Movie Review by Vivienne Messenger
Starring (voices of): Chris Evans, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mako, Kevin Smith
Director: Kevin Munroe
Is Turtle power set to return in force and take the box office by storm as its three feature length, live action predecessors did over 10 years ago? I hope so because this ‘state of the art’, CGI animated movie, slickly entitled TMNT, has the potential to thrill a whole new generation, as well as satiate the huge Turtle fan base that’s avidly awaited their return to the big screen.
What started as a limited edition comic run in 1984 and exploded into a global phenomenally successful franchise, TMNT revamps the Turtles for the 21 st century and finds them in disarray. All going their separate ways since Leonardo (voiced by James Arnold Taylor) has been sent away on a training mission by their rat sensei, Splinter (Mako), the remaining Turtles are bickering amongst themselves and weakened by this in-fighting.
In the meantime New York City’s stability is being threatened by industrialist Maximillian Winters (Patrick Stewart) who is amassing an army of ancient monsters. He has also hired the mysterious ninja fighting Foot Clan headed by the elusive Karai (Ziyi Zhang) to bolster his defences. Now there is only one powerful fighting force that has the capability to challenge him – the Turtles! Leonardo, Michelangelo (Mikey Kelley), Raphael (Nolan North) and Donatello (Mitchell Whitfield) must put their differences aside. Reuniting with former allies April O’Neil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Casey Jones (Chris Evans), the Turtles have to find the strength to overcome this formidable enemy.
Overall TMNT has been skilfully updated. Not only is there plenty of action but the characteristic humour from the Turtles as their personalities vie with each other is also very evident. The storyline will keep the audience interested and entertained for its duration but it’s the CGI animation which comes into a league of its own and will have its audience enthralled.
Turtle power is back – enjoy!
