. Some people are just happy they get paid, and other people feel very protective and a real sense of ownership over what they created and don't want anyone screwing with it. For every Eastman, there's an Alan Moore.

I see both sides of it, but I'm more of a Moore type (although I think he goes way too far and doesn't often consider the feelings of people who are fans of and admire his work). I've never created anything commercial, but the few ideas I do have and have toyed with, be they characters or story ideas or what have you... In my head, they're a certain specific way, and if someone else was to "interpret" those ideas in a completely different way, I'd be furious, because they would be the same in name only, completely separate and disconnected from the personal thoughts and experiences of MINE that were integral in creating those characters/ideas. They might look and appear the same superficially, but would not, in fact, BE the same, and I'd have a real problem with that. So I "get" the Moore approach of, "Nobody touch my toys, they're mine." There's definitely a lot of good reasons for that approach, even if it's a little selfish.

That said, I also see the Eastman approach of, "This is all a lark, and all I ever wanted was to pay my bills and if people are getting a kick out of my brand, great." I think it's definitely more a capitalist's view than an artist's view, but I have no problem at all with capitalism. My problem is that, he thinks, or seems to think, or acts like he thinks, that he knows/cares what TMNT fans want, and, he kind of doesn't. He seems to think everyone who is into TMNT is as emotionally divorced from it as he is, even though a lot of people take this stuff very seriously. It bugs me that he exaggerates or flat-out lies about things just to get people on board with a project because he knows fans will listen to him, and that he, in turn, will make even more money that way. I think that's irresponsible and shady on his part.

I want to like the guy, I mean, I'm grateful, but it's hard for me to like someone when I can't take anything they say without an entire shaker full of salt, and when it genuinely looks like they'll say Anything At All as long as they get paid. It raises certain questions of integrity. But then... a lot of people who worked with him at various companies would also raise many questions about his integrity, so I guess it's no surprise.

[IndigoErth]

Yeah, agree. It's perspective I guess. You want to make a career in something and succeed, well you obtained the goal of making an income from it.

Although at the same time, if I had some little random concept that ended up beloved by so many for 30+ years and watched it "grow up" over that time, it would probably also be pretty close to my heart as well, not simply be a paycheck.

But... maybe after so long people simply get tired of their product at some point and become detached. :ohwell:

Edit: They're lucky to have found unexpected success with these guys and been the ones to bring them to life, but if dealing with years of deadlines and TMNT 24/7 makes a person tired and detached... I'm glad I'm just a fan.

[B-Man]

Anyone see that Screen Junkies video where they interviewed him at Comic Con & brought up 'Coming Out Of Their Shells' as a joke & he took it as them bringing it up as a positive? I reckon he genuinely does love anything to do with TMNT and/or tries to see the good in all of it. Who knows.

[Leo656]

I definitely see a positive side to his approach - and he definitely seems happy and secure in himself and all that, while on the other extreme, guys like Moore always seem miserable.

That said, it's kind of weird how many people have gotten very real, very powerful and uplifting things from TMNT, it has been a huge influence in their lives, partly because it's NOT just a shallow, toy-centric kiddie property... and yet, one of the guys behind it treats it like it's all a laugh and it's inconsequential. I'unno, it's weird.

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

he took it as them bringing it up as a positive? I reckon he genuinely does love anything to do with TMNT and/or tries to see the good in all of it. Who knows.

No, because Eastman will gladly talk crap/make fun of Secret of the Ooze at any chance he gets. And yet he's ok with Coming Out of Their Shells? Or a new film that has boner/farts/turtles dancing & twerking in an elevator? Or Next Mutation (cause I've heard him say positive stuff on that)...and yet to him Secret of the Ooze is the worst (I've seen footage of him bashing that flick).

And yeah, I know it's his opinion. I just think his opinion Sucks...that's MY opinion.

[B-Man]

He talked sh*t on SOTO??? Wow, when was this?

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

He talked sh*t on SOTO??? Wow, when was this?

First, it was in a Q & A before the new film came out. He said "Well the new film isn't going to have silly stuff like Mikey using Sausages as Nunchucks" (referring to the beginning of SOTO).

And even in the new book on the Turtles, you pretty much have both Eastman & Laird talking unfavorably about SOTO, at least Eastman was (while Laird talked bad about it in the 30 seconds they gave to the 2nd film in that new 'definitive' documentary).

[B-Man]

Nah man, it seemed obvious Laird didn't like it (I remember him grimacing when talking about it on that doc) but Eastman was just ribbing it. That doc was disappointing btw. And I NEED THAT BOOK. Is it as in-depth as it appears?

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

Nah man, it seemed obvious Laird didn't like it (I remember him grimacing when talking about it on that doc) but Eastman was just ribbing it. That doc was disappointing btw. And I NEED THAT BOOK. Is it as in-depth as it appears?

Nah, Eastman wasn't ribbing it when I read him complain/hate on part 2 in the book. And the book is better than the doc...at least the book mentions it all and doesn't leave 70% of the history out. The Book is worth the purchase, I was just disappointed with the 2003 cartoon section of the book (too short, not enough stuff).

[B-Man]

Nah, Eastman wasn't ribbing it when I read him complain/hate on part 2 in the book. And the book is better than the doc...at least the book mentions it all and doesn't leave 70% of the history out. The Book is worth the purchase, I was just disappointed with the 2003 cartoon section of the book (too short, not enough stuff).

Sweet, thanks man. I'm gonna get it after xmas :tsmile:

[Casey]

When was Zulli's Art direction ever present in the concept art or the final product?

Right? I get that they are muscular and wear clothing, but Zulli's art and tone were not present in the least.

[Leo656]

Yeah. He had to have reached pretty deep to pull THAT one out of his ass.

((This is fun. I remember everyone used to paint me as a "Laird-Hater". Now I get to prove, once and for all, that I Hate F***ing Everyone!!! :tgrin:))

[Shark_Blade]

I'm really split upon Kevin's overall attitude towards this film:

I want to shake my head at how uncaring he seems but at the same time I ask myself: If I had a franchise I created and it became successful enough for it to become a film, cartoons and sell s***loads of toys, would I challenge the descisions made and kick up a fuss? Because at the end of the day, it's a franchise about talking shinobi terrapins and it's got him securely banked for life.

But as a fan, I just want to scream "How can you sit back and just pretend to accept this?!" He's turned into a sell-out, but can you blame him? If I were in his position I may very well do the same.Because he no longer owns it anymore, neither does Laird.

What's wrong in looking at it as an outsider's perspective? At least they considered some of the inputs he gave them.

He's just enjoying the ride now.

[LeotheLateBloomer]

This is why I've always prefered Laird over Eastman. Laird may be critical but to me, he seems to really care and know about his property more than Eastman does. While I respect Eastman for bringing my childhood to life, if I meet him in person, it's hard to tell whether I'd get excited or not.

[BubblyShell22]

Exactly. I remember when Laird went over the scripts for the 2003 show and nixed anything he didn't like and made corrections to grammatical errors and the like. He did that because he was protective of the product and wanted to present something that was worth watching. Eastman's the type to just let everything slide, but the only reason he's doing that is he still gets paid for working on the movie, so he's going to talk it up and act like it's awesome. Sad thing is, he's wrong on all counts and the same goes for the sequel. It won't be awesome with the same idiots working on it and the only difference is that you have a different director.

[LeotheLateBloomer]

Because at the end of the day, it's a franchise about talking shinobi terrapins and it's got him securely banked for life.

To be fair, a guy dressed up in a bat costume can still tell interesting and compelling stories, if they had the right writers who care for the property.

[oldmanwinters]

Even right down to the look of the turtles in the new movie. It was based on a comic book that Michael Zulli did for us many years ago, before even the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie was made. He took a more realistic tone to the turtles and their styling. So they wanted to make a great movie and an exciting movie.

Honestly, I never thought about the visual similarities between the movie Turtles and the Michael Zulli trilogy, but it really does make sense in retrospect.