If you read our Ninja Turtle feature from a few days ago, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of the Turtles and was pumped up to see TMNT no matter how it turned out. I managed to squeeze in a viewing during what was a rather busy day, and the good news is that TMNT is the follow up to the original movie that we have all been waiting for over the last 17 years.

Similar to how Bryan Singer handled Superman Returns as not only a follow up to the original Superman movies but also a reboot of the franchise, TMNT follows the same path. The events from the first three movies have all taken place (you can spot some evidence of all three movies with a keen eye) making this the fourth film in the saga. The movie begins with a quick history of the Turtles and who they are and how they have defeated the Shredder. Fast forward to present day, and we come to find out the things aren’t going so well for the brothers four. Leonardo has been sent away by Splinter, but has taken longer than expect to return home. Michelangelo has gone the route of the Ghostbusters after they were put “out of business,” Donatello’s genius has been reduced to being tech support for computer users, and Raphael has decided to take up the cape and cowl. That said, the premise of the entire movie is to reunite the Turtles as a team, and as a family.

As a long time fan, it’s interesting and refreshing to see this take on the Turtles. In fact, when the Turtles are the center of attention, the film seems to find its stride. For the first time since the original movie, each of the Turtles has a unique and distinct personality. Unfortunately, the good stuff is tied together by what ultimately makes the whole picture fail as a good movie.

The bad guys just aren’t interesting, and almost seem forced into the plot. There is this whole story arc going on that doesn’t actually involve the Turtles, but they manage to get thrown into the mix simply because they have to have a bad guy to fight for the sake of the movie. More disappointing is that the final battle is as anti-climatic as when Super Shredder knocks the dock on top of himself in Secret of the Oooze.

With that out of the way, the relationship being built around the Turtles is what makes this film stand head and shoulders above the second and third films. It’s great to see the Leo and Raph feud back in full effect, and as fun as ever. A serious nod to the first movie is the friendship that Raph and the lumbering fool Casey Jones share. Even Splinter’s role has been heightened, and it’s almost startling to hear the Turtles refer to him as “Father” instead of “Master” or “Sensei.” I was never the biggest Michelangelo fan, but even his role in the movie made me appreciate the character just a little more. One let down is that Donetello takes a back seat in this movie, and is the least explored character of the group. Then there is April who has gone from news reporter to… ninja? (see: Lame)

CG wise, the actual movie looked really good. The movie is no Pixar production, but overall solid design and animation helps keep the film looking sharp. Surprisingly, some of the jokes are kind of funny, and it’s nice to hear the Turtles toned down for once. There isn’t one “BODACIOUS!” in sight. Some of the action sequences are really well done, and I might add that one scene in particular was awesome. Without going into detail, it’s basically a TMNT fans wet dream, and it is without a doubt the films show piece as it’s both executed well, and emotionally rewarding. The movie could have ended with that scene, and I would have left happy.

Gushing aside, thanks to the weak villain plot, and some lame dialogue, it almost puts the movie into Saturday morning cartoon territory, which is clearly why critics are blasting the movie. However, for the Turtle fan that is hopefully left in all of us, you’ll be happy to know that the first movie finally has the successor it deserves.