Suddenly I write a movie blog.
I write about what strikes me at the time, and at this time I’m struck by the comic movies this summer. I thrilled to Guardians of the Galaxy and today I sat back and grinned to a surprisingly nostalgic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film. Look, the turtles aren’t high art, so if you’re looking for deep dialogue and plot twists, you’re out of luck. If you want to have fun and catch some smart one-liners, you are headed to the right film.
Turtles is not entirely an origin story. It plays more like an episodic that introduces (and provides a brief background summary to) the Shredder. The film starts by explaining (and partially reinventing) the origin of the turtles. The film quickly switches focus to a reimagined April O’Neill, sharing her story and origins. Keeping it real, she’s only there to be pretty and the filmography works to ensure that purpose is met. What stood out to me was not her, was not Shredder, but was Master Splinter and the ability of the writers to quietly pay homage to turtle movies and shows of the past. There was even a thinly veiled reference (and possible hint of future inclusion?!?) to Usagi Yojimbo, Samurai Rabbit.
I’m slowly moving back into watching deep literary stuff and reading the same, but in the meanwhile it is good to have some frivolous joy every once in a while.