Watch Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie is an animated superhero film that is a continuation of the animated television series "Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Released in 2022, the movie showcases the adventures of the four iconic half-shelled heroes in a new escapade that is both energetic and action-packed. Directed by Andy Suriano and Ant Ward, who are both closely associated with the series, the movie strives to keep the essence of the show while delivering a standalone story that can be enjoyed by fans and newcomers alike.

The film features the voices of Ben Schwartz as the irrepressibly enthusiastic and blue-bandana-wearing Leonardo; Omar Benson Miller as the strong and dependable Raphael, sporting the red bandana; Brandon Mychal Smith as the tech-savvy and fun-loving Michelangelo with his orange attire; and Josh Brener as Donatello, the genius inventor wearing purple. Kat Graham voices the fearless and resolute April O'Neil, their human friend and ally.

This installment of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise maintains the fresh and uniquely stylized animation from the television reboot, standing out with its bold colors, dynamic angles, and fluid action sequences. Complementing the visual treat, the movie scores high with its infectious energy brought forward by the charismatic voice cast, who imbue their characters with personality and humor.

The story kicks off in the familiar underbelly of New York City, where the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are not just mere vigilantes but guardians of the metropolis. The sibling camaraderie is at the core of the narrative, with Leo, Raph, Mikey, and Donnie navigating the challenges of teamwork, leadership, and the familial ties that bind them together.

As with any TMNT story, the plot revolves around a menacing threat looming over New York, which calls for the half-shell heroes to spring into action. Without diving into specifics, the adventure highlights thrilling battles, intense moments of peril, and a villain whose plans could have catastrophic consequences for the city and its inhabitants. The film does an excellent job of substantially raising the stakes, pushing the Turtles to dig deep and demonstrate not just their martial arts prowess but their strategic wits and unbreakable bond as brothers.

While the essence of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—fighting skill, intelligence, tech gadgets, and pizza love—remains constant, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie presents these elements amidst a fresh storyline and elevated threats. Fans of the series will appreciate the progression and growth of the characters, while newcomers will be drawn into the high-octane world of these lovable mutants.

The narrative also places an emphasis on individual characters' arcs, giving each Turtle a moment to shine and explore their personalities further. Leo's journey, for instance, showcases his aspiration to be a capable leader, while Raph's commitment to his family's safety highlights his inner strength. Mikey provides comic relief and inventiveness in the face of danger, and Donnie's inventions are put to the test as they face unparalleled challenges.

The movie's pacing is brisk, never lingering too long on exposition, choosing instead to propel audiences along with its kinetic plot developments and vibrant set pieces. It balances action with moments of levity, ensuring that there is never a dull moment for the viewers.

Moreover, the emotional undercurrents run deep. Despite their fantastical surroundings and circumstances, the Turtles deal with issues that resonate with real-life themes such as responsibility, self-discovery, and the power of unity. The strong bond shared by the Turtles and their allies underscores the importance of friendship and togetherness in overcoming adversity.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie has a multi-layered score that accompanies the fast-paced visuals, further enhancing the excitement and drama. The music punctuates each thrilling chase and every dramatic skirmish, adding to the overall cinematic experience and keeping viewers engaged throughout.

The humor is a crucial facet of the film as well. With witty one-liners, situational comedy, and character-driven jokes, the film ensures there are plenty of laughs to be had amidst the danger and excitement. The unique blend of humor, action, and heart makes this movie a noteworthy addition to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe.

All in all, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie is a high-flying, action-packed, and humor-filled adventure that's bound to delight fans of the franchise and those looking for an entertaining animated superhero film. It captures the spirit of camaraderie and heroism with a modern twist, ensuring that the legacy of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continues to evolve and capture the imaginations of audiences worldwide.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie is a 2022 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 61.