I actually kind of really liked this. The CGI made for some pretty decent action sequences, and the writing was really great at some points, especially when the conflict between Raphael and Leonardo reaches a boiling point towards the end.
The kids and I saw this Saturday and loved it. Mikey was at his comedic best (I have nightmares about Birthday parties) Raph and Leo's conflict was handled nicely and the fight scenes were very well done. Go see it if you're a fan of action films and definitely go see it if you're a TMNT fan.
Cena can't be beat because he's some unholy genetic recombinate of superstars past. I mean, you might as well call him John "Realest of the Real, Sargent Rock - Cold - A - Mania" Cena.
The main plot of the movie was based on some story I had never seen, and that was cool as it wasn't an exact rehash of the live action first movie from 1990. The CGI was great, and two scenes really stood out and made me happy I saw this in a theater.
One scene had two turtles fighting in the rain, and just the look of the rain splashing around was so beautifully rendered. I was in awe. The other scene was near the end, and in fact the whole climax of the movie was just awesome to look at.
The story itself---eh. I was constantly reminded of the first movie in 90 with regards to the side stories as Raphael is still a hothead who clashes with the leader, Leonardo. Their story was very reminiscent of previous movies. And truth be told, Michelangelo's one-liners weren't as good, and Donatello in fact (and he's always been my favorite) wasn't really given any real story at all.
Overall, if you get a chance to see it in the theater, I would say do it. You could wait for DVD though as the story isn't that great, and not all the humor works. Still, an easy thumbs up.
I was suprised how great the CGI was. Story was okay, not a LOT of story to it plot wise, but the entire thing was pretty well done. The scene in the rain was bad ass. The closeups with the rain drops hitting and running down their faces was terrific.
I loved this movie. The Raph/Leo relationship was great that is how Raph/Leo are supposed to be. Raphael was never mean enough in the cartoon. Michelangelo's one liners weren't great but he also wasn't the extremely cheesy version in the cartoon. No cowabungas and really no mention of pizza (although we see them eating some). Donatello was just kind of there though. I also love that the Turtles weren't voiced by stars. I hate it when actors do voice acting because it totally detracts from the characters.
My only gripe is that Casey Jones is a complete pansy. In the first scene he is in he clumsily knocks over a vase like he's Urkel. He's now in a relationship with April and is totally whipped. This isn't Casey Jones!
Also no Shredder, but I can see how they would want to not always depend on Shredder. It's sort of like the same thing with Spiderman and Batman too. They throwing the main villain out there right away (because they do tease a TMNT sequel).
Caught this one tonight and while it's far from perfect, it's still amazing Turtle goodness!
I agree that this movie needed more Donatello. His presence was lacking. The Leo/Raph fight was really cool and worth the price of admission alone. The voice acting was a major highlight, as Sarah Michelle Gellar and Patrick Stewart bring the goods once again. And I've always been a fan of Mikey's one-liners and personally was hoping for more.
I do agree that Casey was a pansy in this movie, but one other thing is nagging at me. I may not be familiar with the new Turtles animated series on Fox, so that may answer this question for me. Since when can April O'Neil kick ANY kind of ass? I don't recall her ever having any kind of fighting role. Ever.
Growing up on live-action actor-in-suit movies, I was skeptical about moving into the realm of CGI. My worries are no more. CGI is definitely the way to go now, considering this type of movie could NEVER have happened with guys in costumes. Much like chocolate and vanilla, both types of movies have their charms.
The plot was flimsy and the action wasn't the best, but it was great for a first effort. I'm confident a sequel won't disappoint (and considering the studio made back the $35M it cost them to make this movie easily, a sequel is inevitable) and I eagerly anticipate it...
Spoiler Below: Highlight text to read
Especially with the last ten minutes of this movie hinting that the Shredder just might return...
(edited by It's False on 31.3.07 0119)
The Wisdom of Homsar: AaAaAa! I'm a trendy tote bag!
I just watched "R U the Girl?" where the members of TLC are searching for a replacement for Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. Is this the trend? Is every band with a dead member going to do a reality show to get a replacement?