Review: TMNT
CLIConline has teamed up with Vue to provide members of the CLIC National Editorial Group and members of editorial groups in the CLICcollective with review tickets for the latest films. Want to get in on the action? Email Ryan@CLIConline.co.uk
Cowa, and indeed bunga, as the latest superhero reboot roundhouse kicks its way onto big screens.
This time it's the quartet of shelled wisecrackers we all recognise as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (12A, 101mins). They have a great deal to live up to as a) longstanding titans of merchandise, and b) the challenges of balancing decent CGI with a concept as wacky as theirs.
We get straight into the storyline, with just a brief animated section regarding their history at the movie's opening. Flashbacks to their beginnings as lab experiments are peppered throughout and are integral to the plot, but I would have liked some more background on the formidable Shredder, who provides some scary moments.
Apart from the CGI there isn't a great deal of difference between this and the original 80s version. Both are difficult to engage with on a serious level, while some of the unnecessary violence excludes the younger audience this would really appeal to.
The turtles are given more individual appearances and personas than previous versions i.e. they aren't quite as cutesy, but we get more of their evolution from amphibians which go some way to explaining this. Megan Fox doesn't do much beyond gasp, pout and look incredulous as April, while Whoopi Goldberg is utterly wasted as the editor of the news show April works for.
That said, there are moments of fun to be found throughout. If you're happy leave your brain at the door and remain open to scenes including a giant humanoid rat getting battered by a Samurai robot, then do fill your boots.
Want to win a Sprout T-shirt? Fill in theSprout Satisfaction Survey!
Articles » Categories » Movies
Articles » Categories » Music
*Submit your stuff for publication here*
