Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990): A comic book movie for pizza lovers
1990 • Steve Barron • 1.85:1 • Jump to Gallery ↓
Based on the popular black-and-white comic book series created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was directed by Steve Barron. The film follows four mutant turtles, trained in ninjutsu, as they confront the Foot Clan, a criminal organisation led by a masked figure, and form alliances with human allies.
A surprising hit at the time, the film looks better than you might imagine for an independently produced comic book movie. This is largely thanks to the unexpectedly realistic look of the anamorphic turtles (and rat), developed by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. This was achieved through the use of full-body suits with animatronic facial mechanisms, which made physical interaction with the environment, even the martial arts choreography, appear credible.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles also conveys the darker tone of the original comics, helped by the dark, rain-soaked New York City sets, which look straight out of a late-80s/early-90s crime movie with their alleyways and industrial spaces. It is one of the comic book films from before the digital effects era that still holds up great today.
Technical Specs:
- The Story: After their mentor is attacked and a crime wave grips New York City, four mutant turtles trained in ninjutsu emerge from the sewers to fight back against the Foot Clan and its ruthless leader, Shredder.
- Actors: Judith Hoag, Elias Koteas, Josh Pais, David Forman, Leif Tilden, Michelan Sisti, Brian Tochi, Robbie Rist, Corey Feldman, James Saito, Kevin Clash.
- Director: Steve Barron
- Year: 1990
- Cinematographer: John Fenner
- Origin: American Cinema
- Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
- Genre: Action / Comic Book Movies
