TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS (2016) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch!
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Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The introduction of BBop, Rock Steady, Casey Jones, and Krang significantly boosts the movie's entertainment value.
- ❖The film's visual style is less gritty and brighter, allowing for clearer CGI and more distinct turtle personalities.
- ❖April O'Neil's role is expanded, giving her more agency and making her a more integral part of the team.
- ❖The hosts felt Shredder was underutilized, quickly sidelined by Krang, which was a missed opportunity for the character.
- ❖The potential storyline of the turtles turning human was introduced but not deeply explored, leading to a less impactful resolution of their identity struggle.
Insights
1Successful Character Introductions and Casting
The hosts highly praise the introduction and casting of BBop and Rock Steady, specifically mentioning Gary Anthony Williams' comedic talent. They also appreciate the inclusion of Casey Jones and the villain Krang, noting his gross design and effective villainy. These new characters are seen as major contributors to the sequel's fun and action.
The hosts repeatedly express excitement about BBop and Rock Steady, with Vivian stating, "I've been waiting for BBop and Rock Steady for a minute." Michael praises Gary Anthony Williams' performance. They also acknowledge Casey Jones and Krang's impact. [], [], []
2Shift in Visual Style and Tone
The sequel is noted for being significantly brighter and less gritty than the first film. This change allowed for clearer CGI and more distinct visual personalities for the turtles, including new markings that suggest maturity. The overall tone felt lighter and more action-oriented, akin to 'Transformers' action.
Vivian notes, "It's less gritty," and "so much brighter in this one." Michael adds, "slightly more animated." They discuss how the clearer visuals allowed for more distinct character markings and personalities. [], [], []
3Improved Pacing and April O'Neil's Agency
The hosts found the sequel's pacing more straightforward and action-packed, moving from one fight to the next. They also appreciated April O'Neil's increased agency and her more active role within the team, contrasting it with her sidelined position in the first movie.
Vivian states the pacing was "a lot more straightforward and they knew like what they were doing." Michael notes April "had a little bit more agency in this one." [], []
4Missed Opportunities for Shredder and Human Transformation Arc
A significant critique is Shredder's quick defeat and reduced role, feeling like a 'minion' rather than a main threat. The potential for the turtles to become human was also seen as an underdeveloped plot point, which could have offered deeper character exploration and comedic moments if they had experienced human life before choosing to remain turtles.
Vivian comments that Shredder "got taken out super quick" and was "just being used as a minion." Michael suggests the human transformation arc could have been "an interesting exploration" if they had 'flopped' as humans before accepting their turtle identity. [], [], []
Notable Moments
The introduction of BBop and Rock Steady, and their transformation into mutant animals.
These characters were highly anticipated by the hosts and delivered on comedic and action fronts, becoming a highlight of the film.
April O'Neil's increased involvement in the action and plot, including her infiltration scenes.
This addressed a host's previous criticism about her being sidelined, showcasing her as a more active and capable team member.
The scene where a civilian calls the turtles 'monsters,' leading to a moment of self-doubt and realization for the brothers.
This emotional beat resonated with the hosts, highlighting the theme of external perception versus self-acceptance for the turtles.
Quotes
"I've been waiting for BBop and Rock Steady for a minute."
"I feel like they toned Shredder down a lot with characters because they had to introduce crying and everything."
"This one was much more like, oh, it's CGI for sure. Slightly more animated in that way."
"I appreciate they did a better job with the butting heads between Leonardo and Raphael. That was one of my complaints about the first one."
"I think what this one suffers from is sequelitis where they think they know what made the first one work so well and so they expanded on that and it's the action sequences and and like them fighting."
Q&A
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