Quickie Movie Review: "TMNT" (2007)

Rated: PG for animated action violence, some scary cartoon images, and mild language
Starring: Chris Evans, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Mako
Released: 2007

Synopsis: Since we last saw the Turtles on the big screen, they've pretty much given up their ninja ways.  Leonardo is in South America, and isn't too keen on returning to the Big Apple; Mikey is working as a performer for kids' birthdays; Donatello is doing tech support from his home; and Raph...well, he seems to do nothing but sleep all day.  When an ancient evil arises, it seems that the four Turtles are the only ones who can stop it...but, will they be able to put their differences aside and work together for the greater good?

My Review: I was blown away by how detailed the animation in this movie is; if this was possible nearly a decade ago, one can only imagine what computer animation can do now! The action sequences were great, too.  I did have some issues, though; sending Leo to South America for leader training didn't seem to make much sense, and a couple of the characters--Splinter and the leader of the Foot Clan--sounded terrible.  Still, fans of the Turtles know what to expect from a movie like this...and that's just what they'll get.

Content Concerns:

Sex: Kissing, and an implication that a couple is "shacking up". 4/5
Nudity: None. 5/5
Language: Name-calling; nothing more. 4/5
Violence: As with the other films in this series, battle sequences abound.  The Turtles, other heroes, and various bad guys duke it out with melee weapons and their bare hands.  It's all bloodless, though it does get intense at times. 2/5
Drugs: None. 5/5
Frightening/Intense Scenes: Along with the battle sequences--which can be dark at times--some of the monsters are hideously ugly.  Also, the Turtles get into some intense arguments. 3/5
Other: A bit of rude humor--i.e., burping--and some mysticism get thrown into the mix. 3/5

Score: 3.5/5