On Set Cinema: The TMNT Farmhouse

"It's time to go back."

A pivotal quote from the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles released in 1990. It's a big moment in the movie. Our heroes find themselves refreshed & recalibrated after a major defeat, now ready to leave their farmhouse escape and return to New York City to face off against the Foot Clan. It signals the Turtle Power has returned.

Like the Turtles, I felt ready to return to the fight. After hiding out the last couple years because of the pandemic and becoming a parent, it was "time to go back." My return wasn't to New York City though, but the general TMNT community. Without comic cons, movie screenings or even the simple meeting of friends, the Turtle Powered experiences have been limited. Enter On Set Cinema - an ongoing, traveling film series that takes the cinema experience a step further with rare movie screenings of cult favorites and horror classics at their actual filming locations. On September 11, 2021 in Currie, North Carolina, On Set Cinema hosted a TMNT event, screening the original 1990 movie at the legendary farmhouse featured in the film. Not only could you watch the film at this iconic film location, but you could also camp there overnight! For me, this opportunity was the ultimate return to the Ninja Turtles community. Indeed, it was "time to go back."

Four heroes made the trek to North Carolina for the event. But instead of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello & Michelangelo, it was Zach, Jesse, Simon & me. We all came from different parts of the country, so it was pretty spectacular to not only be together, but be together at such an iconic location for us Turtles fans. The moment we arrived, we immediately hoofed it to the farmhouse for a photo. Can you really blame us? 

Rare Junk: Japanese VHS

Rare junk. It’s a beautiful thing. For collectors, discovering the holy grail of your collection is a climatic, unforgettable experience. The extensive search has ended! That prized possession you’ve always wanted and have been hunting for years is finally yours. Rejoice! But once in a blue moon, you stumble upon an uncommon object in your collecting quest. An object that’s completely new to you. Sometimes these items are so rare, it’s like discovering a completely new species. You’ve never seen anything like it. No, this isn’t the holy grail you’ve been searching for, but it’s almost better - powering a new sense of accomplishment.

Rare Junk is dedicated to those unintentional, yet completely outlandish discoveries - ultra-rare TMNT items that you’ve never seen listed on eBay or at your local toy show. No action figures, only bizarre merchandise that decades ago found its way to store shelves all across the world.

They’re weird.
They’re rare.
They’re completely awesome.

Adjust your tracking, dudes. Consumer America was a mutant paradise in the 1990s with TMNT VHS tapes reigning supreme. Before it was declared dead media, the Turtles conquered the video cassette format in every way possible. From the standard cartoon episodes to strange PSAs for the Los Angeles subway system (yes, it's a real thing), the green machines were a VHS poster child. So it’s never surprising to discover old school tapes featuring the Turtles while scouring thrift stores and flea markets. There are so many out there, and I feel like I’ve come across all of them at some point in my travels. That is, until now...

International awesome! These imported VHS tapes feature episodes from the short-lived anime series that aired in Japan. If you’ve never seen it and don’t remember the show, there’s a reason for that - it never aired in America. You can easily find it online these days, so give it a watch. It’s a twisted and outlandish take on the Turtles, such a departure from anything the franchise had (and has) done. It’s almost hard to believe that this show existed at the same time as the original, American cartoon series. That’s what makes these Japanese VHS tapes so special. Their very existence is mystical, serving as both a time capsule and portal to an alternate, mutant reality. 

And I need to point out that the packaging is 👌

Both tapes are still sealed in a thin layer of foreign plastic. I don’t have the heart to open them, and instead, will just stare at them...maybe while eating pizza - pretending I’m at a fancy art exhibit, soaking in fine Japanese works and nibbling delicacies.

Much like the Michelangelo displayed on the back of this packaging, I’m giddy. Japanese Turtle Power will do that to ya.

I could go on and on about the awesomeness of these international VHS tapes. Clearly, I need a Turtle tape intervention. I'll just leave you with this, ピザ . The word pizza in Japanese! Well, at least according to Google Translate.

Be kind and rewind, dudes.

TMNT: Out of the Shadows - Movie Review

* SPOILER-FREE *

On Sunday, May 22nd, I had the pleasure of attending the movie premiere of TMNT: Out of the Shadows, held at Madison Square Garden in NYC. With attendees ranging from A-list celebs (not me) to die-hard fans (me), the event was oozing with Turtle Power. It was a mutated carnival, with a bunch of activities, photo opps & free merch on-hand.

TMNT 2: OUT OF THE SHADOWS (Trailer Reaction)

Last night, I went out with a good friend of mine from my film school days. We chatted about social media, film & The Sewer Den. The evening was great. Once we parted ways, I trekked to the subterranean world of the NYC subway system. Normally at the hour of 10pm, the trains are still running on relatively good service. But, mine took 40 minutes to arrive. Normally, this is no biggie. But tonight was different, tonight a trailer for a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie debuted. 

When I finally arrived home, the moment came. I kept the lights dim, cranked up the volume & pressed play.

TMNT 2014 Movie Review (Mom & Dad Edition)

TMNT 2014 MOVIE REVIEW
MOM & DAD EDITION

It's been over 2 weeks since the Turtles movie hit theaters. Critical reviews were mostly negative, but the film exploded at the box office.

While recently visiting my parents, we escaped the summer heat with a trip to the cinemas. Sure, you've read reviews from critics and Turtle fans, but what about my parents? They're two people who didn't grow up with TMNT, but witnessed their son & his generation get taken over by the phenomenon.

Check out their quick, spoiler-free reviews.

The Good.
- The origin story was fresh, connecting the Turtles & April when they were both younger.
- Product placement success! The Pizza Hut pizza looked tasty & using it as a form of torture was funny.
- The prominent personalities & distinct looks of each Turtle were cool.
- The slice of pizza landing on Splinter's head was humorous & a nice homage to the first film.

The Bad.
- April looked too unscathed after nonstop action scenes.
- The lack of Casey Jones. Will Arnett did not make up for it.

The Ugly.
- The Turtles were too big and too ugly on the eyes.

Best MOM quote: "During the film, I thought to myself, 'I'm not bored!'"

The Good.
- Entertaining, fast-paced action.
- Megan Fox was surprisingly pleasant as April.
- Splinter's fighting style (with his tail). A fresh take on an old character.

The Bad.
- A worn-out plot. It was as if the filmmakers didn't have a unique script so they simply took another film's story.
- Splinter's voice. He didn't sound wise or Asian.

The Ugly.
- The Turtles. They looked best as cute toddlers, but otherwise were too battle-worn.

Best DAD quote: "What was up with Shredder in this movie? He was not the guy I know."

___________________________________________

The Parental Conclusion.

Overall, Mama & Papa Sewer Den thought TMNT was a fun summer flick. They were entertained and happy they saw the "big, ugly Turtles" on the big screen. I was hoping they would yell "cowabaunga" when the credits rolled, but I guess I'll have to wait until the sequel for that.

TMNT 2014 Movie Review

TMNT 2014 MOVIE REVIEW

Turtle Power hits theaters this weekend for the first time in 7 years. I had the opportunity to catch an early screening. My brief, spoiler-free review.

The Good.
- When the Turtles are on screen, they're very fun to watch.
- April O'Neil has a decent character arc rather than being the typical damsel in distress.
- Lots of winks & nods to the original film & tv series.
- Michelangelo steals the show.
- Megan Fox (April) & Will Arnett (Vernon) are surprisingly great.
- Call me crazy, but I liked Donatello wearing glasses. Ninja nerd alert!

The Bad.
- The overall story. Plot holes galore.
- Maybe I'm getting old, but the action is too fast. The shaky camera & jarring editing make it hard to see the Turtles getting their ninja on.
- Except for Michelangelo, the Turtles are dull. Their characters are one note & barely developed.
- Splinter & the Turtles learn ninjutsu from a book. A book?! Com'on, dude...

The Ugly.
- Shredder. Although he starts off promising, the iconic villain is nothing more than a generic bad guy. His relationship with the Turtles & Splinter is completely forced. Their legendary rivalry feels wasted.

The Conclusion.
The film isn't the best Turtles movie, but at least it is a Turtles movie. Seeing our green heroes on the big screen is a gift. This silly franchise could have easily been abandoned as their popularity waned. But, TMNT is once again a phenomenon. Every moment this success continues feels like a bonus, more Turtle Power I never thought I'd get. For a longtime fan like myself, experiencing the Turtles in theaters evokes a nostalgic joy. If you're on the fence, go see it. It's a trip to the cinemas that may not provide the perfect film, but you're guaranteed a dose of nostalgia and a slice of cowabunga.

Issue 45: Radical Reading (Comic Book Adaptations)

ISSUE 45: RADICAL READING

(COMIC BOOK ADAPTATIONS FROM THE SEWER DEN LIBRARY)

In honor of the new TMNT movie that hits theaters Friday, I wanted to pay homage to the classic films that came before it. I've discussed in detail my favorite moments from the original live action films here at The Sewer Den. Hopefully, the new movie can find a place among the 90's classics. Like every TMNT fan, I have lofty expectations. But once I see it, then what? I'll head home craving more cowabunga...

That's why my fingers are crossed for a comic book adaption. Back in the 90's, the Archie Adventure Series released an adaptation for each film in comic book form. And they were great! Fans were given an opportunity to revisit the movies without making another trek to the theater.

Before we flock to theaters this Friday, let's take a peek at the classic comic adaptations from The Sewer Den library. No ticket required.

Go Ninja, Go Ninja, Go!

Through a work event, I had the awesome opportunity to meet the king of cool, Vanilla Ice. The man is a living legend for any kid growing up in the 90's. He crafted classic hip hop jams and took the world by storm.

He also ranked number 1 on my Top 10 - A Turtle Tribute (to Secret of the Ooze).

After Ice and I tackled our work endeavor, I mustered up the guts to ask him the big question, "can I see your TMNT tattoo?" Being a super rad guy, he was eager to show off his passion for Turtle Power. After a quick hike of his pant leg, I got a glimpse of his awesome ink that paid homage to TMNT 2: Secret of the Ooze.

Like me, the man embraces his TMNT past. Although I consider myself a TMNT superfan, Vanilla Ice has me beat. He was in one of the movies and has a Turtle tattoo. I can't say the same!

Vanilla Ice, a big THANK YOU for taking the time to chat and snap a photo with me. #NinjaStrong

2014 TMNT Official Movie Trailer

After months of waiting patiently in the sewers, the official trailer for the new TMNT flick has finally arrived!

This looks like quite a departure from the Nickelodeon series. But, the original movie was also completely different from the 90's cartoon. And they happily co-existed. Let's hope history repeats itself.

August 8th - mark your calendars for cowabunga.

Issue 40: Top 10 - A Turtle Tribute (Part 3)

ISSUE 40: TOP 10 - A TURTLE TRIBUTE (PART 3) 

The third film in a franchise can be disastrous. There’s a fine line of originality and familiarity a movie must walk in order to be successful. Audiences don't want a clone of the previous films, but if producers push the plot in a completely different direction, a box office flop is very possible.

The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a colossal success. The second flick also performed well and launched its own wave of action figures. The Turtles caught lightning in a bottle not once, but twice! Could they pull off a hat trick?

TMNT 3 was met with mostly negative reception when it was released in 1993. Critics and fans didn’t dig the Turtles latest adventure - which saw the green guys travel back in time to feudal Japan. But, the Turtles were still riding their wave of popularity and enough fans flocked to theaters for the film to open #1 at the box office. But, the damage had been done. The movie didn’t rake in the same money as its predecessors. This halted development of future TMNT movies. Fans had to wait 14 years for the wounds to heal…

Decades later, is the third film really that bad? 

Issue 28: Turtle Tapes

ISSUE 28: TURTLE TAPES

Do you remember that feeling? It was just a simple push of a button, but it was the most tedious of tasks. Occasionally it was quiet, but usually the thing mimicked a fighter jet taking off in your living room.

Rewinding a VHS tape. A process that would leave the kids of today dumbfounded. It was sad ritual that wasted countless moments of your life during the 1980's to the mid 90's. If you were fancy, you had one of those high-tech tape rewinders to save some time. But if you were like me, you were spooling those VHS tapes in your struggling VCR.

Issue 25: Top 10 - A Turtle Tribute (Part 2)

ISSUE 25: TOP 10 - A TURTLE TRIBUTE (PART 2)

The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie was an instant classic and a box office success story. I've already given my Top 10 reasons why the movie is unbeatable. So when the time came to cook up a sequel, what did the Turtles come up with?

Issue 17: Top 10 - A Turtle Tribute

ISSUE 17: TOP 10 - A TURTLE TRIBUTE

It's been 25 years since the original Ninja Turtles movie hit the silver screen. The film is plenty old enough to go into a bar and order a drink.

I saw the film twice in the theaters when it was originally released. Once with my Mom and again with my grandfather, good ol' Pop Pop. My Mom was wrapped up in the Ninja-craze, so she knew what she was getting into. But, what did my grandfather think? I'll never know his true thoughts on the film, but I'll always remember he laughed when Donatello spit water in a Foot Soldier's face. One laugh from a grandfather is a success in my book.

Now aged 25 years, how does Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie hold up? Is it like a fine bourbon - absorbing more flavor and charm as it ages? I've been fortunate enough to experience the green machines on the silver screen many times since my childhood. How does it hold up? Perfect - a true cinematic gem. I mean, com'on...did you expect anything else? But, here's a Top 10: A Turtles Tribute.

10 reasons why I still love this movie. And...GO!