After seeing this movie on March 2007, I decided to do a review. This, not counting my Sonic Next Gen thoughts, was my first official review.
TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) 2007
Rated PG
Story
We all know TMNT - Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello, four turtles that were mutated by a strange ooze, and transformed into teenage mutant turtles. Led by their master, an elderly mutant rat named Splinter, they defend New York city as ninjas of the night, fighting the worst criminals around, while still hiding their identity by hiding within the Sewers… The beginning of the movie takes place quite some time after their enemy, the Shredder, had been defeated. Leo (Leonardo) went to South America I believe, to do personal training on his own. While he did this, his brothers were each on their own. Don (Donatello) worked for a Tech Support right from the Sewers. Mikey (Michelangelo) worked as an entertainer at Birthday parties, wearing a large turtle mask. Raph (Raphael), however, would go out at night and fight crime while wearing a full-body suit and helmet, known as 'The Nightwatcher'… Things seemed okay other than the group being broken up so badly, but little did they know that trouble would start the moment Leo returned. Monsters began appearing around the city, and while this was happening, the TMNT had some issues to work out; mainly Raph.
Overall, the movie is not only the classic story of our favorite heroes, but also a story of them getting themselves back together. A very emotional movie.
Graphics
CGI animation is not totally a new look for these guys; aside from their previous 4kids video games, there was also a different CGI movie that was canceled (see the official TMNT website for more info.) This movie, however, was nicely done. Although some human characters looked a little more cartoony than others, it was very excellent animation that made you almost forget it was CGI.
Music
Most of this movies music was its own, which was extremely well done. It went with pretty much everything that was happening. And other songs were great as well.
Voice Actors
Many of the characters voices sounded like a mix between the old movies and the 4kids Cartoon (which although is a good series because it originates from the comics, is not my favorite series now.) One voice in particular I liked was Leonardo, as he sounded perfect for the character.
But let us pay our respects to Mako Iwamatsu, the voice of Splinter; He was in his 70's when recording, and shortly after the movie was finished, he died of old age. So, let us pay our respects for him. Notably, his other roles were Aku in Samurai Jack, and Iroh (better known as Prince Zuko's uncle) of Avatar: The Last Airbender. He was truly a talented man.
Sequel?
I see potential in a sequel. I am not a fan of the hype with games and products, but I would love to see a new movie.
Overall
Overall, even if I'm not a big fan of CGI movies, this has been one of the best CGI films I've seen. Nothing more to say.
Rating: 9/10
