And I say this as a fan of franchise since the 80s. (watched their cartoons, collected the comics, toys, video games)
First of: the animation style works absolutely great! While it might feel like trying to do what they did with the spiderverse cartoons, we should celebrate that 3d animation is exploring these more comic-book like styles, and for this movie it works great! Especially if you like the work of Kevin Eastman (one of the tmnt founders, who's style has a magnificent edgy, gritty and raw quality about it). Never have I seen an animated tmnt that does justice to his work the way this movie does.
And apart from the visual style, the actual animation is top notch! Great work from their animators!
In terms of design they took a great amount of liberties, but I think all the characters are better for it!
Secondly; character writing and casting is spot on. For the first time these teenage turtles actually come across as teenagers. And that is reflected in their writing as well. While previous incarnations might have behaved immature and had 'teenage'-like motivation, they never actually convinced as teenagers. Here they do, with their stupid behaviors and short attention spans, and it makes the whole viewing experience soooo much better. They are endearing, funny, convincingly naive and their chemistry just works without going overboard on the broody or moody as it often did in previous movies. (And while I cannot stand Seth Rogen, his voice for Bebop is just the perfect match.)
As for the story; I reckon many folks would be disappointed that Shredder is not featured. I also came across complaints that they altered the origin story. These were risky creative calls perhaps, but they pay off. It is refreshing to see a different villain for a change, and the origin is brought in a far more entertaining fashion than I've seen so far. There are some cliche's in there, perhaps some plot holes or questionable choices, but the whole thing is entertaining from start to end. Even the big showdown at the end didn't bore (and showdowns at the end of movies tend to be the most boring part of all).
All in all, very glad to see this production has been made!
First of: the animation style works absolutely great! While it might feel like trying to do what they did with the spiderverse cartoons, we should celebrate that 3d animation is exploring these more comic-book like styles, and for this movie it works great! Especially if you like the work of Kevin Eastman (one of the tmnt founders, who's style has a magnificent edgy, gritty and raw quality about it). Never have I seen an animated tmnt that does justice to his work the way this movie does.
And apart from the visual style, the actual animation is top notch! Great work from their animators!
In terms of design they took a great amount of liberties, but I think all the characters are better for it!
Secondly; character writing and casting is spot on. For the first time these teenage turtles actually come across as teenagers. And that is reflected in their writing as well. While previous incarnations might have behaved immature and had 'teenage'-like motivation, they never actually convinced as teenagers. Here they do, with their stupid behaviors and short attention spans, and it makes the whole viewing experience soooo much better. They are endearing, funny, convincingly naive and their chemistry just works without going overboard on the broody or moody as it often did in previous movies. (And while I cannot stand Seth Rogen, his voice for Bebop is just the perfect match.)
As for the story; I reckon many folks would be disappointed that Shredder is not featured. I also came across complaints that they altered the origin story. These were risky creative calls perhaps, but they pay off. It is refreshing to see a different villain for a change, and the origin is brought in a far more entertaining fashion than I've seen so far. There are some cliche's in there, perhaps some plot holes or questionable choices, but the whole thing is entertaining from start to end. Even the big showdown at the end didn't bore (and showdowns at the end of movies tend to be the most boring part of all).
All in all, very glad to see this production has been made!
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