HOLLYWOOD—The turtles are back. Those of you who grew up in the 1980s are familiar with the mutated turtles with high-octane fighting skills. It’s been quite some time since a movie version of the popular cartoon has hit the TV screen. The last time we saw the ninja fighting turtles was back in 1993.

 

The 2014 reboot “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” presents a new light on the popular characters of Leonardo (Pete Plosek), Raphael (Alan Ritchson), Donatello (Jeremy Howard) and Michelangelo (Noel Fisher). The use of technology in the 90s compared to the present is a major improvement. Our superheroes come across as real as possible without seeming gimmicky or completely CGI.

 

I will acknowledge the casting of Megan Fox in the role of reporter April O’Neil is spot on in my opinion. I had trepidations at first about why Fox was appearing in the movie, but reflecting back on the cartoon days, the actress molds perfectly with what fans remember from the pesky reporter/sidekick of the turtles who uncovers their secret. Its kinda the big scoop that April has been looking for in an attempt to impress her boss Bernadette (Whoopi Goldberg), not to mention her sidekick camera guy Vern, portrayed by the hilarious Will Arnett, when she discovers the quartet one dark night.

 

Without divulging too many plot details, New York City is being plagued by crime at the hands of the well-known Foot Clan and its leader Shredder. I will admit our antagonist Shredder, is a huge improvement from how he was depicted in previous movie installments. He comes across as a major threat to our ninja fighting superheroes. His relationship with Eric (William Fichtner) proves to be a formidable force for villainy, as well.

 

The movie without a doubt presents itself as a comedic action-flick. It’s set to appeal to a younger audience, while trying to retain its flair of the superheroes that many of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s will remember.

 

Producer Michael Bay gives us a “TMNT” that is as realistic as possible, while director Jonathan Leibsman does his best behind the camera to keep a steady pace of the movie. It’s not as slow as the 2013 version of “Godzilla” when it comes to revealing our main characters, but it takes a bit of time before the audience meets our superheroes.

 

Perhaps the fun of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is the comedic element. The turtles have always been wise-cracking jokesters, especially Michelangelo, which opens the door for plenty of laughs for children and adults. I can’t fail to mention the sarcasm of Raphael, who makes no apologies for stating his opinion in most situations, even when it’s not asked. This is a cartoon reboot that I’ve been waiting to see for awhile.

 

Is it at the top of its game no, but it definitely presents the visual prowess, comedic timing, unique characters and the action expected from a movie about four mutant turtles with fighting skills that only one can imagine.