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Rating: 5 out of 5
I can’t believe it took me this long to review this film. The excitement in me can’t wait because you already know this will be a 5 out of 5 raking in my eyes. Today, the film is the original 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. You know their names, Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael, and their loveable master Splinter. I grew up watching the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I remember when this film came out in the movie theaters. I think it is one of the best movies ever made. It is easily in my top three films of all time, and I stand by it. My favorite turtle was Ralphael because his color was red, and I thought his sais were awesome. If you had a group of friends, you would choose which turtle. Hell, you can probably name a person in your friend group who represents each turtle. When I went to WonderCon, I had the pleasure of listening to the founders of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I was fascinated to hear how they came up with each character and how they went from a sketch to having a multimillion-dollar franchise.
The original will always be the best in my eyes. The film begins in the mean streets of New York City, television reporter April O’Neil (Hoag) reports on the silent, underground crime wave that has taken over the city. Whispers of the Foot Clan are behind all the thefts and crimes. After reporting on the story, April is attacked by a group of thieves. As she tries to defend herself, she is saved by a group of unseen vigilantes. April’s rescuers are the heroes in a half shell, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They are four walking, talking, martial arts, and ass-kicking turtles named Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael. They live in their hidden lair in the sewers and are raised and trained by their adoptive father, a giant ass rat named Splinter. Even though they are young, the turtles dream of seeing the surface. Ralph gets angry and decides to go see a movie. He ends up in a fight with a hockey mask-wearing vigilante named Casey Jones (Koteas). Behind the scenes, The Shredder, leader of the Foot Clan, orders all to continue what they are doing and to silence April once and for all. April is attacked once again by the Foot Clan, only to be saved by Raphael. Raphael makes the decision to bring her back to the lair. This freaks April out, but she realizes that they are there to help. Things become crazy as these two forces will soon fight in the streets of New York City.
I have read the reviews, and most snotty critics give this film around a 50% rating. I am here to tell you that this film is awesome. The original is always the best. First, the story is simple but awesome and understandable, with many comedic elements. You have four turtles trained by a rat who fights an evil ninja organization. You learn about how they became the way they are from Splinter. The comedic elements are on point. First, the turtles love eating pizza. Who doesn’t love eating pizza? Secondly, being in NYC, there are wild things happening every day. When Raphael rolls over the cab car, the person asks what is that? The cabbie responded, “It looks like a giant turtle in a trench coat.” Then follows that up by asking if the person is going to the airport. Classic! The scene with Mickey and the Nunchaku is funny and awesome.
What I also like about the story is that it shows the characters’ growth. During their second or third battles, the Turtles get their ass handed to them. They must retreat and think about it. Raph gets beat up so bad that he is unconscious for like a week. The turtles must think about life and not knowing if Splinter is still alive. After a spiritual meditation period, the turtles start training again, ready for their final battle with the Foot Clan. It was inspiring and one that any kid will relate to as they grow up and face hardships.
The Foot Clan introduction was awesome. Behind the music of M.C. Hammer, you saw they were fun and did whatever they wanted when they wanted. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that group? The HARDEST and most intimidating introduction for a villain must be the Shredder. When he was introduced, it would scare you because his appearance was scary, and his voice sent shivers down your spine. The Shredder knows how to whip major ass and take no names because if you fight him, you know you will not survive.
The fighting scenes are some of the best parts of the film. The first one, when the turtles are in April’s apartment, is crazy because it starts off with Raph fighting a few Foot Clan members. When he makes a cocky joke, they show up in droves. Inside the apartment, they fight it out and then end up fighting in the antique part of the apartment. The final battle is where it is at. The turtles fight off the Foot Clan after training, but it wasn’t until they faced off against the Shredder that things went from 0 to 100 real quick. Shredder is a BEAST, and he makes fighting against the turtles look so easy. It wasn’t until Splinter showed up and showed them how it was done.
The soundtrack is fantastic. I am not ashamed to say it. First, “This Is What We Do” by M.C. Hammer was the perfect song to introduce the Foot Clan and their wild ways of stealing. You couldn’t have a better song with upbeat music and a fun environment. “Turtle Power,” sung by Partners in Kryme, is another of my favorite songs. If you want to learn about the turtles and everything in three minutes, listen to this song. By far my favorite song is “9.95” by Spunkadelic. I don’t know why I love this song so much, but it is upbeat, fun, and a great way to end the film.
I don’t care what anyone says; the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an excellent film. It has spanned many sequels, reboots, toy lines, and cartoon series. This franchisee is still going strong today. You will have your favorite turtle to root for and be like. The music for this film is perfect for this type of film. I think that is it, and the only thing to end this with is, “Cowabunga!”
BONUS CLIP!!!
