Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The sewers below New York are home to many myths and legends, some more plausible than others, but when it comes to comic book material, you learn to roll with whatever. So, just in case you’re not aware of the concept: there live under New York four mutated giant turtle brothers who have been trained by their mutated giant father, who is a rat, to be vigilante ninjas. Together, they fight Shredder, an evil samurai bent on taking over the city, then the world. They are also teenagers. As Will Arnett’s character says: “Why not?”

This fast-paced superhero romp is jammed with wonderful action sequences and blistering fight choreography that is worthy of the martial arts genre itself. The stunt work is superb.

Sadly, it moves too fast for itself sometimes. Scenes of dialogue important to the narrative are rushed. Poor William Fitchner, who could have turned in an arresting performance as science creep Eric Sacks, feels as though he’s being hurried along so that we can get back to the fight scenes. You also have to suspend your disbelief at some of the continuity, and April O’Neil’s (Megan Fox) flatmate Taylor (Abby Elliot) seems only to exist to allow Fox a reason to explain the plot.

The technology, however, is impressive. The motion capture is smooth and exciting and even the face mapping seems pretty spot-on, with the exception of Splinter, the rat who raised the turtles. But then again, it must be pretty tricky mapping human facial movements onto the snout of a rat.

The best performances come from the ever-engaging Will Arnett, who never fails to bring a smile to the lips, and the bewildered Whoopi Goldberg, who could easily have phoned this one in, but instead brings much-appreciated subtlety to her minor role.

This is movie is going to appeal mainly to pre- and early teens, who will enjoy the pace and excitement. While there is plenty there in homage to the old guard of the late 80s and 90s, the turtles are well re-packaged for a new generation.

Leo West

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was released nationwide on 17^th October 2014.

Watch the trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles here: