Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Turtle power returns in routine kiddie adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
TMNT
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say this animated movie is fun and action-packed, with engaging character dynamics and positive messages about brotherhood and teamwork, though it may be too intense and scary for younger viewers. Many find it underrated compared to other films in the franchise, enjoying its nostalgia and acknowledging that it holds up well over time.
- action-packed
- positive messages
- intense scenes
- underrated film
- nostalgia factor
- character dynamics
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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."
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 22, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : August 7, 2007
- Cast : Chris Evans , Patrick Stewart , Sarah Michelle Gellar
- Director : Kevin Munroe
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Adventures , Book Characters
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : animated action violence, some scary cartoon images and mild language.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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