Thoughts on the new movie!

[Fledermaus]

I suppose I should have posted this in here, so here is my killer-monster-long TMNT review. I couldn't bear to write something longer on this movie, and you'll find out why if you read on.

WARNING!!!!! SPOILERS AHEAD. There is a "safe" version of this on page three of this thread.




...





HERE it is!



Overall, I think this movie was at least as good as the 1990 TMNT movie, though for its own, unique way. I somehow... somehow, prefer this approach to that used in the first movie, but I think that's just because I tend to be a little "special" myself, so I'm told. (Animator's insanity. We all have it. ) The movie felt , more than anything, like it was lifted directly out of an actual classic TMNT comic -- complete with a ridiculous over-the top main plot, rich, meaty family dynamics, and great action scenes.

My feelings as I walked out of the theater with a huge smile attacking my face: "My God, that was totally awesome!" The other thought: "How the ****in hell did that work??? I demand answers!! NOW!!!!!!"

It really shouldn't have held together so well. It had no right to. This is everything your film critics and your teachers tell you you shouldn't do when you fit a movie together. It was insane. Completely insane. No, I take that back. There were insane elements dispersed throughout the film, though they were by no means the utter core. They did not overwhelm the tone, but rather added to it. I note the opening sequence: it basically kicked you in the face with it being completely "off its rocker," and the opening narration and the SHOTS were so overtly cliche, the scale so over-the-top I can't imagine how it wasn't aware of its absurdity. I was laughing so hard by the end of that beginning sequence there were tears coming out of my eyes and I'd developed a six-pack.

There were these absolutely crazy elements that were somehow balanced out by slower, quieter, scenes. For example, I think of that gorgeous Leo and April sitting around the fire. That was the first huge breather from all we'd seen before. And there was humor: though it was quite different from the humor of the first film, it was good. The theater laughed many times at the intended comedy, some not-intended. (Mostly the irony that naturally arises from this sort of plot.) I really liked the turtles at breakfast. That scene was just brimming of great voice acting, comedic TIMING (and timing is everything...), animation, and dialog. Every character was involved, yet it was so simple. For reasons like this, I dare not dismiss the film or try to sum it up in one simple package. It's not.

Okay... other aspects. Oh yes: I actually agree with one particular reviewer who described the movie as being "Totally out of its freaking mind" -- though he overlooked the parts where the movie took itself very seriously and concluded that it was "awful." But at the same time, it had... drama, beauty, and most importantly, it took itself seriously. I remember director Brad Bird talking about the importance of a movie that isn't a comedy to take itself seriously, no matter how absurd things get. Irony -- including comedic irony -- is a secondary result of this approach, and this movie gave that to us in wonderful doses.

But you can't just blindly dismiss the movie as crazy. It's also -- well just look at the family dynamics and the fight between Leo and Raph. There is so much intensity, a deep sense of self that gives energy to this strange, strange concoction.

And the visuals, the designs... wow, did I underestimate this movie. Forgive me for my skepticism. The first 10-15 minutes of the movie, as someone said, were not up to the same level as the rest of the film, visually. Aside from that opening explosion of a billion running bodies, the look was new, different from any CG feature-length film I'd seen before (with the one major exception being the designs for the monsters and the males of the movie, who I'm sorry looked like clones of Bob Parr. I almost wonder, with so many design and animation strengths, I wonder if people just "ran out of time/resources" on some things. This is another thing keeping I loved the colors, the textures, the shadows, the renderings, the very "film noir" appearance. This is something I'd hoped for even before I knew a new TMNT movie was in the works. Over all, the film was really gorgeous. At times, as others have also said, I forgot I was watching a CG film. I know, I know TMNT hasn't TECHNICALLY reinvented the wheel. But I hope this movie gets some sort of recognition for its visuals. the animation quality wasn't always consistent in the movie however -- and I only mean this in the subtlest of ways. Then again, great animation is subtlety. Anyways, it is different than Pixar animation. I won't say better or worse, as far as enjoyment or believability goes -- only worse in that it feels a less polished, conceptually, that if only there had been a little more time and resources, it could have been pushed to its full potential.

To sum up the thoughts of my raging inner critic: the infuriating thing about this movie is that, I think, it is extremely difficult to define. I feel that one can't just pinpoint something and call it the rest of the movie. TMNT is not constructed like a typical movie, despite it's seemingly "cliche" plot. It doesn't resolve in the conventional way, in my opinion. The unorthodox continuity and story progression is both "weakness" in that it alienates viewers who expect something to unfold in a particular way... and it's a unique strength in that it is more truly itself... Oh man, I know you're all probably like Raph right now falling asleep when Casey fumbles over explaining strange feelings. The logical part of me loathes saying this because I can't explain it yet in painstaking detail: This movie does its own thing. It does not lend itself well to definition and that is why it really bothers some people.

Though I have to say -- I haven't met anyone at my college who thought the movie was bad. I've heard from most people a similar reaction: it was very strangely a very enjoyable movie. Everyone in the auditorium applauded at the end, yet it was for one of the WEIRDEST reasons of... I'm running out of ways to say this. I talked with my friends afterwards over a midnight pizza. We were all very surprised at how wonderful the film was -- not because it was TMNT, but because there was no way we could see it coming (the fulfillment). It's similar to the feeling I got, actually, when watching Pirates for the first time. It's just really good fun.

I'm still of the opinion that, at this point, if word of mouth gets around, and if other forces come into play, TMNT could turn into one of the most beloved films of the franchise. Excellent job, Kevin. You've crafted a film worthy of representing its title. Sorry for the erratically written review, but if I spend any longer trying define this movie, I'll go nuts.

[VaughnMichael]

Originally Posted by Wes

Karai's comment frustrated the heck out of me. I mean, she basically said, "The next time we meet... it will be in a better and more interesting movie." But why couldn't this movie have been better and more interesting? Bah.

I think he was talking about karais comment to the foot soldier about casey and april not what she said to the turtles.

[Ninja Tiptup]

I felt that was out of character for Karai. She was quite casual in that scene and when she got pushed out of the van. The new toon Karai would lop someone's head off for that. But the foot soldier nodding at her comment was GOLD as was the foot soldier knocking someone else out of the van.

IMO the family dynamic was a bit preachy seeing as the bad guys were also a troubled family but that does give it more moral value than previous turtles movies which is nice in its own way.

Not enough Don for sure and a bit more Mikey would have been nice but Leo and Raph squaring off for real is something TMNT fans for generations have been waiting for.

The bad guys didn't get enough fleshing out besides Winter's though. And the monster, foot clan and generals were hardly present enough to get anything out of watching them. The movie was way too short for my tastes as well and the pacing wasn't great. Infact the last fight's pacing was pretty dreadful but I give them props for that scene because it had plenty of action going on at the same time.

The humor in this movie was great and not overbearing and the drama was some of the best for non-Mirage TMNT. It was authentically TMNT. Which is someone I can't say about the 2nd or 3rd live action movies. A good mix of silly humor and one liners along with a out of this world plot and some solid drama with family dynamics.

If you have any reservations then go see it for the animation at the very least. Leo VS Raph is amazing and the ending of that scuffle just might surprise the turtle vets of the world.

The plot just didn't feel complete though and in the end I wasn't really satisfied. It's a good movie and all but I just like it. I wanted to love it. I wanted to come out of the theatre with an urge to watch it again but I just can't say I do. And that's dissapointing to me but maybe I just had expectations that were too high.

[Kaz]

ya know i have a theory, shredder was in this movie... why did Karai only take one foot with her, and why did she help him walk when he was a measaly foot, i think that was our dear old Shreadhead... and i want some smoke pallets, and why did you change my board nammmmmeeee

[R-iZZy]

Enjoyed the movie every second. I had my gripes (like the human character designs, Casey all of a sudden having ninja jumping abilities, the 13 monsters deal being rushed). But for the most part, the humor was hilarious (Mikey had all the girls "awing" throughout the movie and laughing), the characters were the same, personalities matched each one perfectly, and though me and my friends were mainly upset about Donatello playing the background (as usual), we knew that the Raph/Leo feud would be the main theme, as it always is.

The action in this was superb, it was a shame that the scenes lasted so shortly. The rooftop scene with Leo vs. Raph was perhaps one of the most intense scenes I've ever seen in fighting history. The setting, the tone, the atmosphere, the build-up... A+ material!

The story was a bit too complex for kids, I thought. The plot should've been a little simpler. The voice actors did an excellent job! Donatello's VA was probably the best. Leo and Raph brought a lot of emotion out.

I was so glad to see all showings for the movie sold-out (except the late late late night ones). A lot of the college kids came out for this one just for the nostalgia, and everyone was talking about this movie afterward. Some were pissed that there was no Shredder, but they stuck with the movie and enjoyed it. Mikey was probably the girls' favorite, and Raph was basically the main dude the guys liked.

One day, Donny will get his shine. Until then, the movie gets a B from me!

[Wes]

Originally Posted by Ninja Tiptup

The bad guys didn't get enough fleshing out besides Winter's though. And the monster, foot clan and generals were hardly present enough to get anything out of watching them. The movie was way too short for my tastes as well and the pacing wasn't great. ...

The plot just didn't feel complete though and in the end I wasn't really satisfied. It's a good movie and all but I just like it. I wanted to love it. I wanted to come out of the theatre with an urge to watch it again but I just can't say I do. And that's dissapointing to me but maybe I just had expectations that were too high.

I agree with these points -- and I know how you feel. I went into the movie expecting ZOMG THE BEST TMNT MOVIE EVAR, and what I got was something that, fantastic animation aside, was only slightly better than some of the filler episodes from the new 'toon. Ah well.

[Kunoichi_Haruko]

I gave it a B

The animation was superb.
The fight scenes were phenomenal.
Awesome dialogue.
The voice acting was spot-on.
I believe they captured the Turtles' personalities quite nicely.
Damn, that Raph/Leo fight was so intense (probably should've given it an A just for that )

What didn't do it for me:

Don got the shaft. Again. I honestly thought he'd have more to say and do...
I was fully expecting some scenes from the novelization that just didn't materialize
(Ninja Tag, anyone?)
Clearly, a lot of the movie was cut, and I feel it sort of suffers as a result (Warner Bros. has got to relinquish some control over their animation flicks...)
I wish there was more Foot Clan action.

That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed it. This movie warrants a sequel. Thumbs up for me.

[classictmnt3]

I thought it was a lot of fun with friends but it left me hangin at most parts .. still its a TMNT movie!

[nimrod]

People in my theater cheered in the beginning and end as well. The screaming and clapping was very loud. About on the level of when I saw the new star wars movies a few years back. My theater was very packed also (and was one of the largest ones). I'm not sure if it was sold out, but looking around you could tell it was very close to being sold out. There were some young kids but the crowd was mostly teenagers and people in their 20's like me. Of course this was a showing after 9pm last night. I was afraid the movie wasn't going to be too great but I was exceptionaly surprised. I think all in all, that I would hold this movie in almost as high or regards as the original. Now bring on the sequel...

[classictmnt3]

Funny lines in the movie and yes the monster thing was too fast if u look at a previous thread it has talk about the movie being cut this movie killed but was over before I knew it.

[Cascadia]

Originally Posted by Kunoichi_Haruko

I gave it an B

What didn't do it for me:

I was fully expecting some scenes from the novelization that just didn't materialize
(Ninja Tag, anyone?)
Clearly, a lot of the movie was cut, and I feel it sort of suffers as a result (Warner Bros. has got to relinquish some control over their animation flicks...)


That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed it. This movie warrants a sequel. Thumbs up for me.

Yeah, where was Ninja Tag? I hope that it is in the DVD version.

[Rooish]

Originally Posted by Fledermaus

Overall, I think this movie was at least as good as the 1990 TMNT movie, though for its own, unique way. I somehow... somehow, prefer this approach to that used in the first movie, but I think that's just because I tend to be a little "special" myself, so I'm told. (Animator's insanity. We all have it. ) The movie felt , more than anything, like it was lifted directly out of an actual classic TMNT comic -- complete with a ridiculous over-the top main plot, rich, meaty family dynamics, and great action scenes.

My feelings as I walked out of the theater with a huge smile attacking my face: "My God, that was totally awesome!" The other thought: "How the ****in hell did that work??? I demand answers!! NOW!!!!!!"

It really shouldn't have held together so well. It had no right to. This is everything your film critics and your teachers tell you you shouldn't do when you fit a movie together. It was insane. Completely insane. No, I take that back. There were insane elements dispersed throughout the film, though they were by no means the utter core. They did not overwhelm the tone, but rather added to it. I note the opening sequence: it basically kicked you in the face with it being completely "off its rocker," and the opening narration and the SHOTS were so overtly cliche, the scale so over-the-top I can't imagine how it wasn't aware of its absurdity. I was laughing so hard by the end of that beginning sequence there were tears coming out of my eyes and I'd developed a six-pack.

There were these absolutely crazy elements that were somehow balanced out by slower, quieter, scenes. For example, I think of that gorgeous Leo and April sitting around the fire. That was the first huge breather from all we'd seen before. And there was humor: though it was quite different from the humor of the first film, it was good. The theater laughed many times at the intended comedy, some not-intended. (Mostly the irony that naturally arises from this sort of plot.) I really liked the turtles at breakfast. That scene was just brimming of great voice acting, comedic TIMING (and timing is everything...), animation, and dialog. Every character was involved, yet it was so simple. For reasons like this, I dare not dismiss the film or try to sum it up in one simple package. It's not.

Okay... other aspects. Oh yes: I actually agree with one particular reviewer who described the movie as being "Totally out of its freaking mind" -- though he overlooked the parts where the movie took itself very seriously and concluded that it was "awful." But at the same time, it had... drama, beauty, and most importantly, it took itself seriously. I remember director Brad Bird talking about the importance of a movie that isn't a comedy to take itself seriously, no matter how absurd things get. Irony -- including comedic irony -- is a secondary result of this approach, and this movie gave that to us in wonderful doses.

But you can't just blindly dismiss the movie as crazy. It's also -- well just look at the family dynamics and the fight between Leo and Raph. There is so much intensity, a deep sense of self that gives energy to this strange, strange concoction.

And the visuals, the designs... wow, did I underestimate this movie. Forgive me for my skepticism. The first 10-15 minutes of the movie, as someone said, were not up to the same level as the rest of the film, visually. Aside from that opening explosion of a billion running bodies, the look was new, different from any CG feature-length film I'd seen before (with the one major exception being the designs for the monsters and the males of the movie, who I'm sorry looked like clones of Bob Parr. I almost wonder, with so many design and animation strengths, I wonder if people just "ran out of time/resources" on some things. This is another thing keeping I loved the colors, the textures, the shadows, the renderings, the very "film noir" appearance. This is something I'd hoped for even before I knew a new TMNT movie was in the works. Over all, the film was really gorgeous. At times, as others have also said, I forgot I was watching a CG film. I know, I know TMNT hasn't TECHNICALLY reinvented the wheel. But I hope this movie gets some sort of recognition for its visuals. the animation quality wasn't always consistent in the movie however -- and I only mean this in the subtlest of ways. Then again, great animation is subtlety. Anyways, it is different than Pixar animation. I won't say better or worse, as far as enjoyment or believability goes -- only worse in that it feels a less polished, conceptually, that if only there had been a little more time and resources, it could have been pushed to its full potential.

To sum up the thoughts of my raging inner critic: the infuriating thing about this movie is that, I think, it is extremely difficult to define. I feel that one can't just pinpoint something and call it the rest of the movie. TMNT is not constructed like a typical movie, despite it's seemingly "cliche" plot. It doesn't resolve in the conventional way, in my opinion. The unorthodox continuity and story progression is both "weakness" in that it alienates viewers who expect something to unfold in a particular way... and it's a unique strength in that it is more truly itself... Oh man, I know you're all probably like Raph right now falling asleep when Casey fumbles over explaining strange feelings. The logical part of me loathes saying this because I can't explain it yet in painstaking detail: This movie does its own thing. It does not lend itself well to definition and that is why it really bothers some people.

Though I have to say -- I haven't met anyone at my college who thought the movie was bad. I've heard from most people a similar reaction: it was very strangely a very enjoyable movie. Everyone in the auditorium applauded at the end, yet it was for one of the WEIRDEST reasons of... I'm running out of ways to say this. I talked with my friends afterwards over a midnight pizza. We were all very surprised at how wonderful the film was -- not because it was TMNT, but because there was no way we could see it coming (the fulfillment). It's similar to the feeling I got, actually, when watching Pirates for the first time. It's just really good fun.

I'm still of the opinion that, at this point, if word of mouth gets around, and if other forces come into play, TMNT could turn into one of the most beloved films of the franchise. Excellent job, Kevin. You've crafted a film worthy of representing its title. Sorry for the erratically written review, but if I spend any longer trying define this movie, I'll go nuts.

I agree with pretty much everything you said. I, too, was kind of overwhelmed by the weirdness of this movie ... I mentioned that it was "weird" in my review (don't know where my review went, exactly), and I couldn't really elaborate, because I didn't understand. That movie was out of its freaking mind. It was completely uncategoizable (wonder if that's a word).

From its very ridiculous "epic movie" intro to its really random (beautiful, but random) Central America scene, to the strangely moving and intense family dynamic, to the completely cheesy monster plot (what were they thinking?), to the unusual yet awesome animation ... what on earth was the movie about? What was the point? It's so weird and unique, I expect it will become a cult classic of sorts. I like it better in retrospect (while I was watching it, I couldn't sort out my own emotions), and I think I may have to see it again. Um, today.

[Warhorse]

Originally Posted by johnnyblaze

the breakfast scene rocked:

Spoiler:

Leo and Raph staring each other down both pissed off, Raph eating fast and messily while Leo eats slowly and cleanly, all while Don and Mike try like hell to cover up their bandages so Splinter does'nt see.

Leo-"Hothead"
Raph-"Splinter Junior"

Breakfast scene=brilliant

LOL. I did like that scene. Kevin mentioned that the Turtles would have subtle differences, but wow, they really did. From their facial features, to their body masses, from the display of the wrinkled brows to the way they walk. I even noticed Leo was taller than Raph as well. But to even add how differently they chew their food, talk about attention to detail. (Raph eats like my dad, just wanted to mention that! )

[Willis]

Originally Posted by mikey2007

"i said it before and i'll say it again, God i love being a turtle"

Your the first person I see to quote that line in the movie. Glad to see someone else notices it! This line feels like a shout-out to the old fans of the Turtles. Glad we're not forgotten.

[TMNT4Ever]

My theater went nuts during Leo and Raph's introduction. Unfortunately, I had the misfortune of sitting infront of a group of rowdy audience members that were talking every 5-10 minutes. I wanted to move, but the theater was packed. Plus, they laughed really loud, and that was annoying, because they also did it at innaproprate moments, like when we first see Splinter. See, here's the thing, when I saw the film back in febuary, Splinter's introduction got some laughs from the audience as well. Why? Is it because how he talks? Nevertheless, the film was still cool despite being different from the version I sw in febuary. So, I was still able to enjoy the heck out of it.

[Jo269976]

My review in three simple words;

I loved it

[tmntluv]

Well TMNT met all of my expectations. I went to see it with my boyfriend and my nephew today and it was so good. The animation was phenomenal and flawless. The story was not the typical turtles in NYC fighting foot clan. It actually follows one of the stories that occured in the comics that many may not read, (except for us here) but me being a geek.....I know the whole story line.
It followed Raph an Leo very well and I found Mikey's comedic timing to be pleasing. I was surprised however by the no show of shredder but in his place is his daughter Kari. The conflict and the story where the brothers are doing their own thing was good and it was really cool seeing raph and Leo fight it out.
Also I just loved it. I went and bought the TMNT game for Wii so I will be doing that all night long! I had fun and I encourage everyone to see it if you are a turtle lover like me. Don't expect the 80's version, just go in with an open mind. If your looking for a story line that follows closely to the cartoons your in for a surprise. Peter and Kevin really thought this one through and it is simply the best work I have seen. True fans will appreciate this movie. It has been a long time coming but it is so worth the wait.

I LOVE TMNT

[dlobro1080]

I thought it was good; I wasn't crazy about Raph's voice, but I loved the Raph/Leo fight, and the scene after where Raph "confesses" to Splinter. It did have some holes though: why were the monsters in NYC? The end battle was a little too easy/anti-climactic, plus I felt the movie didn't have what in comics is called a "Big Bad." True, that's usually Shredder, but the movie needed one. Overall though, I was really happy with it. Sequel should be awesome (note Shredder's helmet on display in Splinter's room!).

[classictmnt3]

It was defiantly good and the graphics were insane it looked reele nice and it was kewl that kevin smith played the small part of the diner cook. I heard that some was cut wich can relle bug a person but i'll get over it the fights were kewl the conflict between leo and raph was interesting. So I liked it and it was fun seeing with friends but does anyone kno wut the song was called near the end when they fought all the foot ninjas?

[TMNT4Ever]

I believe it's "Lights Out" by P.O.D.