This Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) is apparently the seventh theatrical film, I know the franchise is popular but I don’t remember that many films about these turtles. I can think about three movies – including this one – that I’ve seen and maybe a fourth I’ve heard about. I’ve mostly consummed this franchise in its animated TV series version, I know that it originated as a comic book created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird but I barely glanced at them. So this reboot written and produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg did not particularly interest me at first despite the fact that I’ve enjoyed a lot of the animated works these two have worked on.

Premise: In the film, after years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtles set out to be accepted as normal teenagers through acts of heroism. The brothers go on a hunt for a mysterious crime syndicate, but trouble arises when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

Review: I thought the animation style would take some getting use to, just like when I first watched The Spider-verse movies, but in fact it didn’t. I was engrossed by the story that turned out to be more complex than I anticipated.

The script is very moving and funny, and it’s paired with excellent voice work. The dynamic between the turtles is great, they feel like brothers and teenagers, they’re a bit goofy, hilarious, and trying to act more adult, it all feels very genuine. Going in I didn’t know the voice actors for the turtles were teens but it make a difference and they’re talented. I didn’t recognize Jackie Chan‘s voice as Master Splinter but just like the turtles I was blown away by the performance and his storyline. The first two third of the movie works so well for me and I loved it but as soon as Super Fly the villain was revealed I was woried because that’s when the movie became more of its own thing and I wasn’t sure if that effort to stand out was going to pay off. In the end, it paid off emotionally because I felt fore them more than I already was.

That said if you’re content hearing the same story, again and again, but in a different animation style, this movie – at least the last third – might not be for you. However, if you’re in for great action, quite the compelling villain voiced by Ice Cube, and some fun you’ll have a great time.

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