 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
TMNT
- Review Date: August 7, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Turtle power returns in routine kiddie adventure.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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."
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AGE
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.
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AGE
Cool!
TMNT is better than all the live-action ones. The diologue is too cheesy at times, though.
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AGE
Its the BEST TMNT movie ever!!!!!!!!!
the beat action movie ever. the fight between Leo and Raph-it was amazing to watch!!!!!!
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AGE
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!
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Kid, 10 years old
June 13, 2010
AGE
the turtles have a good brotherhood they stop evil and hang out
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AGE
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.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, superheroes, adventures, book characters |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Kevin Munroe |
| Cast: | Chris Evans, Patrick Stewart, Sarah Michelle Gellar |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 88 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 22, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | August 7, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | animated action violence, some scary cartoon images and mild language. |
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