Cowabunga! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows brings the fun of the franchise back to the big screen with a rip-roaring romp of an adventure. Unlike the more serious-toned superhero movies released this year, the new TMNT film serves up a calorie laden, popcorn movie feast for the eyes.
How’s the Story?
Those expecting a nuanced plot-driven tale will be deeply disappointed. The charm of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has always been the absurd origin premise coupled with a fun-loving teenage sensibility. Bring on the pizza, fast cars, crazy martial arts scenes, hot girls, bad guys, mutants, and throw in some science fiction while you’re at it. The sequel delivers all of these qualities in a story featuring identity crisis, an alien invasion, new villains and heroes, a budding romance, and a mission to save NYC. This movie won’t win any awards but it will leave TMNT fans more than satisfied.
How are the special effects?
You’ll love the grin-inducing non-stop action from the very first sequence. Outrageous stunts coupled with a healthy dose of comedy balance out this visually explosive thrill ride. If there are any shortcomings it would be with the new villains/henchman knowns as Bebop and Rocksteady. Throughout the movie the CGI looks sloppy and distracting whenever they’re on screen.
The movie is rated PG-13. Can my kids see it?
Quite frankly, I found it difficult to understand why Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows received this rating. PG would have been more appropriate. The action is more saturday morning cartoon oriented in nature. I’d lean towards 8 and up for kids who’ve been exposed to this type of genre in the past.
Any opportunity for bathroom breaks during the movie?
Being an action movie, the pacing moves relatively quickly. Yet since there’s not a heck of a lot of depth to this film in terms of story, I’d recommend taking a leave whenever nature calls. If you absolutely need a reference point, then go when Casey Jones and April O’Neill are taken to the police station.
Overall Rating: B-
Recommended for kids ages 8 and up.
Pros: Turtle power! New mutagen-based villains. Doesn’t take itself seriously.
Cons: Sloppy special effects at times. Megan Fox phones in her performance as April O’Neill.
Official Trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
