Rating of
2.5/4
The "Turtles in a half-shell" are back ... in time
The M.O.W. - wrote on 08/02/08
In 17th century Japan, four Samurai capture a man and bring him to "Lord Norinaga" (Sab Shimono). The "Lord" confronts his prisoner, and son "Kenshin" (Harry Hayashi), who is disgusted by his father's actions that brought them to war. As "Norinaga" is about strike his son down for disgracing him, English trader "Captain Dirk Walker" (Stuart Wilson) comes in to tell "Norinaga" that the rebels are about to attack.
Fast forward three centuries to "The Big Apple" New York City, New York. The Ninja Turtles are in their sewar lair practicing their skills when their human friend "April O'Neil" (Paige Turco) comes to visit bareing gifts as a thank you for offering to watch her apartment while she is on vacation. "April" has brought "Master Splinter" (James Murray, who also supplies the voice) a strange scepter which begins to glow. In a flash, "April" disappears, and in her place, not to mention her clothes, is "Kenshin".
"April" is found back in 17th century Japan in "Norinaga's" fortress, and is quickly captured by his guard. They begin to think she's a witch when strange sounds comes from a small box, her Walkman, that she drops to the floor. only "Capt. Walker" isn't fooled as she tries to take their belief to her advantage, and the guards take her away.
Now "Leonardo" (Mark Caso, voiced by Brian Tochi), "Raphael" (Matt Hill, voiced by Tim Kelleher), "Donatello" (Jim Raposa, voiced by Corey Feldman) and "Michaelangelo" (David Fraser, voiced by Robbie Rist) must go back in time, save "April" and stop a war.
The first thing you can't help but notice is the costumes and the associated animatronics. The "Turtles" are obviously rubber suits, and "Splinter" looks even more fake. However, the costumes move quite nicely, especially during the fast-paced martial arts fights.
The martial arts fights are quick, and well choreographed. They are poorly edited together because there is just too much action. The fights are the only violence in the movie, and parents will be happy that not one drop of blood is shed.
The performances are not even close to Oscar-worthy. The most fun performances are those who bring the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". The human performers, on the other hand, only do a fair job at delivering their lines.
There is some character development with those introduced in this film. There isn't much, but just enough to advance the storylines.
When it comes to scenery, there isn't much to look at. Most of the outdoor scenes are in wooded areas, and are not much to look at. The interiors are also not much to look at either. In fact, the interiors in "ancient Japan" didn't look very authentic in my opinion.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III" is not "Gone with the Wind: ir another classic, but it is a fun movie. I suggest that you check this one out the next time you go to your local rental shop.
