TMNT
Okay, so I just got back from the old Sycamore 12 theater. As promised, a (brief and hurried) review for those of you who can't decide whether or not to give it a chance.
Graphics: 8
Although the graphics eliminated the weird/fun feel of the first two movies, the CG also made the ninja aspect of the turtles, (and the foot clan), much more prominent. As much as I miss the old look, it really was fun to just watch them ninja through the city like they've never been able to do before. The CG also makes for some serious fights, including a fairly badass rooftop duel between Leonardo and Raphael.
Plot: 4
Basic gist is that 3,000 years ago a warrior king opened a portal to another dimension and in doing so gained immortality but also unleashed 13 monsters upon the earth. The warrior king, now a reclusive tycoon, has resurrected his generals as living statues and enlisted the aid of the foot clan to track the monsters down and send them back where they came, ending his 'curse'. The events take place after the defeat of Shredder in TMNT 2: SotO, when the turtles apparently disbanded as a ninja team, and much of the movie deals with the trouble Leonardo experiences trying to regroup in the face of the new enemies. The things I really don't like about the plot are the absence of Shredder (I don't care if it doesn't make sense, just bring him back) and what I felt was unnecessary focus given to the enemies and their somewhat lame history. Not enough turtles fighting things. One result of the plot that was interesting was the opportunity to see the ninja turtles fighting not just against but at times alongside a much more badass foot clan. The other redeeming factor of the plot was the cliffhanger ending. (SEMI-SPOILER ----------------->) Before the head ninja of the foot clan exits via the classic smoke bomb, she tells Splinter "we will have more dealings in the future, involving old faces from your past." My assumption that she was referring to the Shredder alone bought the plot an extra point.
Humor: 4
This is DEFINITELY a movie made predominantly with grade-schoolers in mind, and a bit too much of the humor reflects this. On the other hand, there were a few moments here and there with humor that really anyone could appreciate. Also, near the end when the turtles came together as a 'team' again, the amazing in-fight one liners started to come back a bit.
Miscellaneous rant~
Casey Jones is brought back, Kino is gone. As much as I liked Kino, the turtles are really the most important thing anyway and quite frankly getting rid of Casey Jones in the first place didn't really make sense given his success with April. Problems involve Splinter's new look. The turtles looking sleek is one thing, but Splinter is an old old old master. He's not supposed to be sleek, dammit, he's grizzled. Also, April O'Neil is a fighter now, and that's just utter crap.
Miscellaneous rave~
In case you didn't read the semi-spoiler, I propose the theory that the Shredder will return in a sequel. Fuggin' A, dude.
Conclusion~
You should see the movie if you get the chance, it's worth it to see the thing at least once. There are some cool fights, and there are some pretty sweet ninja moments.
P.S. On a side note, I also saw Blades of Glory today and it was actually pretty funny. I guess he really can do more than just be Napolean Dynamite. If you like Will Farrel in just about anything, you have a good chance of liking this movie. This movie also had one of the coolest endings ever.
Graphics: 8
Although the graphics eliminated the weird/fun feel of the first two movies, the CG also made the ninja aspect of the turtles, (and the foot clan), much more prominent. As much as I miss the old look, it really was fun to just watch them ninja through the city like they've never been able to do before. The CG also makes for some serious fights, including a fairly badass rooftop duel between Leonardo and Raphael.
Plot: 4
Basic gist is that 3,000 years ago a warrior king opened a portal to another dimension and in doing so gained immortality but also unleashed 13 monsters upon the earth. The warrior king, now a reclusive tycoon, has resurrected his generals as living statues and enlisted the aid of the foot clan to track the monsters down and send them back where they came, ending his 'curse'. The events take place after the defeat of Shredder in TMNT 2: SotO, when the turtles apparently disbanded as a ninja team, and much of the movie deals with the trouble Leonardo experiences trying to regroup in the face of the new enemies. The things I really don't like about the plot are the absence of Shredder (I don't care if it doesn't make sense, just bring him back) and what I felt was unnecessary focus given to the enemies and their somewhat lame history. Not enough turtles fighting things. One result of the plot that was interesting was the opportunity to see the ninja turtles fighting not just against but at times alongside a much more badass foot clan. The other redeeming factor of the plot was the cliffhanger ending. (SEMI-SPOILER ----------------->) Before the head ninja of the foot clan exits via the classic smoke bomb, she tells Splinter "we will have more dealings in the future, involving old faces from your past." My assumption that she was referring to the Shredder alone bought the plot an extra point.
Humor: 4
This is DEFINITELY a movie made predominantly with grade-schoolers in mind, and a bit too much of the humor reflects this. On the other hand, there were a few moments here and there with humor that really anyone could appreciate. Also, near the end when the turtles came together as a 'team' again, the amazing in-fight one liners started to come back a bit.
Miscellaneous rant~
Casey Jones is brought back, Kino is gone. As much as I liked Kino, the turtles are really the most important thing anyway and quite frankly getting rid of Casey Jones in the first place didn't really make sense given his success with April. Problems involve Splinter's new look. The turtles looking sleek is one thing, but Splinter is an old old old master. He's not supposed to be sleek, dammit, he's grizzled. Also, April O'Neil is a fighter now, and that's just utter crap.
Miscellaneous rave~
In case you didn't read the semi-spoiler, I propose the theory that the Shredder will return in a sequel. Fuggin' A, dude.
Conclusion~
You should see the movie if you get the chance, it's worth it to see the thing at least once. There are some cool fights, and there are some pretty sweet ninja moments.
P.S. On a side note, I also saw Blades of Glory today and it was actually pretty funny. I guess he really can do more than just be Napolean Dynamite. If you like Will Farrel in just about anything, you have a good chance of liking this movie. This movie also had one of the coolest endings ever.