The follow-up to the 2014 film that re-introduced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to a new generation featured cartoon favorites Bebop and Rocksteady. Out of the Shadows tried to replicate the excitement the first film brought to audiences. I believe it did so and added a whole lot more. By adding Casey Jones (Stephen Amell), Baxter Stockman (Tyler Perry) and the Shredder’s mutated henchmen it felt more like the cartoons from the late 80’s to mid 90’s.
When my nephew (8), who I took to see the first film as he was a “new” TMNT fan, called me when he saw the first trailer and asked if I would take him Out of the Shadows hit the big screen. Who am I to say no? He’s excitement for the amphibious foursome had slightly waned since 2014, but come showtime he was bouncing in his seat nearly as much as I was. Yes, I am a big kid and I don’t care. We were also joined by my other nephew (10) who was also bouncing around, and not because of candy, but due to excitement. This film wasn’t made for me, it was made for them.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is a family friendly version of the turtles with more laughs, kicks, and action. The introduction of the new characters the film were well paced and handled well. The comedy was much better than the first film and didn’t seem to be just tossed in for the sake of trying to be funny. Yes, there are moments were you have to suspend your belief, but you are watching a movie based on 4 mutant turtles and their giant rat master.
The biggest complaint I have against the film is Shredder. In the first movie I estimated him to be 60-70 years old. After all he did raise orphaned Eric Sacks. It’s something I let go of in order to enjoy the story, the laughs, and the action.
Hopefully, the theatrical success and home video sales will be enough to convince the studio that we need to see more of the fearsome foursome.
