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 Reel Life with Jane!Get the latest scoop on family-friendly movies at the theatre and on DVD! TMNT by Jane Louise Boursaw MPAA Rating: PG for animated action violence, some scary cartoon images, and mild language. Should you bring the kids? Yes, although the story is lame and filled with action violence. For more info, see "Bringing the Kids" below. THE STORY: If someone had told me in 1987 that four ninja-fighting turtles would go down in cinematic history, I'd have thought they were one gene short of a full mutation. Clearly, the rest of us are working too hard. Here we are, 20 years after the first TV series, and those warriors-on-the-half-shell are still thrilling audiences. And a whole new generation at that, Dudes!
After defeating their longtime enemy, Shredder, the green lads have lost their sense of purpose. They're drifting apart, and their rat sensei, Master Splinter (voiced by Mako, who died shortly after filming), is struggling to keep the group together. But strange things are happening in New York City. Tech industrialist Max Winters (Patrick Stewart – every time he spoke, I saw Capt. Jean-Luc Picard) is assembling an army of ancient monsters to take over the world. He's got help from the mysterious Foot Clan, who are backing his diabolical plan with their own ninja skills.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were the brainchild of Peter Laird, who's also one of the writers on this movie. They entered the world as comic book characters and morphed into TV, movies, video games, toys, you name it. If it could be worn, played with, or looked at, it probably sported a TMNT logo at one time or another. So what is it about the green guys that keeps fans coming back for more? I think it's a combination of things: They're teenage turtles. They're mutant warriors. And they love pizza. What else is there to know? BRINGING THE KIDS: PRESCHOOLERS (ages 2-5): Too much fighting and emotional turmoil for preschoolers. A better option: Franklin the turtle and his forest friends. They're gentle. They're quiet. And they're trying to figure out how they fit in the world – just like your preschoolers. GRADE-SCHOOLERS (ages 6 - 10): Grade-schoolers – especially those familiar with the TV series -- will probably like this movie. Although the storyline is lame (lots of "family issues"), the characters are fun, and the special effects are downright awesome. I've never seen such detail in a CGI movie – sometimes you'd swear the backgrounds are real. That said, the overall tone is darker than previous TMNT movies, and some of the violence leans towards PG-13 (though it's not much worse than a Saturday morning cartoon – I'm not saying that's a good thing). Still, I think it's ok for kids aged 7 and older. TWEEN / TEEN (ages 11+): Even though it has plenty of action, this movie is very much character driven, with lots of humor and bickering among the turtles – similar to the original comic book and TV series. All in all, I think it'll appeal to 20-something fans and a new crop of fans, but I'm not sure teens will be that interested. And let's be real here. It's a movie about crime-fighting mutant turtles who love pizza. Don't email me – I'm not dissing the turtles! I'm just sayin', I don't think we're supposed to take them too seriously. JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM : One Reel: Pathetic. Even The Force can’t save it. Two Reels: Tolerable. Coulda been a contender. Three Reels: Pleasant. Something to talk about. Four Reels: Wow! The stuff dreams are made of. Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries. Visit her online at www.ReelLifeWithJane.com or email jboursaw@charter.net
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(Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
Directed by Kevin Monroe, this movie brings back the four heroes we know and love, but in a fresh CGI format. Leonardo (voiced by James Arnold Taylor) is still the leader of the pack. Michelangelo (Mikey Kelley) is a loveable party animal… uh, make that party TURTLE. Donatello (Mitchell Whitfield) is the smart one. And Raphael (Nolan North) is still searching for his true self.
It's up to the turtles -- with help from old pals April O'Neil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Casey Jones (Chris Evans) – to save the world. Again.