When I heard that there would be a live action reboot of the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, I have to admit I was in a state of complete and utter ecstasy. I’m not ashamed to say that I almost dropped tears of joy. “Finally I exclaimed! Finally!” I couldn’t believe that somewhere in some board room in Hollywood someone had a good idea, albeit not a new one. I also soon learned– Michael Bay would be producing the project. “Hey, long as it gets made” I thought. It was amazing I felt as if everything I ever thought about Hollywood’s ability to deliver magic, was going to be reestablished by resurrecting some of the most unique and entertaining heroes of all time! This was going to be epic and in my lifetime! First a Black president, now this– I thought all my dreams are coming true! Then I read on… Bay (Micheal Bay) mentioned that the Turtles in his movie are “from an alien race” which is a big change from the mythology we’ve come to know from the comics, cartoons, and movies released thus far. Bay quickly shot back by advising everyone to “take a breath, and chill,” asserting that he was “working closely with one of the original creators of Ninja Turtles to help expand and give a more complex back story.” Hold up a second. Expand a complex story? CHILL! No Mr. Bay I will not chill, these guys are my friends dude, show some respect! Why do you have to make me feel stupid for believing in you Hollywood ,you’re embarrassing .
Everytime I think you’re treating me right you betray me. First off, what kind of complexity are they gonna add that’s not in the name “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”? You already had me when they started this TMNT cult back 1988, you already had my money as like a 25 year investor. I’ve bought lunch kits, t-shirts, caps and cups (and that’s been in the last couple of years). In other words, tell the damn story DUDE! I can’t believe that some people fail (so miserably ) to see all of the real life themes that shine through in this story in its original state. Themes like brotherly love, family, obedience, morality, loyalty, while it definitely pays respect to the New York hustle lifestyle. NINJITSU people! The turtles were doing NINJITSU! I don’t need anything new to make me love them, Mr. Bay. And please don’t confuse me with your complex sensibilities, or try to use your magical powers and/or money to steam roll this imaculate, innocent childhood treasure. The next thing I asked myself was, where the hell are the creators? They must be dead , because true fans know that they never would have soldout! –Well minus that creepy ‘Glam Rock’ tour the Turtles did and (we forgave them for that long ago).
That’s beside the point! No wait that is the point they sold out the stadium, and that makes money which rules all. As much as I hate to admit it the fact is if they’re already thinking of making the turtles aliens, and the co creator Peter Laird said “But I would actually encourage TMNT fans to swallow the “chill pill” Mr. Bay recently suggested they take, and wait and see what might come out of this seemingly ill-conceived plan. It’s possible that with enough truly creative brainpower applied to this idea, it might actually work. I’m not saying it’s probable, or even somewhat likely… but it IS possible.” Eastman responded, “I had been invited to check out the TMNT film development by my friend Scott Mednick over the years, and a while back had a full look behind the curtain at what writers [Josh] Appelbaum and [Andre] Nemec, director [Jonathan] Liebesman, and producer Bay are doing–and trust me–it IS AWESOME. I’m officially on board.”
They better have the brainpower you’re talking about, and they better get it right. The bottomline is the TMNT saga is what it is. We already know who they are we don’t need you to make sense of something we understood as children.
The TMNT concept in itself, is innovative and powerful, showing a dynamic innovation has continuously suspended our imaginations. I would go as far as to say that in the grand scheme of what they meant to me as a child, it’s a stand alone masterpiece in my mind. The Four Brothers set the standard in how you treat people, and how you defend whats’ right even if you’re not accepted as a whole in society. Dare I say that the lives of the Ninja Turtles are reflective of some people in todays society? Cause to be a Turtle is to work for the whole of society but to never be seen as a true member. The Turtles didn’t care, they were just being Turtles, and Man I loved them being Turtles! They’re not the only one going through it if we think about it ,are they? Great story? Hell yea! At the end of the day I could get mad at changes, but I will be loyal (they taught us true fans that) and love them for who they were and not who they’re about to become. If you do your worst Michael Bay, its not gonna change anything. As Master Splinter would say,” A ninja is always loyal to his brothers!” Cowabunga Dude!
