The Ultimate Verdict: Unveiling the Timeless Brilliance of the 2007 Animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie

Since the 80s, each generation has been fortunate to have multiple iterations of the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in various forms of media. Very few fictional characters hold as much significance to as many people as Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo. During the early 2000s, children were treated to an abundance of options. Simultaneously, the finest TMNT cartoon to date graced television screens just as the first animated Turtles film made its debut. But has this particular version endured the test of time?

Prepare yourself for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, a delightful cinematic experience boasting an all-star cast and an intriguing premise. This fresh take on our beloved heroes in half shells introduces new voice actors and updates the appearances of several lesser-known characters. While the franchise has enjoyed success in live-action adaptations, it has always flourished within the animated realm.

What is TMNT about?

In most Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films, the story starts with the familiar origin tale. Four turtles undergo a transformation due to exposure to nuclear substance. They reside in the sewers of New York City with their father figure, Splinter, who is a rat. Together, they combat crime every night. However, TMNT takes place in a time long after the Turtles have conquered their archenemy, Shredder. In the absence of their nemesis, Splinter's children have grown apart. Leonardo remains dedicated to self-improvement, safeguarding a village in Central America in silence. Donatello puts his expertise to use by assisting people through a tech support hotline. Michelangelo becomes a party clown, entertaining children in costume. Raphael, on the other hand, spends his days sleeping and becomes a motorcycle-riding vigilante during the evenings protecting the streets. Although they have not seen each other for years, circumstances conspire to reunite them.

April O'Neil and Casey Jones have established a shipping company that caters to wealthy clients seeking to transport valuable antiquities. April is tasked with delivering a statue to a secluded billionaire named Max Winters. Unbeknownst to her, Winters is actually an ancient immortal warlord named Yaotl, hiding behind a convincing disguise. Yaotl resurrects his powerful generals and uses a mystical artifact to unleash monstrous creatures upon the world. Leo returns to the sewer, where Splinter insists that the turtles cannot resume fighting crime until they learn to function as a cohesive unit. As their conflicting motivations and new beliefs threaten to tear the family apart, an army of monsters poses a grave threat to humanity's survival. The Ninja Turtles must confront their most formidable adversaries, rediscover their bond as a family, and determine the true definition of heroism and villainy in order to once again save the world.

How did TMNT change the franchise?

TMNT is a standalone sequel to the third live-action film, but it diverges significantly from the trilogy. The idea for the movie originated in 2000 when the third film did not perform well financially. Screenwriters considered various concepts for the film, including outlandish ideas like sending the Turtles to space, before settling on a new tone. While the cartoons were known for their comedic and child-friendly nature, the original comics by Eastman and Laird were more dark and gritty. The 2007 entry, TMNT, takes a step towards the comics by exploring a fractured bond between the brothers. This shift in tone sets it apart from other adaptations.

TMNT marked the end of an era as it was the final project created by the Turtles' original creator. In 2000, Kevin Eastman sold his shares to Peter Laird, making Laird the sole owner of the franchise. In 2009, Laird sold the Ninja Turtles to Viacom, leading to the production of two series on Nickelodeon, two live-action films by Paramount, and Mutant Mayhem. This also paved the way for the popular IDW comic series, which resulted from a licensing agreement with Nickelodeon. TMNT may not have directly influenced Laird's decision to sell the Turtles, but it holds significance as the last piece of the franchise directly tied to its creator. Despite the ups and downs of the subsequent era, TMNT remains a vital part of its history.

How does TMNT end?

The climax of TMNT occurs during the second act, where the tensions between Raphael's vigilante lifestyle and Leonardo's cautious leadership reach a breaking point, resulting in a fierce brawl. Raphael narrowly emerges as the winner, breaking Leo's swords with his sais and leaving him vulnerable. Meanwhile, Yaotl, the warlord, reveals his true intentions to his generals. He desires to capture the beasts he had released years ago in order to end the curse of immortality that afflicts him. However, his generals rebel against him, plotting to betray Yaotl and save themselves. In the midst of the chaos, Leo is abducted while April and Casey confront the Foot Clan. It is then that April convinces Karai to join forces against Yaotl's generals. The Turtles, along with the Foot Clan, April, and Casey, unite to defeat Yaotl's rebellious generals, ultimately forcing them through a portal and allowing Yaotl to find peace. Karai commends their victory but warns that their battle is not yet over. With the world saved, the Turtles resume their nightly crime-fighting duties.

TMNT offers a refreshing take on the franchise, setting itself apart from previous on-screen adaptations of the Turtles. While Mutant Mayhem may return to the nostalgia of the past, there is something to be appreciated in this bold and experimental era. Fans should revisit TMNT before the highly anticipated release of Mutant Mayhem on the big screen.