Title: Inclusive New TMNT Animation Takes a Dust-Kicking Adventure to Excellent Family Fun!
The latest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) animation film, co-written by Seth Rogen, has arrived on the big-screen with a fresh and inclusive approach. With scratchy animation reminiscent of the Spider-Verse films, this new take on the half-shelled heroes surpasses its predecessors and delivers an exciting and entertaining experience for the entire family. The film, directed by Jeff Rowe, runs for 99 minutes and carries a PG certification.
One of the notable aspects of this TMNT animation is the casting of actual teenagers to lend their voices to the iconic heroes. This decision adds authenticity to their portrayal, making the characters more relatable and engaging. The filmmakers strike a fine balance between injecting snarky humor, such as a playful quip about Chris Pine as the top Chris in Hollywood, and maintaining sincerity in delivering a top-notch family entertainment.
The storyline serves as a respectable structure upon which an array of good-natured gags builds. As the film progresses, the jokes escalate, creating an entertaining dust-kicking adventure that keeps audiences hooked from start to finish. While the screenplay incorporates smart-aleck remarks, it never overshadows the film’s main objective of providing inventive and sincere family entertainment.
In addition to the TMNT animation, there are a few other noteworthy releases hitting theaters. Kokomo City, a vital transgender documentary directed by D Smith, offers a unique glimpse into the black transgender experience. Through intimate interviews with sex workers Daniella Carter, Koko Da Doll, Liyah Mitchell, and Dominique Silver, the film creates a safe and inclusive space for viewers to join in the conversation surrounding triumphs, pressures, and outrages faced by the community. Director D Smith, herself a trans woman, skillfully utilizes limited resources to craft a visually stunning monochrome film that reflects the resilience and importance of these stories.
Alice Winocour’s Paris Memories explores life after a terrorist attack in contemporary Paris, drawing inspiration from the director’s brother’s experiences at Bataclan in 2015. Virginie Efira delivers a captivating performance as a woman struggling to find connection and normalization in the aftermath of the tragedy. As she attends survivor support groups, a compelling detective story unfolds, piecing together the events that shattered her world. Though the denouement may seem convenient, it still manages to evoke both drama and emotion, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
Meanwhile, John Slattery’s Maggie Moore(s) attempts to blend romance, true crime, and comedy but falls short of a cohesive execution. Based on a true story, the film revolves around the unsolved twin murders of Mary Lou Morris and Mary McGinnis Morris. Unfortunately, the film’s conflicting tones and awkward attempts at humor detract from the gravity of the crimes. Slattery, known for his work in Mad Men, struggles to reconcile these incongruous elements, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience.
In summary, the new TMNT animation embraces inclusivity while delivering an excellent and thrilling family adventure. Alongside it, Kokomo City offers a vital and personal exploration of the black transgender experience, while Paris Memories delves into the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Paris. However, Maggie Moore(s) fails to strike the right balance between romance, comedy, and true crime. With a diverse range of releases, there’s something for everyone at the movies this season.
