‘Heroes in a half shell’ are back, and this time they have made Netflix their home. Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a treat for the fans of the iconic cartoon characters who have dominated the scene since the 1980s, and this film begins with the story taking place around that time.

The adventure kicks off with the ice-hockey stick-wielding Casey Jones traveling back in time to the New York of the 80s. His main goal is to put an end to the domination of the half-robotic alien species Krang, who ruled the future, after defeating the resistance. Casey has to look for a ‘key’ in the past so Krang can be stopped, but it is the ‘turtles’ of the past that intrigue him, because the ones in the past were the exact opposite of their future selves.

TV Reporter April O Neil brings a ‘lost’ Casey Jones to the turtles’ lair, where they showed little interest in Casey’s portrayal of the future. The turtles were still not operating as a team and each of them was a leader in his own mind. Master Splinter helps them and Casey in his quest and manages to save their future.

Ben Schwartz, the familiar voice also heard behind Sonic the Hedgehog’s character, steals the show as Leonardo, whose egoistic nature is not beneficial for the team. Ben’s voice changes with the transformation of the character. The other Turtle who gets attention is the ‘cool’ Raphael since his character changes sides, unknowingly, during the course of the adventure, but returns to where he belongs before it’s too late.

This 82-minute animated superhero comedy film is loaded with emotions, unlike any of its predecessors. The plot is not predictable and keeps the viewer at the edge of his seat. The film sends a message that everything is possible with teamwork and dedication.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, is the perfect film to know the legend. The teenagers’ one-liners, their love of pizza and towering boxes of Italian dish, the silly fights, and the banter between Leonardo, Raphael and the Foot Ninjas, remind one of the first incarnation of the Ninja Turtle episodes.

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 17th, 2022