- Starring
- Judith Hoag, Elias Koteas, Corey Feldman
- Director
- Steve Barron
- Rating
- PG-13
- Genre
- Action, Comedy
- Release date
- March 30, 1990
- Where to watch
- Vudu (rent or buy), Amazon Prime (rent or buy)
Overall Score
Rating Overview
Rating Summary
The 1990 film adaptation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an exciting and entertaining ride, full of action, humor, and heart. This film is a visual feast, with its impressive use of puppetry and animatronics to bring the titular turtles to life. The movie does an admirable job of capturing the essence of the beloved comic book series and cartoon show that inspired it.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The plot follows the four turtle brothers – Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael – as they navigate the perilous streets of New York City in their quest to stop the villainous Shredder and his Foot Clan from taking over the city. The film features some thrilling action set pieces, such as the climactic battle sequence at the end of the movie, that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
However, the film is not without its faults. One issue with the movie is its excessive use of profanity. While some viewers may argue that the use of curse words adds to the film’s edginess, others may find it unnecessary and jarring, particularly given the movie’s target audience of children and families. Additionally, some of the film’s humor and dialogue can come across as cheesy or dated, particularly when viewed through a modern lens.
That being said, the film’s portrayal of the turtles themselves is a major highlight. Each turtle is given a distinct personality, which makes it easy for viewers to connect with and root for them. The film also explores the complex dynamic between the four brothers, which adds a layer of depth to the characters that is not often seen in children’s action movies.
The 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is a fun and nostalgic romp that is sure to please parents and kids alike. While the film is not perfect, its strengths – including its impressive puppetry, well-developed characters, and exciting action sequences – more than makeup for its weaknesses. So, grab a slice of pizza and settle in for an entertaining and memorable adventure with the heroes in a half-shell. Cowabunga!
WOKE ELEMENTS
None
James Carrick
James Carrick is a passionate film enthusiast with a degree in theater and philosophy. James approaches dramatic criticism from a philosophic foundation grounded in aesthetics and ethics, offering insight and analysis that reveals layers of cinematic narrative with a touch of irreverence and a dash of snark.
