TMNT: Out of the Shadows, Shell up and enjoy the ride

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Normally when you describe a movie as not bad it’s meant as a slight. However, with TMNT: Out of the Shadows it’s meant as a compliment. For us, we expected Out of the Shadows to be bad and were pleasantly surprised when we enjoyed it. When the cartoon first came out I was a casual fan, but with our kids watching those same episodes I’m back down with Turtle Power. Out of the Shadows is better than you think it is, if you go in with the right frame of mind and are 10 or older.

Out of the Shadows picks up immediately after the first film. If you didn’t see that one don’t worry because that film is recapped in about 30 seconds on the jumbotron as the turtles are watching a Nicks game from the rafters.  I did not see that first film. However, I heard that it was a rambling, tapped together mess, which could’ve influenced my advance thoughts on Out of the Shadows.

That’s why I was even more surprised to find myself enjoying t he film. It moves at a very quick pace, glossing over some details and rarely slowing enough to let viewers question what they’re seeing.

Shredder is in a prison transport with Bebop and Rocksteady, who are still in their human forms. The breakout happens and Casey Jones who was driving the truck takes it personal and goes about trying to find the two. Jones’ adventures lead him to April O’Neil where the two get down to finding the turtles and saving the city.

The film works best with the turtles are on screen, drags a bit when Megan Fox is on, does OK with Stephen Amell (but he could use more) and makes great use of Will Arnet’s dry wit and smarm.

Will kids like Out of the Shadows?

This film is rated PG-13, but is a very soft PG-13. There are a couple instances of bad language, scary alien combat and ninja sequences. Mainly it’s the language that will prohibit parents from signing off on this film for ages south of 9. The couple of instances of bad language happen mainly in the first thirty minutes and that’s it. The action sequences and somewhat realistic bad guys scared off our 6 year old who didn’t want to see this-and rightfully so. I spoke with some 7 year old kids after our screening who said they liked it; but the look in their parent’s eyes and left to right head movement told me otherwise.

TMNT: Out of the Shadows is in no way a classic film. The CGI during the big action sequences feels stilted and blurry at times and the story (for adults) is simple to grasp. However, it brings in Krang, Casey Jones, Bebop, Rocksteady and other things that fans of the franchise will remember.  Parents who take their 10 year old or older children will have fun and genuinely laugh at several of the lines too. Bonus: we’re giving away some TMNT toys, check that our for your chance to win. 

This is a fun film, just don’t over think it and accept it for what it is.