Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Another classic gets a rerelease! The original “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” kicked off in the early 90’s, where four baby turtles crawl into a spilled tub of radioactive ooze. Their growth is spurted, forming the ability to communicate, fight, and yes…eat pizza. They are trained in the art of ninja by Master Splinter, a rat who was also exposed to the ooze. Just as their skills are reaching their peak, a criminal cult known as the Foot Clan begins terrorizing New York residents, welcoming vulnerable youth into their organization. The turtles must band together and put their skills to the test to defeat this deadly clan.
Positives:
My rating may have a nostalgia bias, but I unapologetically love the original “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”. It is a film of its time, radiating a whimsical 90’s style. The movie gives a great introduction to these characters and hits the ground running from there. We quickly get a glimpse into the four distinct personalities of each turtle. I’ve always enjoyed how unique each personality is, yet they wouldn’t function properly without one another. The bond these turtle brothers share is special, being elevated through their trust in Master Splinter. Their chaotic nature is harnessed wonderfully by Splinter’s patience and guidance through their journey. They feel like real characters grappling with their confusion about being mutated turtles. Yet, they display such human emotions throughout the film, conveying passion, love, frustration, and anger. I’ve always connected with these characters despite their immature demeanor. But that’s part of the fun! Kids and adults will find it easy to enjoy these characters, showing how they have connected to multiple generations.
Costume design is also an impressive attribute. The suits and makeup are top notch for the time, allowing the actors to move around and execute their combat skills with ease. I appreciate this because modern filmmaking would likely rely on CGI to create these scenes. Each action set piece feels more immersive and exciting due to the realistic nature of the choreography. The Foot Clan’s utilization in the story is impressive, giving the turtles a respectable foe to combat. I enjoyed how they connected Master Splinter’s past to the leader of the Foot Clan (The Shredder). April O’Neill and Casey Jones are great supporting characters for the turtles. The chemistry they have with one another makes the film more fun. They offer plenty of exciting adventures to get invested in…not forgetting the pizza of course. As far as origin stories go, the original Turtles movie is one that always leaves a good impression!
Negatives:
Most of the downchecks with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” could come from dated aspects of the filmmaking or one’s tolerance for the silly tone. While these issues don’t bother me necessarily, they could rub certain audiences the wrong way. The turtles have an obnoxious way about them. They are loud, immature, and will do just about anything for a slice of pizza. Sometimes their banter gets them into sticky situations, which might frustrate audiences who don’t enjoy their style of humor. The material is certainly geared towards younger audiences, but I’d argue that adults have plenty to enjoy with the film. This is a good example of being on board for the ride or simply acknowledging that these characters might not be appealing. For me, the turtles are a big part of my childhood so they get my seal of approval.
Conclusion:
The original “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is still the best film in the franchise. It combines exciting martial arts action with a silly group of characters who are too charming to ignore. They have great chemistry with one another, doing enough to win over the hearts of kids while having enough to chew on for adults. The special effects and ninja choreography are top notch, immersing the audience in the action. While the humor and tone might not be for everyone, those familiar with the turtles will enjoy this introduction to the characters. I’d highly recommend fans check this one out while it’s back in theaters. Seeing our favorite mutant turtles take their action to the big screen is not an opportunity to miss!
