TMNT (2014) Film Review

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) From the studio that brought you Transformers comes a whole new take on the beloved characters. With fast paced action and some quirky humor, this film directs you on a wild ride. Positive Elements: April O'Neill is a tireless news reporter, determined to do what is right. Sometimes, she does play with fire, but learns from her mistakes. As a kid, April saves the turtles and Splinter from a raging fire. She also puts herself in harm's way to save New York City. Though characters see April as a burden, she works through hard situations. Splinter uses hard discipline with the turtles when they disobey him. He teaches them ninjutsu, protects them from Shredder and speaks words of wisdom. Splinter eventually admits that he "wasn't ready" to let them go. In this way, the film is a bit of a coming of age story. It teaches all viewers how their choices come with good and bad consequences. As for the turtles, they have their personality traits. Leonardo (the leader) protects April from Raphael (the hard-headed bad boy). Donatello (the brains) gives helpful information at critical times. Michelangelo (dubbed "Mikey" for short) leads April away from danger at one point. Each one sacrifices their lives for New York and fight Shredder's diabolical plan. Raphael struggles with Leo's leadership for most of the film and threatens to leave at some junctures. However, he reveals that he was afraid of never being good enough. He tells his brothers "I love you." Spiritual Content: The mutant injected in the turtles and Splinter is shown to affect their bloodstream, causing them to grow throughout the years. It could lead some viewers to conclude about Darwin's theory of evolution. Splinter hails April as the "hogosha" which means "guardian spirit." Sensual Content: April wears form-fitting outfits throughout the film. Her camera man Vern Fenwick, stares at her clothed butt during a perilous moment. Mikey takes an instant liking to April; he says a few suggestive comments. For instance, when first meeting her, he remarks "She's so hot, I can feel my shell tightening." Mikey also suggests April may have other "hot friends" to join their group. He comments that April is his "girlfriend." We see some suggestive dance moves and hear sensual lyrics in the song "Holla Back Girl." It's implied that Vern has a crush on April; he makes a comment about "finding excuses to hang out." Violence: Several sequences feature wince inducing violence. For instance, Shredder battles Raphael, nearly crushing him to death by pushing on his shell. In an intense scene, Splinter uses ninja moves to take down bad guys. He throws April halfway across the room, and flies in between Shredder's blades.

Shredder is menacing and tests his own men in a somewhat disturbing scene. One of those men is forced to drink a toxin (we see his skin burn in red and blue flashes). Some bad guys are pushed into a wall, clunked hard on the head, and knocked unconscious.

One choreographed scene is set in the snowy mountains. The turtles battle against the Foot Clan while sliding down a hill. One soul is pushed into the steering wheel and thrown out. Another is hit in the face with a electrocution device. Donnie flips a car by letting his pole collide with the rock. One turtle smashes a Hummer vehicle, causing it to flip repeatedly.

April faints after meeting the turtles, landing on a bag. Vern clonks a bad guy with a fire extinguisher, knocking him out (we see some blood on his forehead). (Spoiler Warning): Eric Sacks plans to release the mentioned toxin over New York City then rush in to save it by using an antidote in the turtle's blood. The plan backfires when April kicks Shredder, sending him careening down into the street. One sequence finds April in peril as Raphael holds her from a high height. The top of Sack's tower falls to the side, putting our heroes in serious peril.

Language: One or two s-words, followed by a small smattering of d--n, a--, God's name and "hell."

Drugs/Alcohol: Some minor characters drink wine and alcoholic beverages.

Other Negative Elements: One pizza flatulence related joke. Some characters lie and deceive for their own gain.

Conclusion: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a rollicking film; it has action, humor and heart rolled into one. The characters are fun and fresh, the battles deliberately thought out, and storyline just about right. Indeed, this film is one to keep audiences interested.

However, be aware of a few snags here. The innuendo and April being sexualized aren't over the top, but parents might scratch their heads on this one. The violence is grimacing as our heroes are pummeled and hit repeatedly. Some harsh profanity turns up too.

That said, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is tame compared to other PG-13 rated action films. It doesn't rely on humans being attractive or futile, relentless fights (I'm looking at you, Transformers) to forward the story along. Instead, the film showcases bravery, courage and self-sacrifice as each of our turtle friends put their all to protect the city. Each one has their own strengths and that is what makes them stronger as a team.

For example, Raphael instructs the others, saying "We do as Leo says. Lead the way." It reminds me of Philippians 2:4- "Not looking to his own interests, but each of you to the interests of others." In a world with the concept "I am the center," the film points out that we are stronger together. None of us can take on life alone. When we work together, it helps people see things differently.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles isn't perfect on some levels. But it nonetheless portrays a well-told story, one that left me with a good feeling afterwards. I guarantee you, this film will have you rooting for the four heroes in no time.