The original TMNT movie is an all-time favourite, balancing different aspects of the turtles with a pleasingly adult vibe. It also has Sam Rockwell. Happy days.
But what of the sequel? Despite clearly remembering scenes and dialogue, I hadn’t seen The Secret of the Ooze for years prior to this latest viewing. The film held up extremely well when I was a younger SDCC. I knew things were different but I didn’t care! As an adult however I’m acutely aware of the pressures that fundamentally changed the tone between the two films. Parents railed against the violence and weaponry. Then there was the release date, only a year after the first film to capitalize on a turtles phenomenon that could peter out at any moment. I say this as I enjoy the fourth TV incarnation and the sequel in the second film series.
How could it possibly reach the lofty heights set by its predecessor? Quite simply, it can’t.
Adult eyes struggle to see past plot holes that a mutated snapping turtle could fit through. We don’t even find out what the damned secret of the ooze is! That’s not to say this one doesn’t have some good qualities; there’s just a lot more crap to deal with.
The stench of ‘by committee’ is strong here. Bring back Shredder! More mutants!
So we have Shredder, who was CRUSHED IN A GARBAGE TRUCK, back from something that clearly should have killed him. Apparently his “oops” moment with Casey Jones has had the side effect of turning him into a pantomime villain, or more accurately, cartoon Shredder. No longer kicking shell, he just stands around in the background making exasperated comments. “DER BABIES”. His helmet is also far too big.
Tatsu has been neutered too. No longer taking out his frustrations on students, holding a knive to their neck and being an all-round jerk, he now he likes to toss about showing the Turtles what he’s stealing, just for them to steal it so he can steal it back. WTF.
April has been recast and is all the worse for it. Essentially she isn’t Judith Hoag. Paige Turco is just soft. Where’s the tenacity? The spirit? There can’t be any bickering with Casey Jones, as he’s nowhere to be seen. A bit too rough for the cleaner sequel perhaps? An odd one, as he pops up again in the third film.
Tokka and Rahzar aren’t Bebop and Rocksteady, but I like them for what they are. Which is terrifying babies. The mama thing is amusing and it gives Professor Jordan Perry a shot at redemption. They work within the context of the film and that’s OK, plus they led me to look up what actual snapping turtles are like. Google ‘Alligator Snapping Turtle’ right now.
The TMNT are all over the place, with their more expressive faces and smaller shells not doing it for me visually. I guess I just love OG turtles too much. The turnaround time on new and improved suits is impressive but then you see Donatello’s face and wonder how no one noticed that it looks deformed. Seriously, it’s a mess, especially considering a large thrust of the story centers around him.
Coming back to pressures felt by this film, there’s a far bigger threat than Shredder. They can’t use their weapons! At every opportunity they’ll conspire to lose them; by throwing them into ceilings or only using them to catch pizza, or by not even taking them. Ugh. Stupid parent backlash. Neuter the ninjas why don’t you!
Ernie Reyes Jr is extremely skilled as Keeno, a young chap who just wants to help, though his mocking of a girl’s weight early on doesn’t exactly endear him. The double for Donatello on the first film, it’s great to see someone who really can fight doing his own stunts. His character’s relationship with Raphael was the perfect vehicle for actual character growth. Raph’s exasperation and guidance could have led to a real epiphany for the red masked ninja, with a new found respect for Leo’s leadership struggles alongside their rekindled love from the first film. Sadly that was either not spotted or no-one cared, so an opportunity missed.
There are some great, memorable moments, such as Donnie swaying side to side like a toy, or Mikey’s comment on how Raph seems “a little too Raph”. Then there’s the Ninja Rap! Or ten flips now! Fantastic moments, undone by clearly visible eye holes and nonsensical story decisions.
The Secret of the Ooze is not a terrible film, but it suffers from a series of problems that undermine anything good. It can’t illuminate the shadow of its predecessor and ultimately is an inferior film.
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