Title: TMNT
Director(s): Kevin Munroe
Screenwriter(s): Kevin Munroe
Studio: Imagi
Released: 2007
Runtime: 1h 24m
Starring: James Arnold Taylor, Nolan North, Mitchell Whitfield, Mikey Kelley, Mako, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chris Evans, Patrick Stewart
Whilst there have been quite a few CGI animations (and CGI-heavy live-action films), TMNT is one of the more refined features to be released.
The story picks up after the defeat of arch-nemesis Shredder. The eldest and leader Leonardo has been sent away to Central America for personal training. The remaining three turtles are trying to move on with life and have grown apart with Master Splinter having some trouble keeping them in line. Donatello provides tech support, whilst Michelangelo is running birthday parties, skating dangerously, eating too much pizza and playing video games (pretty much as usual). Raphael is his usual cynical and angry self; sleeping all day and resorting to being the violent lone wolf at night.
It is immediately clear that the turtles have issues, particularly Raphael, and that the team has degenerated into what some would label a “dysfunctional family”. April O’Neil and Casey Jones are hardworking, and the former does her best at persuading Leonardo to return home whilst trying to “settle down” with Casey.
The narrative also introduces a fantastical event that occurred 3,000 years ago involving a warrior who obtained immortality at the price of having his generals turned into stone statues and the release of 13 hideous monsters onto Earth through a mystical portal. At present, a collector named Max Winters is attempting to collect all the statues. At the same time, he employs the Foot Soldiers to patrol the city for “guests” and bring them to him; his intentions are not altogether clear.
Whilst many would have expected this to be a film purely for children and merely light entertainment, it is surprisingly dark and maintains some level of intensity throughout. Obviously, much of this is due to the animation and cinematography as well as the awesome action sequences (and there are no shortages). However, visual impact notwithstanding, the strength of the characters contributes much to this.
There is a particular focus on the friction between Leonardo and Raphael, with the former endeavoring to carry out his responsibilities to the family whilst the latter is fiery and passionate. Although this adds substance to the film, the spotlight on these two has the unfortunate consequence of having insufficient focus on Donatello and Michelangelo.
At just over eighty minutes, the narrative is tight, with the plot unfolding kinetically and logically enough. Visually, whether one likes the style is of personal taste but all objects and elements are well-constructed and rendered, and it is well-animated. The sound is crisp and the mix is balanced. The characters are strong and although the story is simple, it also has a subtle depth, primarily focusing on the importance of family even if the theme is at times clumsily conveyed.
Although there are things that can be done better, it is a shame there are no sequels that build on its strengths. It is way better than the two live-action films released in 2014 and 2016 which admittedly is not saying much.
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