TMNT (PG, 2007)

common sense media says

Turtle power returns in routine kiddie adventure.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this computer-animated comeback of the Ninja Turtles franchise can be dark and, at times, slightly frightening. Obviously, it includes several scenes of ninja fighting, including one upsetting brawl between two of the brothers. Raphael is hot-tempered and defiant; he's a rogue crime-fighter by night. There are gargoyle-like monsters, and four warriors resurrected from stone proclaim their intention to rule the world. Some of the cartoonish violence may be too intense for the youngest elementary schoolers, but most kids -- especially boys -- will be psyched to see the sword action.

Positive messages: Through cooperation and unity, the brothers save the world from impending doom. Raphael realizes his jealousy and resentment are wrong. Fighting is the main method used to solve problems.
Violence & scariness: The "N" in the title stands for ninja, and there's a lot of swordplay and animated violence, including an intense battle between warriors resurrected from stone, a group of swords for hire, and the four turtles. Raphael challenges Leonardo to a fight, and they go sword to sword. An early scene set in South America features gunfire.
Sexy stuff: April and Casey live together and kiss. Mr. Winters flirts with April.
Language: Mild teasing: "knuckleheads," "stupid," etc.
Consumerism: The turtles have spawned an industry filled with toys, games, comcis, T-shirts, TV shows, etc.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on TMNT

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the longevity of the Ninja Turtles franchise. What makes these four sword-wielding brothers so popular? Do kids genuinely love them, or is it just good marketing? If kids watch the animated TV show or have seen the original 1990 movie, which version do they like best? Why? Families can also discuss sibling relationships and cooperation. Master Splinter forbids the turtles from fighting until they can fight as "one." What does he mean? Oh, and most kids will need an explanation of the brothers' Renaissance names, not to mention '80s slang like "cowabunga."

What's the story?

What's the story?
Turtle brothers Leonardo (voiced by James Arnold Taylor), Michelangelo (Mikey Kelley), Donatello (Mitchell Whitfield), and Raphael (Nolan North) regroup after a prolonged absence from fighting to keep four ancient warriors from world domination. But before the fraternal reptiles can get their swords a-swinging, they have to deal with their own brotherly problems. Upon returning from a mission in South America, eldest sibling Leonardo discovers that Michelangelo is now a computer technician, Donatello is a children's party entertainer (Donatello), and Raphael is a masked vigilante. Tensions mount between Leonardo and Raphael until they face off on a Manhattan rooftop, leading to Leo's capture by the evil generals. The mercenary Foot Clan, led by Karai (Ziyi Zhang), joins forces with the turtles, as do trusted pal April (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and her boyfriend Casey (Chris Evans).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Thirtysomething parents who remember the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles craze of the late '80s and early '90s won't be blown away by this completely computer-animated franchise reboot. But kids who aren't familiar with the original campy-cool, pizza-loving, sewer-dwelling, crime-fighting heroes will be hooked by these sword-wielding reptilian brothers, even though they're duller than the original foursome. Assuming they can deal with TMNT's clunky plot, throwback language, and moody setting -- which looks more like Gotham City than New York -- kids will dig the action sequences.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: Kevin Munroe
Cast: Chris Evans, Patrick Stewart, Sarah Michelle Gellar
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 88 minutes
Theatrical release: March 22, 2007
DVD release: August 7, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: animated action violence, some scary cartoon images and mild language.
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This review was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7

Most useful reviews by all members

 
Absolutely fantastic!
I am going to have to admit that I love this movie. I thought it had great animation, and some fight scenes that got pretty darn intense. Of course, we all have to realize that overall, this really isn't a serious movie. In fact, it's really kind of goofy. But that's a lot of why I liked it so much. I thought it was a perfect mix of action, intensity, and and complete wackiness.

ohya
parent of 14 year old
 

mkalv
teen, 17 years old
 
Cool!
TMNT is better than all the live-action ones. The diologue is too cheesy at times, though.

SweetHeart90900
teen, 15 years old
 
Its the BEST TMNT movie ever!!!!!!!!!
the beat action movie ever. the fight between Leo and Raph-it was amazing to watch!!!!!!

raphael's ...
teen, 17 years old
 
TMNT
I'm not gonna lie: I love TMNT. I still watch the show from 2005, and am constantly borrowing the DVD of the newest TMNT from friends. I finally bought it, and realized I should write a review for it, especially since the reviewers on Common Sense Media seem to have it out for the turtles. TMNT is just a plain out cool movie. The characters are great (I love Raphael especially-just look at my screen name!), the animation is pretty good, the fight sequences are incredible, and the script is good. Of course, this isn't a completely serious movie-it's about ninja turtles for goodness sake! But that's not a bad thing: it's a nice break from the increasingly gritty superhero movies out today (did anyone actually watch the original Batman TV show? Talk about campy, it's nothing like The Dark Knight!). TMNT also boasts great messages about working together and brotherhood. All of the turtles are nice role models as well, eventually overcoming their anger by the time the credits roll and helping one another to save mankind. The movie is almost squeaky clean, but the violence and monsters might be a bit much for younger kids, as well as the fact that Casey and April are living together. I DEFINITELY reccomend TMNT, it's awesome!

osay
kid, 10 years old
 

 
Not As Bad As I Thought
We try to be as careful as we can when taking our kids to the thearers and decided to give this one a try. Not bad compared to the other turtle movies. Actually alot more kid friendly. (My 4 year old didn't even cover his eyes.) It was nice to not have the language problem. Some questionable areas for me....2 unmarried people living together and the etire of the females. In the end..good moral to the story. Worth seeing if your kids are true turtle fans.

thealex
kid, 10 years old
 
the turtles have a good brotherhood they stop evil and hang out

 
My 7 year-old chose this movie
I would have preferred that he see something else but he was excited about the movie since he plays with Ninja Turtle toys/figurines. It was a very dark cartoon, with more violence than ideal. There was with lots of battles between the stone soldiers and monsters, and then fighting amonst the TMNT and others. He loved it, I tolerated it, but he chose this movie over The Robinsons as his top pick.

 
SLOW!
This movie is fine for kids - nothing bad to speak of, but it's just SLOW! Usually these kid movies at least have some humor for the parents... I think I chuckled once. By far not the best movie out there.

Imran
teen, 17 years old
 
good

sporty girl
teen, 15 years old
 
DUMB
HATED IT SOOO STUPID. THERE IS NO POINT!!!!!!! just a few fighting secnes.THATS ALL NOT 1 FUNNY PART

schuymarch1
teen, 17 years old
 
One of the best action movies...
This movie is one of the best action movies that I've ever watched.

wii
teen, 17 years old
 
dikdlohfdso
i liked this movie great for kids ages 6 and up

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age