TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (1990) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Judith Hoag
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The hosts laud the 1990 TMNT movie for its impressive and believable full-body suits and animatronics, a significant gamble that paid off.
- ❖The film is identified as the 'progenitor' for how the Ninja Turtles' distinct personalities (Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael) were handled on screen.
- ❖Master Splinter's characterization as a 'perfect teenage dad' who offers wisdom and listens to his 'sons' is highly praised.
- ❖The physical distinctions between the turtles, beyond just their headbands and weapons, were noted as a thoughtful design detail.
- ❖April O'Neal's portrayal in the movie felt less 'brass tacks' and more of a 'side character' compared to her comic book counterpart.
- ❖Casey Jones's character was enjoyed for his hockey references and '9-year-old trapped in a man's body' energy.
- ❖The movie features notable cameos from the actors in the turtle suits, including the pizza man (Michelangelo) and a cab passenger (Raphael).
- ❖Sam Rockwell's early, unnamed role in the film is highlighted as an interesting 'no small parts' moment for a future star.
Insights
1Groundbreaking Practical Effects and Character Design
The hosts emphasize the significant achievement of the 1990 film in its use of full-body suits and animatronics for the turtles. This approach, while a 'gamble,' resulted in a realistic and believable portrayal that was crucial for the movie's success. They specifically point out the subtle physical differences in head shape and shell patterning that distinguished each turtle beyond their colored headbands and weapons.
The bold move of going for a live-action version and relying on like the fullbody outfits is such a like gamble that I think paid off really really really well here. If it had looked any less realistic or believable, it would not be a like green light for sure. But they were so impressive with not only how it looked, but how they moved in it and how the facial features moved. I was looking at each of them and especially like Leonardo and Donatello next to each other, the head shape is different. And I think they're also their patterning on their their shell backs is also different.
2Codification of Turtle Personalities
The movie is credited with establishing and solidifying the distinct personalities of the four Ninja Turtles. This initial cinematic representation served as a 'progenitor' for how their characters would be expanded and portrayed in all subsequent film and animated series adaptations.
Their personalities were really codified in a way in this one and like it's sort of just been expanded in every sort of film representation or animated representation afterward like this was the progenitor as far as how to handle the turtles on screen.
3Master Splinter as the 'Perfect Teenage Dad'
The hosts express appreciation for Master Splinter's portrayal, noting his 'loving and gentle' nature combined with wisdom. His ability to understand and connect with the teenage turtles, and even the troubled human boy Danny, by listening and offering guidance, makes him an ideal parental figure for adolescents.
I actually like that he's kind of more loving and gentle in this one. He's got that like good like Japanese father feeling. Master Splinter is like the perfect teenage teenager dad. Cuz even even Yeah. Like you said, the the kid Danny or whatever his name coming up to him and Master Splinter just reading him like a book and being like, I see you. I sense in you the exact same crap that I've been dealing with with my 15year-old Ninja Turtles. I got words, but I can listen.
Notable Moments
The hosts' reaction to Raphael's initial solo fight against the Foot Clan, highlighting his anger and independent streak.
This scene establishes Raphael's distinct personality and sets up his later conflict and injury, which is a key plot point.
April O'Neal getting fired from her news job after reporting on the Foot Clan's activities and the mysterious 'vigilantes.'
This moment forces April into a deeper involvement with the turtles and Casey Jones, changing her role from observer to active participant.
The reveal of Shredder and his connection to Master Splinter's past, including the origin of Splinter's scar.
This provides crucial backstory and personal stakes for the main antagonist, deepening the conflict beyond simple good vs. evil.
The use of astral projection by the turtles to communicate with Splinter, learning the 'final and greatest truth of the ninja' about teamwork.
This mystical moment serves as a turning point, reinforcing the theme of brotherhood and collective strength before the final confrontation.
Quotes
"The bold move of going for a live-action version and relying on like the fullbody outfits is such a like gamble that I think paid off really really really well here."
"Their personalities were really codified in a way in this one and like it's sort of just been expanded in every sort of film representation or animated representation afterward like this was the progenitor as far as how to handle the turtles on screen."
"Master Splinter is like the perfect teenage teenager dad. Cuz even even Yeah. Like you said, the the kid Danny or whatever his name coming up to him and Master Splinter just reading him like a book and being like, I see you. I sense in you the exact same crap that I've been dealing with with my 15year-old Ninja Turtles. I got words, but I can listen."
"I always really appreciate when movies like this do that because um I think I don't know if Predator was the one that started it, but like since Predator, a lot of movies try and give a little bit of screen time or facetime to that like masked character."
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