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Why I Disagree With the Massive Outcry Over 'Ninja Turtles'

Gregg speaks his mind about the overwhelmingly negative response to every bit of news surrounding the upcoming film.

Hey there Viners, if you're part of our community, then you likely know I love the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I was born in 1985 and grew up with the cartoon and movies. From there, my love for the franchise lead me to the comics, and years later I now have the privilege of reviewing the new IDW series and even the TV show here on Comic Vine.

When news broke awhile ago about a new TMNT movie, it's no surprise that my excitement level shot through the roof. I wanted a return to the feel of the 1990 movie. Dark and emotional, yet still hilarious and fun. It was the perfect tone for the franchise, but then they announced the creative team behind it. Suddenly, I realize that's likely not the movie I'd get. Instead, I'd eventually get a movie where you need to shut off your brain and enjoy some popcorn entertainment. It'll likely be flashy, filled with stupid humor and tons of action. And you know what? I'm actually fine with that. Clearly, though, I'm part of the minority on this one. Every single time something breaks about this movie, a good 95% of the comments look like the following:

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So news broke the other day that Megan Fox is in the movie. And over at Variety, they're saying she'll be April O'Neil (which seems rather obvious, no?). I get some people don't like her as an actress, and if you legitimately feel that way, then that's fine and you're certainly entitled to your opinion. I confess, my knee-jerk reaction to this was disappointment. Moments later, though, I realized I was being ridiculous and I've seen some absurdly irrational reactions to this, too. "Fox will ruin this movie, Fox is the worst actress ever. SHE DOESN'T EVEN HAVE RED HAIR!" Really? Really? First and foremost, while she'll likely be a big part of the film, there's no way she's a selling point for the majority of us when it comes to a Turtles movie. Additionally, while an Oscar is certainly not in her future, I hardly think she's an atrocious actress. She's not great, but she's definitely far from the most cringe-worthy performer ever.

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When it comes to acting chops, the role of April doesn't exactly require Meryl Streep and this is something I imagine Fox's capable of doing. I hardly see this as being a demanding role or the factor that will make or break this movie. If you don't like her, you don't like her, but thinking she alone will sink this ship is beyond silly to me. As for the red hair remarks. Seriously? Come on, man. I think they have it in their budget to dye her hair, don't you? And even if they don't, her being a brunette isn't a huge change that warrants flipping tables and smashing your keyboards.

Let's talk about the bit that generates the most discussion: Michael "Explosions Feed My Soul" Bay. Just like I said about Megan Fox, if you don't like his work, then ya don't like his work. That's fine, but I still see people saying they hate him as a director and he's going to destroy this. For the gazillionth time, he's not directing this movie -- he's producing it. Clearly, he has his hands in the creative process behind this film, but it's not just him. There's two writers, TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman, and director Jonathan Liebesman involved. If this movie does indeed suck, I see no reason why he's the one to receive all of the blame. But for now, they're claiming it'll have effects similar to Rise of the Planet of the Apes and The Raid: Redemption-esque fight scenes. I just pray the final product will be able to prove those statements true. Because if so, it would absolutely make up for a potentially lackluster plot and/or dialogue (for me, at least).

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And then there's the leaked script -- something that made any TMNT fan's blood boil. If (and IF is the key word here) that's where they're truly going with this, then I must say I'll be very disappointed. I understand the movie has the right to make changes to the source material, but drastically changing everything just feels completely unnecessary and pointless. That said, Michael Bay has claimed the version of the script that leaked has seen "the shredder" (har har) and is nothing like what they're working with. I really hope he's being sincere with this, and there's no way we'll know until they let us see more information (likely via a teaser/trailer).

There's one other thing I'd like to address about the script: Aliens. Right when the producer (Bay) said they'd be aliens I felt the Earth tremble from all of the fans screaming (which is a totally rational reaction, by the way). The vague statement opened the flood gates to the endless possibilities of what this meant. Did they crash here on a ship? Is there a planet of "Turtles?" I hope not, but it's worth saying that the Turtles have always technically been part Alien. The ooze that mutated them from TCRI? Yeah, made by the Utroms -- aliens (insert meme here). So while they're part Turtles from Earth, they're also part alien space goop. Part of me believes Bay was foolish with his choice words and that's what he meant to imply. However, if they're from a planet full of dudes and dudettes who look like mutated Turtles, then I'll let out a sigh that could create an avalanche because they'd no longer technically be mutants, and that's an unnecessary change. But in the meantime, there's nothing to say for certain that's the case.

Every time a piece of news comes out about this movie the internet blows up. I get it, a huge chunk of us grew up with this franchise and hold it close to our hearts, but where is this kind of passion whenever there's a piece about the show or comic? The IDW comics have been brilliant thus far and the Nick show is hugely entertaining, yet discussion in those articles feel like being in an abandoned desert town compared to anything and everything regarding the movies. If you really love the franchise, show it by supporting it. Go purchase the comics (they're always re-releasing the old Mirage stuff, too) or check out the show on Nick (airs Friday nights). Seriously, go prove you're actually passionate about the franchise and give those a shot. To top it off, ComiXology even currently has a sale for TMNT comics! You can't beat $0.99 for those issues.

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Now, I'm not saying the movie will be good, but what I am saying is the responses I've witnessed thus far have been hilarious overreactions. When the time comes, if you're that offended by the trailers we'll see, then just don't see the movie. Seeing the movie and then coming back to complain on the internet isn't you getting the last laugh. No, it's your money in the pockets of the people you allegedly loathe. So, when we finally get to witness a trailer and if you still feel the same way, then do yourself a favor and just don't see it. It's that simple. Your childhood won't be destroyed and do you want to know why? You still have those memories planted firmly in your head and those cherished events still happened. Hell, you can even go re-watch those cartoons and movies or read the older comics. There's no reason for you to even acknowledge this film when it comes out if you really don't want to. Me, though? I'm going to do my best to keep an open mind until we get the facts about the story and get a trailer.

Gregg Katzman is a freelance writer for Comic Vine and IGN Entertainment. This is the part where he shamelessly plugs his Twitter page in hopes of getting a new follower or two.

125 Comments

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InnerVenom123

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Edited By InnerVenom123

Well, there is such a thing as a casual fan. Comics are, as we all know, a niche market. And some people just don't keep up with TV, or instead only think of the old show.

But you are right in saying that anyone who claims to be a hardcore fan who's not watching or reading those things is a moron/hypocrite.

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ccraft

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Edited By ccraft

For awhile I thought this movie was going to be bad because all of the negative comments about it... But this really puts things in persective. Thanks Greg.

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Inverno

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Edited By Inverno

I am trying to be optimist. I am hoping they are taking extra care in not f*** this up. The general opinion may change if a very impressive teaser or trailer comes out.

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shackle

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Edited By shackle

The voice of reason.

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guidoworsley

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Edited By guidoworsley

I don't understand the idea that it's too early to judge. Maybe it would be too early to judge if these guys were new to film-making, but they're not. They have a well practiced track record of utterly awful movies behind them. This includes Bay, Liebesman and Platinum Dunes as a company.

These guys have been working over a decade and have no understanding of what makes a good, structured movie. It isn't "too early" to know that at all. It doesn't matter if the turtles are aliens or not, or mutants or not, or teenagers or not. Hell they could stick to every single detail of the origins and events of the original comic run if they like, it still won't work because they are utterly awful film-makers. To have any sort of anticipation of this movie must mean you spent the last decade or so sticking your fingers in your ears and singing "la la la I'm not watching" every-time you've come across anything this company as put out. Which in all honesty, when I look at the state of Transformers, Halloween, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, etc....I sometimes wish I had done, it might have saved me the dull plodding headaches I get now every-time they buy a property I once enjoyed.

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deactivated-5dc80e5fe9494

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good on you gregg sure it's uncool to actually think about what's being offered to the fan community and be purely YAYY oh OH NOO YOU SUCK but sorry i'd rather be optimistic but mainly realistic when it comes to big money projects and showing a new vision on an old title.. but personally i didn't mind the transformers movies bay made and if you have a problem with that just dont waste everyone's time by having a war with me... projects like this isnt' easy to make

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Edited By Jonny_Anonymous
Every time a piece of news comes out about this movie the internet blows up. I get it, a huge chunk of us grew up with this franchise and hold it close to our hearts, butwhere is this kind of passion whenever there's a piece about the show or comic?The IDW comics have been brilliant thus far and the Nick show is hugely entertaining, yet discussion in those articles feel like being in an abandoned desert town compared to anything and everything regarding the movies. If youreallylove the franchise, show it by supporting it. Go purchase the comics (they're always re-releasing the old Mirage stuff, too) or check out the show on Nick (airs Friday nights). Seriously, go prove you're actually passionate about the franchise and give those a shot. To top it off,ComiXology even currently has a sale for TMNT comics! You can't beat $0.99 for those issues.

THIS, you pepole need to put your money where your mouth is

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Shamelesslysupportinaznballers

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Personally I would prefer it to be a bit more serious & less explosions like some of the Marvel Movies but it's Bay, you really can't argue against his track record. I know what people will say, he makes terrible movies with unnecesary explosions!!! Well these terrible movies make a crap load of money, clearly there are people who love Bay movies & dare I say more people love them than hate them.

All you really need to do is take it in for what it is, a summer popcorn brainless blockbuster. I know some people would want something different for TMNT but I'm willing to bet more people and kids will love it then the internet haters out there.

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Mucklefluga

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Edited By Mucklefluga

I wonder what age rating the film will be...

Megan Fox is hot so i'm not angry over that news, the alien stuff is the news that makes me upset. But then again the co-creator is involved with this film.

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sora_thekey

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Edited By sora_thekey

@Decoy Elite said:

How dare you have an open mind and not judge a product that isn't even half way out the door!

You sir have disappointed me in the worst way. I'm sorry but you'll have to give up your fan badge now.

This is the kind of sarcasm that confirms my kind is not alone in the world!

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thenexusrebound

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Edited By thenexusrebound

Fox alone won't ruin the movie. I know some of my knee jerk is I can't stand Bay. He is smug and since he is a producer he has a decent amount of say so in the film, since it is his money that is also being put into the project. My trouble has been Bay has always fired back just as childishly to the nay sayers which doesn't give much hope.

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DH69

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Edited By DH69

@Decoy Elite: damn...all he yelled was it's turtle time...

oh god did i get beat up by an entourage fan?!

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Dark_Vengeance_

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Edited By Dark_Vengeance_

@k4tzm4n: It's just that he doesn't have a good track record with movies and Megan Fox.

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Decoy Elite

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Edited By Decoy Elite

In all seriousness I agree that it's too early to judge.

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Decoy Elite

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Edited By Decoy Elite

@DH69 said:

@Decoy Elite: i dont know, but the guys name was leo, does that count?

Only if he yelled "cowabunga" as he punched you.

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Walzo

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Edited By Walzo

Pft, you have an OPINION? That's not allowed here!

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Mbecks14

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Edited By Mbecks14

I feel like the Megan Fox casting reactions were completely out of hand. World's Greatest Actress she is not but she's not offensive to watch both visually and performance wise.

My reactions to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie has been blinding fury after this i09 article about the script: http://io9.com/5938815/michael-bays-leaked-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-script-is-full-of-bad-ideas Hopefully the story we're looking at is something completely different and heralds back to the mythology but if it's anything like the leaked script I will not be seeing it.

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RuinedGlory

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Edited By RuinedGlory

I would much rather prefer a film that is serious & true to the TMNT franchise with four mutated warriors who struggle living in a society that doesn't accept them for who they are. The comics started them out badass, gritty & fearsome so why not just stay with it?

Watch this trailer of a fan film, this is how I envision the movie I'd want to see.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ldC6krN7PNM

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DH69

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Edited By DH69

@Decoy Elite: i dont know, but the guys name was leo, does that count?

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Decoy Elite

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Edited By Decoy Elite

@DH69 said:

@Decoy Elite: wtf you guys got badges? I paid $1000, and got a punch in the stomach.

Was it an official TMNT brand punch in the stomach?

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DH69

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Edited By DH69

@Decoy Elite: wtf you guys got badges? I paid $1000, and got a punch in the stomach.

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Decoy Elite

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Edited By Decoy Elite

@k4tzm4n: You are no longer can according to official fan law say the phrase "Let's kick some shell."

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guidoworsley

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Edited By guidoworsley

I don't understand how people are still having any kind of hope for this movie.

I love the Ninja Turtles as much as the next guy, but as I've said before and will say again: If an awfult director, who has made only awful films, with his awful production company that also only make awful films, hire another director who has only made awful films, then the end product is bound to be......awful.

As far as I'm concerned this film isn't even in production, news like this should not be a surprise to ANYONE at this point in time. The casting is going to be awful, the writing will be awful, the directing will be awful, the editing will be awful, the movie as a whole is going to be awful. That much was confirmed the second it was handed to Platinum Dunes, as the entire filmography is like this.

If you want a genuine Turtles fix then read the great new IDW comic releases, or watch the Turtles Forever movie, or even try out that new CGI Nickelodeon series that has actually turned out to be pretty damn hilarious, but for the love of everything Turtles, and the future of our childhood franchises, can we just let this movie die completely on it's arse, the faster they lose the license the better off we'll all be.

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k4tzm4n

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

@Decoy Elite said:

How dare you have an open mind and not judge a product that isn't even half way out the door!

You sir have disappointed me in the worst way. I'm sorry but you'll have to give up your fan badge now.

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Decoy Elite

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Edited By Decoy Elite

How dare you have an open mind and not judge a product that isn't even half way out the door!

You sir have disappointed me in the worst way. I'm sorry but you'll have to give up your fan badge now.