This unique reimagining of the TMNT franchise has an appealing aesthetic and enough action that can satisfy both kids and adults, but the "wow factor" wasn't there. After so many iterations, I'm fine with my turtles looking different and backstories being changed. And I could care less about any race/gender swapping. It doesn't matter. If you want the classic vibe, watch the original movies or the 1987 cartoon.
But here's what didn't work for me. There were so many mutants that I was excited to see, and aside from Super Fly and Mondo Gecko (who I love), no one got much screen time. I was so excited to see Leatherhead and he (she?) had only about 2 lines as I recall. Bebop and Rocksteady only has a slightly larger role and didn't even play off each other. And I know there are a lot of stories that don't have Shredder as the villain. However... I missed Shredder! I just did. (And no Casey Jones either??)
The plot is another generic "no one knows who the turtles are. Then when they try to go up to the streets, they're mistaken for monsters. Then they win the hearts of NYC by defeating some supervillain" story. Nothing new. We've all seen it before.
Finally, it took me a while to get past some things. Like all the turtles had teenager voices but Donatello sounded like he was 10. And of course, most of the dialogue is inundated with the "awkward realism" that everyone thinks they need today. It's fine in small doses but they're really on it too much and skip necessary and much more original dialogue.
In the end, I was bored. It just never came together for me. I'll love them forever, but as with the 2007 animated movie, I probably won't be revisiting it.
But here's what didn't work for me. There were so many mutants that I was excited to see, and aside from Super Fly and Mondo Gecko (who I love), no one got much screen time. I was so excited to see Leatherhead and he (she?) had only about 2 lines as I recall. Bebop and Rocksteady only has a slightly larger role and didn't even play off each other. And I know there are a lot of stories that don't have Shredder as the villain. However... I missed Shredder! I just did. (And no Casey Jones either??)
The plot is another generic "no one knows who the turtles are. Then when they try to go up to the streets, they're mistaken for monsters. Then they win the hearts of NYC by defeating some supervillain" story. Nothing new. We've all seen it before.
Finally, it took me a while to get past some things. Like all the turtles had teenager voices but Donatello sounded like he was 10. And of course, most of the dialogue is inundated with the "awkward realism" that everyone thinks they need today. It's fine in small doses but they're really on it too much and skip necessary and much more original dialogue.
In the end, I was bored. It just never came together for me. I'll love them forever, but as with the 2007 animated movie, I probably won't be revisiting it.