Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kitschy nostalgia trip with fighting and racial cliches.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Secret of the Ooze
What's the Story?
After foiling a massive break-in, the heroes of TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2: THE SECRET OF THE OOZE return to their hideaway at TV newscaster April O'Neil's (Paige Turco) Manhattan loft. O'Neil is doing a report on a toxic waste cleanup led by Professor Jordan Berry (David Warner). Berry and his team uncover the ooze that created the Ninja Turtles—Leonardo (voiced by Brian Tochi), Donatello (Adam Carl), Raphael (Laurie Faso), and Michelangelo (Robbie Rist). Unfortunately, the Turtles' arch-nemesis, Shredder, (played by François Chau and voiced by David McCharen) wants the ooze and sends his team of young ninjas into Berry's lab to steal the last container of the green stuff. He uses it to create two vicious mutants who are unleashed to wreak havoc in New York City. It's up to the Ninja Turtles to find a way to stop these mutants, and Shredder, once and for all.
Is It Any Good?
This goofy action movie isn't exactly timeless, but it does have a kitschy charm. That's either in spite of or because of the dated 1990s fashions and the climactic scene taking place at a Vanilla Ice concert (where the singer performs "Ninja Rap," the theme from the movie soundtrack). Aside from this, there's nothing in particular that distinguishes this film from other Ninja Turtle movies and TV episodes. All the usual cliches are in effect, from the massive pizza consumption to the accented Asian villains (as dubbed by White actors—yikes), to the catchphrase "Cowabunga, dudes!"
If anything, this is an opportunity for parents to share with their kids what was popular in the world of children's entertainment when they were kids—especially in contrast to the more recent TMNT movies. As characters, the Turtles are as likable as ever with their New Yawk accents and bravado. But parents are just as likely to find this nostalgic sense from the TV show and the original movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which shows and movies parents liked when they were kids. How are shows and characters such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from the late 1980s and early 1990s similar to and different from current favorites?
In 2014, there was a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. Why do you think Hollywood has an interest in bringing back characters that were first popular decades ago?
How do the characters demonstrate teamwork? What are some ways in your own life that you team up with others to get something done? Why is this an important skill to have?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 22, 1991
- On DVD or streaming : April 27, 2015
- Cast : Ernie Reyes Jr. , David Warner , Michelan Sisti , Paige Turco
- Director : Michael Pressman
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Monsters ) , Friendship , Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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