I get anxiety when asked to list my all-time favorite movies. There’s no coming back from a wrong answer. I was recently asked this very question by a room full of successful adults. The bewilderment in the room was palpable when I included 1990’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on my list. There wasn’t enough time to convincingly convey that although the film is based on a kid’s property, its target is anyone who has experienced loss, dealt with being an outsider, was challenged by family infighting, felt neglected by their parents, or struggles with anger. That covers a sizable swath of the human condition. I genuinely learned many valuable lessons about being the best version of myself from a movie about ninja turtles. It’s a case study for aspiring filmmakers in how strong writing and the treatment of thematic elements with thought and care can overcome even the silliest of foundations. I challenge anyone who disagrees to watch the movie and present a strong case otherwise. In life and shooting a film there is a delicate give and take between darkness and light. TMNT 1990 deftly balances the colorful turtles with dark and sumptuous cinematography that presents the New York backdrop as its own character. I’m reminded of Tim Burton’s Gotham from Batman 89 and its timelessly ethereal nature. Purposeful action throughout serves the story. Unlike traditional children’s movies, the punches and kicks here have consequences. Ask Raphael. If you remove the veneer of schlocky 80's/90's excess, this is a wonderfully filmed and acted picture skillfully addressing a number of firmly adult topics.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles gets a 10/10 rating for being better than it has any right to be and just as entertaining in 2020 as it was 30 years ago.
The Quick Critic
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