Rise of the TMNT: The Movie Article

Why Rise of the TMNT: The Movie is a fitting finale

Fans of TMNT were a bit skeptical about the Rise of the TMNT TV show. Some argued it strayed a bit from the typical storyline. Others weren’t sure about the brotherly dynamic. As a TMNT fan myself, I was one of the skeptics.

The show aired from 2018-2020 on Nickelodeon. I wasn’t aware of the show until 2021, and like many others, had my share of doubts. However, once watching most of the episodes, those doubts cleared. I was laughing and even enjoying it. I loved the dynamic and noticed changes from the usual TMNT storyline.

I wasn’t the only one. Many fans commented on fan edited videos on YouTube, noting which turtle they related to the most. They found the show amusing, despite the changes. That’s why when Nickelodeon announced the show’s end in 2020, multiple fans were heartbroken.

However, fans (myself included) were eagerly awaiting Rise of the TMNT: The Movie when it was announced. The film started streaming on Netflix August 5, 2022. It didn’t disappoint; plenty of people posted their reactions on social media, even hoping a season 3 was in the works. Alas, Nickelodeon stated the movie was a finale to Rise of the TMNT.

Even though we’ll never have a season 3, Rise of the TMNT: The Movie ended it with a bang (positively speaking). The film had a different tone from the show, delivering a bit more emotion than expected. But that’s not such a horrible thing at all. Caution: if you haven’t watched the Netflix film, this is your spoiler warning.

Rise of the TMNT: The Movie picks up two years after Season 2 ended. The turtles are living life, feeling confident that Shredder is gone. It’s not long that a new enemy arrives: the Krang. These alien creatures desire to enslave planet Earth, making them in their own image. The turtles have their bond tested severely, and wonder if teamwork is possible.

Throughout the film, the turtles are trying to be mature in their ways of thinking. But the one who matures the most is Leo. In present day, he’s still the same goofball (like in the TV show). When Raph discovers where he, Donnie, and Mikey are, the former is, no doubt, frustrated. Raph reinforces they need to be “heroes.” Leo is still carefree, throwing caution to the wind. After losing a specific artifact, Raph confronts Leo.

“What’s it gonna take for you to be serious, Leo?”

“And end up with a worry line between my eyes like you? No, no, no. I don’t want a Raph chasm.” Leo replies.

"You just don't get it, Leo. I'm the oldest here. I'm the one responsible for keeping us safe and making sure we can handle anything that comes our way. Because if I don't, you could all end up dead."

Raph brings up a valid point; just because we are doing fine doesn't mean everyone else is. In other words, we become complacent and procrastinate important actions until the last minute. Leo experiences this firsthand after Raph is captured by the Krang. He feels the need to do leadership on his own, a grave mistake that separates him from his brothers.

It's not just Raph that is frustrated by Leo's careless actions. Casey Jones (a hockey player sent from the future) amps up Leo's ego by calling him "Master" and "the greatest ninja the world's ever seen." But after a subway tunnel battle separates him and Leo from Donnie and Mikey, Casey snaps.

"Why weren't you listening to anybody?" Casey yells.

"Because I was trying to get us to the other side of the fight and into the building. ..I was doing everything right. How could it go so wrong?" Leo asks.

"You don't have all the answers all the time! ...You're impulsive, you're arrogant, and you don't see how every decision you make can cost someone their life. You want to know what really happens to your brothers in the future? They die. Everybody dies fighting the Krang. The world needs Master Leonardo. And all we got is this guy," Casey admonishes.

Casey doesn't sugarcoat it here, and neither should we. Though Casey might seem harsh with his words, the message is clear: Leadership isn’t a light responsibility, but a big one. When we throw caution to the wind and insist our policies are right, it creates a prideful tone. Leadership is about doing what is right for other people, not blindly assuming we know better.

Looking at today’s culture, it’s safe to say a lot of us act like Leo. We think people want to see more inclusive representations of characters in media (think of Disney, BudLight, and Target, for example). But as the CEOs’ of these companies are discovering, conservatives and parents of young children aren’t on board. In other words, people don’t want agendas shoved down their throats. They notice certain policies haven’t done what they promised, and as a result, manifest backlash on social media.

But unlike many of us who sometimes never learn from our mistakes, Leo displays a major shift. He walks up to Casey, and says, “Look, I know I’m not the Leo you knew in future, and maybe I never will be. This whole time, I was sure my family needed me. But the truth is, I need them. If we’re going to survive this, we have to do it together.”

Leo drives home a solid theme here; we need community. No matter how many times the world preaches “You fly solo, don’t ask for help,” it’s a lie. Community isn’t perfect, but having a strong group of friends or family members to support you through hard times is crucial. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) declares “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Later, when the Krang start destroying New York, the team has given up hope. But Leo encourages them, stating “I’m done thinking I have all the answers. …So, what do we got?” April and others start throwing out ideas, which Leo takes into consideration. Mikey and Donnie’s plan backfires which leads them to be strangled by Krang Prime’s tentacles. During this scene, Leo confronts Raph.

“I was fighting you because I didn’t understand you. But now, I get it. …When I see what is happening to you, and what’s happening to them, I released it wasn’t about me. You didn’t yell because you were mad. You yelled because you were scared. It’s scary to be responsible for the lives you protect. …But we do it anyway, because that’s what it takes to be a hero.”

Leo’s confession/apology hits the nail right on the head. At this point, he realizes his self-centered ways have blinded him from noticing Raph’s tough love. It brings to mind Proverbs 11:2 (NLT): “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

We, like Leo, are often blind to God’s love shown through family members and friends. When trials storm into our lives, the first reaction is to shut out everyone (family, friends, etc). However, this method leads to bitterness, and slowly we succumb to the Enemy’s attacks. On the flip side, if we choose to listen, instead of insisting our way all the time, it transforms us into better people. Proverbs 12:1 (NLT) says “To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.”

But then, the most surprising twist occurs moments later. Leo is still on the spaceship, Krang Prime walking towards him from a distance. Casey is determined to end the Krang’s reign once and for all by pulling the totem key from its connector. Leo knows he has a crucial decision to make.

“Casey, listen to me. When I get to the other side, you close that door. …[Krang Prime] is not gonna stay on the other side unless I keep him there. …This is the only way.”

Casey is not the only one who feels despair; April, Splinter, Donnie, Mikey, and Raph are crushed at this revelation too. Once the spaceship is destroyed, tears form in their eyes, sadness filling their hearts. Mikey (using his mystic powers) saves Leo from the prison dimension minutes later, reuniting them all.

I’ll admit, this scene evokes tears almost every time I watch it, because it’s a powerful reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Jesus knew the world was lost, and prayed to his Father before this occurred. “‘Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’ Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood” (Luke 22:42-44) (NLT).

Like Leo, Jesus knew the world was a mess. But Jesus loved us so much and realized we couldn’t atone for our sins. So, he took our sin upon himself and nailed it to the cross. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead.

In a similar way, Leo realized that if the Krang weren’t stopped, the world would suffer under their wrath. Therefore, his sacrifice not only saved his family, but the world too. I wasn't prepared for the careless goofball to suddenly change course, but am glad the filmmakers did this. It’s a surprising but positive twist that gave the film a layer of emotional maturity.

Another theme I picked up in the film was the Krang’s warped sense of tyranny. One Krang mentions “The world will kneel before us.” Prime declares “I am saving this weak planet. I am a gift!” When Raph is transformed into a Krang zombie, a Krang answers “[I] improved him.”

With all these statements in mind, it’s easy to think “People need to stop pushing against the agendas. They need to submit to our laws, and if anything is challenged, too bad. Deal with it.” There is a major flaw in this mindset: the lack of respect for other’s beliefs. When we attempt to please one side of the argument, it’s bound to ruffle feathers on the other.

The Bible is clear about foolish authority and Solomon (son of King David) states in Ecclesiastes 10:5-6 (NLT): “There is another evil I have seen under the sun. Kings and rulers make a grave mistake when they give great authority to foolish people and low positions to people proven of worth.” Main point? People (similar to the Krang) promise to make the world better. But, in truth, they are playing with the audience’s feelings. Therefore, admirers are sucked in, and instead of researching/being an informed voter, metaphorically cling to their words.

I understand that was a ton of information to process, but hope it sparks thoughtful discussions with others. Rise of the TMNT: The Movie is one film packing an emotional punch, but manages to balance it with positive lessons. The themes presented here are worth confabulating about, if you desire. This Netflix original is worth watching not just for the animation, but heartfelt characters as well. Rise of the TMNT is different from previous media versions. However, what it brings to the table is so satisfying, I can’t help but smile, and that is music to my ears.