WHY?! Explanations of why you defend or are repulsed by the designs

[A_Little_Too_Raph.9859]

Who knows, we will see...

[Shred Head]

I dont know what thread to post this on I rarely ever come around here anymore but what the **** I got to get this off my chest and this thread is as good as any to bitch on. I'll tell you why I'm disgusted and I can sum it up with one word Godzilla. Now hear me me out here you got a franchise rebooting for like the tenth ****ing time I think. What do they do they they go to a studio Legendary Pictures people who have proven they can make a good movie something we know damn sure Platinum Dunes cant do. But this is about the designs so I wont get off topic and I'll get back to them. With Godzilla every time footage or a picture was leaked or some of the public got a view every time people asked what does it look like they would say. "It looks like Godzilla just not a rubber suit." Now lets look on the turtle side every time I read from when someone got a look at a poster or toy they would do everything they can to list why the designed didn't look like a ****ing ninja turtle. That right there is why I'm disgusted.

Viacom said they bought the Turtles because there an ever green property. you know what else is called an ever green Super Mario, Mickey Mouse, Spider-Man and Batman. When you reach that level the core concept and design are to be treated like ****ing gold. These designs do the opposite in fact they repeat mistakes that were made before with shows like Next Mutation or the Image comic. You got four live action version to look at and one CGI version. An hour of research would tell you what people would think is good what worked what didn't. Clearly they didn't even bother to do that is just insulting.

Dont get me wrong I'm not saying there cant be changes that we should be closed minded to new interpretations but I do believe in changes that are within reason. Hell I'm one of the few that didn't go ****ing ape **** over 2K3 Shredder being an Utrom. Hell I'll be happy if he is an Utrom in the movie maybe if there is a sequel he can crawl inside a new suit of that looks like an asian man and we can pretend Eric Sachs never existed.

[chrisdude]

Originally Posted by Refractive Reflections

Ugh... the same "it looks bad ass, that's all that matters" response, over and over again.

Yes... that's all we should be focusing on. Let's forget about the practicality of their designs (especially their clothes): Leonardo wearing ancient armor to possibly fight a futuristic armor wearing Shredder, Donatello wearing nerd glasses (when a genius like him should know that he should be wearing contacts minimally) during ninja fighting, or Michelangelo's loose chains hanging all over the place (which is gonna get annoying doing flips and somersaults), the hulkish size of them compared to the Turtle Van, the conspicuous gigantic trenchcoat disguise in the middle of New York City, Shredder (if we are to assume is human) miraculously being able to fight quickly with so much heavy armor. I mean TMNT is already a williing suspension of disbelief, so apparently I guess, why not take it to the point of having minimal practicality as possible right?

Or let's also forget about Megan Fox's bland acting, or the reputations of Bay and Liebesman because now the Turtles look "bad ass". Let's forget about all those concerns, because that's the most important thing, right? The "bad ass" image...?

While I will reserve my final judgement when I see the movie; the worries, concerns, and cyncism (premature to a degree) of some fans is understandable based on whatever information is slowly trickling in. Trust me, I would love to be proven wrong and have this film turn out well, but what should I expect when this movie is seemingly transforming these Turtles, and maybe even the premise itself to a degree, into almost caricatures of themselves?

I don't get how you could take this stuff so seriously. What predicates criticism of the practicality of armor? The Van? The trenchcoat disguise? (Which is WAY more practical than exposing face and legs, like in the past.) Has TMNT not always been this ridiculous?

[A_Little_Too_Raph.9859]

Originally Posted by chrisdude

I don't get how you could take this stuff so seriously. What predicates criticism of the practicality of armor? The Van? The trenchcoat disguise? (Which is WAY more practical than exposing face and legs, like in the past.) Has TMNT not always been this ridiculous?

Shhhh...don't speak reason. It upsets people

[Candy Kappa]

Wearing armor is a fashion statement, not for protecting yourself, sheesh.

[chrisdude]

First, the forum is all like, "Nooo! Why aren't the turtles butt naaaked?!" Then they're like, "Nooo! Michelangelo's necklace is gonna tickle his faaace!"

Like, the turtles don't have a need for clothes, but if they're gonna wear clothes, that $#!% better meet a need!

[Candy Kappa]

not sure what's wrong with having some common sense and practicality when it comes to character designs

[turtlefanforever]

Originally Posted by Shred Head

I dont know what thread to post this on I rarely ever come around here anymore but what the **** I got to get this off my chest and this thread is as good as any to bitch on. I'll tell you why I'm disgusted and I can sum it up with one word Godzilla. Now hear me me out here you got a franchise rebooting for like the tenth ****ing time I think. What do they do they they go to a studio Legendary Pictures people who have proven they can make a good movie something we know damn sure Platinum Dunes cant do. But this is about the designs so I wont get off topic and I'll get back to them. With Godzilla every time footage or a picture was leaked or some of the public got a view every time people asked what does it look like they would say. "It looks like Godzilla just not a rubber suit." Now lets look on the turtle side every time I read from when someone got a look at a poster or toy they would do everything they can to list why the designed didn't look like a ****ing ninja turtle. That right there is why I'm disgusted.

Viacom said they bought the Turtles because there an ever green property. you know what else is called an ever green Super Mario, Mickey Mouse, Spider-Man and Batman. When you reach that level the core concept and design are to be treated like ****ing gold. These designs do the opposite in fact they repeat mistakes that were made before with shows like Next Mutation or the Image comic. You got four live action version to look at and one CGI version. An hour of research would tell you what people would think is good what worked what didn't. Clearly they didn't even bother to do that is just insulting.

Dont get me wrong I'm not saying there cant be changes that we should be closed minded to new interpretations but I do believe in changes that are within reason. Hell I'm one of the few that didn't go ****ing ape **** over 2K3 Shredder being an Utrom. Hell I'll be happy if he is an Utrom in the movie maybe if there is a sequel he can crawl inside a new suit of that looks like an asian man and we can pretend Eric Sachs never existed.

You gotta realize Viacom same company that wants us to believe TNA is real. Anyways it's f'd what they are doing but there's nothing we can really do about it, we can complain, the majority of people can complain, but when you see the trailer you're gonna see a million quotes from really unknown critics saying "greatest thing since sliced bread" and people are gonna end up seeing it. The best you can do it boycott it or stream it so they don't get your money. A few people over a period of time add up. As long as they don't break even there won't be a sequel, that's pretty far fetched though. Considering the budget was $150 mil or a little over, movie tickets cost like 11 per person that's not in 3D or if you go on a bargain day in your local theatre has them it's $5-8.50 . So it's pretty much hanging on a prayer and if we do manage to not meet their requirements and they don't make a sequel we are looking at about a decade long drought until another one if that. And we don't know if it'll be done right then either.

[Shred87]

As far as im concerned the jury is still out...you cant make judgement of the look based on some action figures and a poster... For comparison sake in nolans batman franchise both the tumbler and first joker photo got a huge outcry from portions of the fanbase...both were huge hits on the big screen... Id advise everyone not to get locked in on an opinion until we at least see a trailor...

[Slade]

Originally Posted by Shred87

As far as im concerned the jury is still out...you cant make judgement of the look based on some action figures and a poster... For comparison sake in nolans batman franchise both the tumbler and first joker photo got a huge outcry from portions of the fanbase...both were huge hits on the big screen... Id advise everyone not to get locked in on an opinion until we at least see a trailor...

Yeah, you can. You can tell what they look like from the poster and the maquettes. So you can make a judgement if you like the look or not. I did the same thing with the Man of Steel suit. First preview pic, and I knew I hated the suit, still do. Doesn't mean I hate the movie and doesn't mean I will hate this movie. I still hate the designs.


Also, since the thread asks why you like or hate the designs, guess I figured I would try and give reasons to why I hate them, but best I can do is they just look like ass. Raph looks like a deformed monster, Donnie looks plain stupid with the tech crap all over him. Mike's face is hideous and I guess Leo is slightly okay. The clothes on Mikey just seem pointless to me. I also don't see the point in Leo having the samurai looking armor. I don't mind Raph's wraps and all. They all might be fine with just something like that on them.

[turtlefanforever]

Originally Posted by Raph_tha_Dude

Yeah, you can. You can tell what they look like from the poster and the marquettes. So you can make a judgement if you like the look or not. I did the same thing with the Man of Steel suit. First preview pic, and I knew I hated the suit, still do. Doesn't mean I hate the movie and doesn't mean I will hate this movie. I still hate the designs.


Also, since the thread asks why you like or hate the designs, guess I figured I would try and give reasons to why I hate them, but best I can do is they just look like ass. Raph looks like a deformed monster, Donnie looks plain stupid with the tech crap all over him. Mike's face is hideous and I guess Leo is slightly okay. The clothes on Mikey just seem pointless to me. I also don't see the point in Leo having the samurai looking armor. I don't mind Raph's wraps and all. They all might be fine with just something like that on them.

Yes thanks man for actually going along with the purpose of this.

Originally Posted by Candy Kappa

Wearing armor is a fashion statement, not for protecting yourself, sheesh.

The thing is that armor won't actually protec them from anything in this day and age.

[d_osborn]

Originally Posted by Raph_tha_Dude

... and the marquettes.

As much as I hate the thought of being "that guy", the proper term is maquette.

[Refractive Reflections]

Originally Posted by M-Frame

Man, stop it. You act like the original cartoon and the movies (which I grew up on and watched religiously) didn't do this already! All that breaking the 4th wall ****, stupid gags, the cornball sitcom-y plots/plot devices, Vanilla Ice, pizza, the millions and millions of lame forgettable villains/allies (created specifically for the cartoon/movies instead of adapting some villains from the original comics. 'Keno', anyone??), etc. You're sitting here going on about what accessories would or wouldn't be practical in battle?? I got 3 words for you: Combat Cold Cuts! My point is TMNT has caricatured itself countless times in the past, particularly through the movie sequels and the original cartoon. Where was the artistic integrity in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pies??? I'm not trying to argue with you. I'm just saying that after all this time, it's too late in the game to defend or debate over the integrity/quality of the franchise. It's not like the property has been handled perfectly thus far. I'm saying you all need to stop acting like Michael Bay/Platinum Dunes is the worst thing to happen to TMNT. The worst has been done several times before! We all know we're never gonna see anything close to a 'TMNT Begins' as much as we might want to! So yeah I guess you're right in a way. After all the years of seeing this property fail to live up to its full potential because of countless studios/writers/directors mishandling it, I feel like all we can hope for is a 'Bad Ass' movie!

Originally Posted by chrisdude

I don't get how you could take this stuff so seriously. What predicates criticism of the practicality of armor? The Van? The trenchcoat disguise? (Which is WAY more practical than exposing face and legs, like in the past.) Has TMNT not always been this ridiculous?

For me, the more a film or TV series wants its audience to take it seriously, the more standards it has to follow in maintaining that tone, otherwise a small flaw will undermine the foundation of a serious tone. My expectations for most films/shows typically follow whatever the production staff wants me to accept. A few of the reasons I'm taking this movie "seriously" is because of the imagery used in this poster, the higher degree of violence by having a PG-13 rating, the term of "realism" thrown in about the Turtles' lips, with Bay and Liebesman associated with the film (how often did either of them intentionally make comedy or parody films?), and other details which seem to conflict the "ridiculous tone".

These more-threatening (non-cute), aggressive looking Turtles on the "Ninja Turtles" poster compared to the curious, awkward peering Turtles in the very first 1990 movie poster, are starkly different from each other, and that first movie is considered one of the darkest interpretations of TMNT. The apparent 2014 movie poster wants to convey that these aggressive looking Turtles should be taken more seriously unlike the previous poster images we've seen of the first three live-action movies.

So I ask then, with signs indicating it's a movie that wants to be taken seriously, how should I react when it doesn't even address the practicality issues? Hey... who knows, maybe the movie will be a further parody of itself, only confirming how truly ridiculous TMNT is then. (Which it always has been, to be frankly honest.) Okay... **shrug** if that's what it wants to do, I'm cool with that then since I enjoy TMNT in my own way, but then... it will only cement further in the mainstream's mind how childish TMNT is/was despite having a PG-13 rating, and seemingly trying to portray itself seriously. But whatever... **shrug**

[Galactus]

Originally Posted by M-Frame

I like the new designs for the most part (with the exception of Raph's durag and sunglasses). Sure I have a few gripes (yeah the nostrils and lips are a little too pronounced), but otherwise they're WAY better than I expected. Part of the reason I like them is cuz they're different. I don't understand why redesigning them is considered so unacceptable when this movie represents a reboot/rebirth and they've looked the same for roughly 30 years. It'd be one thing if they were redesigned to the extent that they were completely unrecognizable, but that's not the case!! It's not like you couldn't tell who was who when you first saw those images! Almost all of the X-Men have been redesigned several times over the past 30 years while still remaining recognizable. The same goes for zillions of other Marvel and DC characters, so why is it such a big deal when the TMNT are given a new look??

How the X-Men were redesigned was actually the inverse of how the TMNT were. They were simplified and given a more uniform look. Not only is that an extension of the comics were their costumes are quasi-uniforms but done out if of a very valid concern that their costumes may not translate well to live action.

That isn't an issue with TMNT because something very close to the original designs for worked very well in live action

Part of the charm of those designs and why they have translated well across different mediums is because they are simply. That's not to say that a redesign wouldn't work but what are the odds you're going to find something that has the near universal appeal of the original? I think many would agree this isn't it.

You can come up with valid rationales of why it's a good idea in principal such as "realism" but these can easily be countered with these designs that it's just a circular argument but what it really boils is they don't look good.

Far from badass they look laughable, so over the top in both anatomy and their apparel. It looks like what a bunch of old men this is cool when it is in fact eye rolling.

Also given what the actor portraying Raphael publicly said about the characterization of the turtles leads me to believe that their radically individualized is there because the turtles act the same. For example Donatello will say or do little to show he's the smart one but we "get" it because he has gadgets and nerd glasses, Leo wont say or do much to show he's the leader but we get it because he is the most ninja-looking.

I know I'm gonna get roasted for this, but I honestly don't see why this movie is getting so much hate when we know so little about it (Michael Bay's involvement aside). What kills me is that it's like some people act like the TMNT franchise/property hasn't already been ruined and put through the wringer a zillion times before over the past 20 or so years. Let's be real! The franchise's initial mainstream breakthrough success came in the form of a cartoon adaption that was NOTHING like the source material. IMO it can't get any worse at this point.This might come off as either overly optimistic or extremely indifferent, but I'm convinced that this movie couldn't possibly out-suck the numerous ****** reboots/reincarnations we've seen thus far (NOT including the 2k3 series, of course). I dunno, you guys. I'm sure I'm around the same age as most of you (27) and we probably share a somewhat similar story when it comes to the start of our TMNT fandom. I can sort of understand everyone's passion (and cynicism) when it comes to this movie, because we as fans have been let down/disappointed so many times before.

Here's the thing; we do know a fair bit about this movie despite little coming from official sources (which is a worrying sign in itself)

Heck we even had an earlier version of the script. We know from set photos that despite the changes they're still using that script as a basis for a lot of the action in the movie.

Although personally, at this point if it only turns out to be a halfway decent PG-13 action/sci-fi film (with some actual 'ninja' **** and less kiddie humor/goofy slapstick bs), I'll be more than satisfied.

Here's an interesting question I haven't seen anyone else raise; how much ninja action do you think those overly turtles with massive shells are capable of? Surely stealth, speed and agility aren't likely.

I remember when we saw the set photos of the turtle actors in the motion cap suits and raising the same question and being assured by defenders that the finished products wont have such big shells. I suppose they could find a way around it with cgi but it would still look stupid. Another reason I don't like those designs.

[Slade]

Originally Posted by d_osborn

As much as I hate the thought of being "that guy", the proper term is maquette.

s'all good dude. I fixed it.

[Mona_Lisa]

Ok here is my thoughts on the designs, They are ugly and repulsive... A child could see these pictures and have nightmares.... They will drive away some of there female fan base right of the bat.
I liked being able to looks at the turtles and enjoy the show but now there just ugly... Granted I hear the argument that " Real Turtles are not cute" and that's true. But what is realistic about talking turtles anyway?
That being said, I was worried about the Nick designs, and I ended up liking them. The first time I saw Kari's picture I hated it... now she is one of my favorite villains.
There is some hope I guess, but I'm pretty sure this will not be a movie my whole family can watch and enjoy together, and that is a big let down for me.

[TrickOrTreater]

Originally Posted by Mona_Lisa

Ok here is my thoughts on the designs, They are ugly and repulsive... A child could see these pictures and have nightmares...

A few people on these boards have shown the new designs to some kids who are Turtles fans and they said some of the kids started crying.

[Dākunaito]

My 11 year old sister liked them but she did ask why raph and mikey had human noses.

[BabyTurtles]

Originally Posted by TrickOrTreater

A few people on these boards have shown the new designs to some kids who are Turtles fans and they said some of the kids started crying.

really? I thought somewhere here actually said their kids (or school kids) liked them.

[slingtheory]

Originally Posted by M-Frame

Man, stop it. You act like the original cartoon and the movies (which I grew up on and watched religiously) didn't do this already! All that breaking the 4th wall ****, stupid gags, the cornball sitcom-y plots/plot devices, Vanilla Ice, pizza, the millions and millions of lame forgettable villains/allies (created specifically for the cartoon/movies instead of adapting some villains from the original comics. 'Keno', anyone??), etc. You're sitting here going on about what accessories would or wouldn't be practical in battle?? I got 3 words for you: Combat Cold Cuts! My point is TMNT has caricatured itself countless times in the past, particularly through the movie sequels and the original cartoon. Where was the artistic integrity in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pies??? I'm not trying to argue with you. I'm just saying that after all this time, it's too late in the game to defend or debate over the integrity/quality of the franchise. It's not like the property has been handled perfectly thus far. I'm saying you all need to stop acting like Michael Bay/Platinum Dunes is the worst thing to happen to TMNT. The worst has been done several times before! We all know we're never gonna see anything close to a 'TMNT Begins' as much as we might want to! So yeah I guess you're right in a way. After all the years of seeing this property fail to live up to its full potential because of countless studios/writers/directors mishandling it, I feel like all we can hope for is a 'Bad Ass' movie!



'Next Mutation' was garbage. 'Fast Forward' was ****. The 'Image' Comics series was garbage. I've watched some of the Nick cartoon and enjoyed it, but I'm not a kid anymore so I'm all set. IMO it's what the original cartoon should've been. The IDW comic is sick.

you make some really good points but really a lot of that was because of the censorship of the time. lets be honest there was no way a straight adaption of the comic would have made it past censors back in the day. the turtles would've never made it onto tv without toning the concept down and brightening it up. in the process it became a 30 minute toy commercial just like every other action cartoon on at the time. and the movie series started with the dark tone of the source material and only a bit of the cartoons influence. it would have probably stayed that why if parents never complained. its them that we have to thank for the combat cold cuts, vanilla ice, keno, and a shredder who went from being cold, calculating and lethal to being so bumbling he killed himself with his own temper tantrum. but here in 2014 when even in the cartoon rapheal can get angry and almost stab casey jones in the face there's no reason we can't get movie that takes itself seriously. if the people behind it take their job seriously