"Cowabunga!"
In “Out of the Shadows”, Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo and Raphael struggle to save the world from the shadows with no one knowing who they are… well, except for April O’Neill (Megan Fox) and Vern Fenwick (Will Arnett). At this time, the villainous Shredder (Brian Tee) is broken out of prison by some mysterious ninjas and a teleporter run from a different dimension by commander Krang (voiced by Brad Garrett). Enlisting the help of two other criminals, Bebop and Rocksteady (Gary Anthony Williams and Stephen “Sheamus” Farrelly) and a kooky scientist named Dr. Stockman (Tyler Perry), Shredder begins finding the pieces to create a teleporter that would allow him and Krang to rule over Earth. And, in order to create worthy opponents for their enemies (the Turtles), Shredder and Stockman turn Bebop and Rocksteady into giant mutants using a purple ooze.
The action sequences are impressive, if over-the-top. A few sequences really do bring a sense of fun and excitement to all of the action. The visual effects sparkle, and while they aren't realistic per se, they do resemble the cartoony and comic book-style look of the characters pretty well. This film does a better job feeling like a comic book at times than some of the superhero movies that have been out lately.
The actors, for the most part, look like they're having fun. I will say that Arnett once again steals the show and provides some pretty hammy, though interesting bits. Fox shows again to be capable of playing April, but there's a bit more of the girl look factor here that becomes slightly annoying (particularly in one scene). Stephen Amell (TV's Arrow) joins the cast and mostly proves to be a very solid addition, with a bit of a foul-mouthed panache.
The best performances in the film go to Laura Linney and Tyler Perry, who clearly go outside their comfort zones in this movie. More of a serious actor, Linney keeps a straight face and nails her take-no-prisoners attitude. Perry turns into a bit of a kook, but keeps it entertaining and fun. The turtles' voice actors do a decent job too (and Brad Garrett turns out to be a very solid villain here).
Finally, I appreciated how director Dave Green slowed the film down a few times to give a hint of substance. The movie touches on the ideas of adolescent insecurity, acceptance, and what exactly "normal" is. By the time the film ends, it may wind up being a decent message for those struggling with the term "no one understands me!".
On the downside, unlike the more grounded feel of the first film, Out of the Shadows has more of a Saturday morning-cartoon feel. While that may help entertain some kids, it fails to really reach out beyond the core fanbase of the cartoons. Those looking for a real good movie may not find what they are looking for here.
Speaking of kids, I felt like this movie struggled to figure out if it wanted to be a big action movie or a movie aimed at kids and families. Because while the Saturday morning cartoon feel helps, it is too violent for younger children (hence the PG-13 rating). And at the same time, the cartoony feel will not appeal much to teenagers who would presumably be a better fit for the rating. Kids under age 8 or 9 that aren't into the superhero movies of today are probably better off sticking to the more kid-friendly Nickelodeon cartoon.
Some bad jokes here and there and a few unnecessarily dark moments. And Bebop and Rocksteady are both annoying and not very fun to watch onscreen.
It’s safe to say that I wasn’t really into these characters growing up. And partially because of that, I didn’t find “Out of the Shadows” to be anything special or fantastic. The words that came to my mind repeatedly while watching this were “there are certainly better things to see”.
But that isn’t to say the film is a bust. There is merit to be found here. The CGI action sequences are impressive. A few cast members do give fun performances. And, the film does have a few very appreciative moments that give the film at least a little bit of heart. However, I thought the first film did a better job of being more grounded, balanced and a bit more accessible to those who weren't familiar with the characters. And it could have done a better job of being a bit more kid-friendly as well (isn't that the audience they are going for? or is it?).
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is, overall, an OK(ish) film. It's certainly not a dreadful time at the movies. But, outside of those that really are diehard fans of these characters, it's not interesting enough to recommend.
Content Problems Families Should Be Aware Of:
Language: A half-dozen uses of profanity, most of which (oddly) are used during one five-minute action scene. The s-word is blurted out once. We also hear two uses of "d---" and one each of "what the h---", "a--" and "son of a b----". "Oh my g--" is blurted out three times, and we hear name-calling such as "idiot".
Adult Content: April wears formfitting tank tops and outfits, at times. At one point, to get information from a guy, she bares her midriff and cleavage to blend in with a group of women. The camera focuses on her body for a few seconds. In a more weird moment, after they transform into mutants, Bebop and Rocksteady check their private areas.
Violence: The violence is in line with most superhero movies, and, while bloodless, it is oftentimes too intense for younger children. An early action sequence involves explosions, a car flipping, people falling off motorcycles and the like. An incident in a laboratory involves two people being hit by a tranquilizer gun (of sorts) and transforming into mutants. Krang is slammed forcefully into a robot (and his image may frighten some younger kids). April is confronted in an alley, and multiple bad guys are hit by hockey pucks, kicked, etc. The turtles fall from ominous heights (including a waterfall). A tanker shoots cannonballs at the turtles. The turtles and Bebop and Rocksteady pummel each other. A plane later splits in half, catches on fire and nearly (somewhat violently) crashes. Cars hit a blockade and nearly flip over. New York City is nearly destroyed by a weapon.
Drugs/Alcohol: One or two scenes take place in a bar. Bebop and Rocksteady drink cups of beer.
Other: Bebop and Rocksteady are as annoying as they come. They show very bad eating habits. One of them passes gas and picks his nose. One of the turtles tells alie. Vern sells his “breath” to people in plastic bags. The turtles shoot spitballs. Characters break into places illegally. Sensei Splinter practices Eastern meditation, and an audiotape mentions a “spiritual nirvana.” Stockman believes he and Shredder will be “gods to a new generation,” when their plan is complete". Evolution and “animal ancestors” are mentioned as a result of humans mutating into animals.
