tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47779464985320134512024-03-05T08:25:01.683-06:00TMNT, NOT TANTThe Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-19284284505734695982018-02-06T13:32:00.000-06:002018-02-06T14:25:19.598-06:00Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: What We Know So Far<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-trailer-is-here.html" target="_blank">It's been a verylong time since we've written anything in here</a>, mostly because there
has been nothing of interest to really talk about. The Michael Bay
movies came and went (while acknowledging that the turtles being
aliens was a very stupid idea, I like to think the initial leak had something to do with it), they weren't really anything to write
home about, and I really saw no reason to give a review to either
(CASEY JONES IS A COP, SERIOUSLY!?!).</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But now, we have a
new iteration of the Ninja Turtles coming out: Rise of the Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles. And, wow... it does not look good.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There's been a lot
of heavy criticism coming out based on the information that has been provided. The criticism rages from Raphael being the leader,
Donatello being the “cool turtle”, April being a black teenager,
and their overall design.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
First off, let's
look at their overall design; <a href="https://www.gamespot.com/articles/rise-of-the-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-character/1100-6456541/" target="_blank">it does not look good</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQcif7AFvTA2zk8aE90dqBvRrIR364Y_oc5z8uGwnkyQwkhLhJLbbe_4yCLv46CdlEQv3geFjAiO8KFmnDhbMTAklBb04UE6n_0UXrhgCHMszCPvCYIe5B3lZR3hIFkBcljvxO33EVt40/s1600/rise.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQcif7AFvTA2zk8aE90dqBvRrIR364Y_oc5z8uGwnkyQwkhLhJLbbe_4yCLv46CdlEQv3geFjAiO8KFmnDhbMTAklBb04UE6n_0UXrhgCHMszCPvCYIe5B3lZR3hIFkBcljvxO33EVt40/s400/rise.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just... that art style...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just coming from a
visual perspective, it already looks way too different. And are they
in the future? Also notice, Raphael and Mikey both have different
weapons. Was this move to make the property a little less violent,
seeing as how it's on Nickelodeon?</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then we have the Raphael and Donatello role changes. Now... it would make sense at
some point in time, Raphael would take a leadership role, even just
temporarily. Raphael has the general attitude and mannerisms of someone who would become a leader, and a true leader knows when to
lead and when to follow, which would fit Donatello's character.
However, Donatello as the “cool” turtle? Where does that leave
Mikey, seeing as how that was his main character attribute?</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then we have
probably the most controversial of the changes: April O'Neil being
changed into a black teenager.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let's get this out
of the way right now: It's always a pandering, useless gesture when
franchises change the race of a character. It's never to enhance the
story or give them another perspective; no, it's always done in the
name of “progress” so they can win those brownie points from
HuffPost readers. It usually never yields positive results.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
However, changing
April to a black person isn't really that much of a stretch, since April, in
the beginning, was a black woman.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZUiOvBnvpF-BI14c486QoYI4cZ-vIcrALwfWAu8iBGI47HT6LP6l9LK5YYgBjaedecLljqh0yTXIL-5XLfywq3UAyFgMNw9SgafuAm46aXhbh6_PqoBEH9lCSqTjT8FII20mCJNmGg-i/s1600/april.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="429" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZUiOvBnvpF-BI14c486QoYI4cZ-vIcrALwfWAu8iBGI47HT6LP6l9LK5YYgBjaedecLljqh0yTXIL-5XLfywq3UAyFgMNw9SgafuAm46aXhbh6_PqoBEH9lCSqTjT8FII20mCJNmGg-i/s400/april.png" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was either a black woman with a white father, or a Latina with a white father.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, of course,
Nickelodeon probably didn't know this at the time, so this pandering
change could be completely coincidental, but by changing her to a black person,
they're really not changing her character since at one point in time,
she was (especially since it was in her first appearance). The real
gripe I have, personally, is that she's a teenager. What,
exactly, will be her role in the dynamic? Are they just making her a
teenager just so she happens to be their age? April was their
lifeline to the world above; I can't really see what a teenager could
do to help them in their exploits. She's not a news reporter, she's
not a lab assistant, she's not... whatever she was in the CG TMNT movie; she's not even an adult with a place where the
turtles can lay low when shit goes down. She's just a kid (that
doesn't know martial arts).</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
These changes are
stupid, but I am happy that they didn't go with one direction that
some were urging Nickelodeon to go: Making the turtles vegan. <a href="https://www.peta.org/blog/nickelodeon-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-reboot-vegan-pizza/" target="_blank">PETA wrote a letter explaining why the turtles should be vegan</a>, claiming that more
and more people are becoming vegan and pizza joints in NYC are adding
vegan options to follow suit. Only thing is, the number of vegans/vegetarians in
the country is debatable: <a href="https://www.vegetariantimes.com/uncategorized/vegetarianism-in-america" target="_blank">Some say it's 8%</a>, <a href="http://www.onegreenplanet.org/news/six-percent-of-americans-identify-as-vegan/" target="_blank">some say it's 6%</a> and <a href="http://veganbits.com/vegan-demographics-2017/" target="_blank">some say it's less than 1%</a>. That's not a lot. Not to mention, a high
concentration, of course, would most likely be in New York, with popular pizza joints adding a vegan choice after being scolded for not
having a vegan choice, and folding so that they don't get further bad
Yelp reviews. Cities like New York and Chicago are generally
considered big pizza cities, and the turtles are considered pizza
lovers. And I personally think mutated turtles that spend most of their time living in the sewer would likely care very little about political topics like the Animal Agriculture industry.
Why change what's already been established to placate a very small minority that more
than likely won't even watch your show in the first place? I'm glad that at least Nickelodeon (probably) saw that.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not to mention, have
you ever actually tried vegan pizza? Spoiler alert: You're still
hungry after.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
However, there's one
silver lining in this: <a href="http://collider.com/john-cena-rise-of-the-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-nickelodeon/" target="_blank">There will be a villain voiced by John Cena</a>.
So, there's at least one good thing going on from what's been
announced.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bottom line: Will
the series be good or bad? It's too early to tell. But from what we
got so far, it doesn't look good. It seems like they're trying to
market to a small, young, left-leaning audience that might not even
have cable (let alone, watch Nickelodeon), with a nostalgic property
that they've more than likely never heard of (or really even cared about in the first place). So really, the show is targeted to
nobody. I don't know why they just didn't continue the show they had
going on before; it really wasn't all that bad. It wasn't great, but
it wasn't terrible.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you haven't
already, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tmnt.tant/" target="_blank">Like our Facebook</a> to keep up to date (now that this show has
come about, I got stuff to write about again). Also, since the whole
“turtles as aliens” angle has pretty much been squashed, the blog
is probably due for a new nickname. Give your thoughts on what that
should be.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<style type="text/css">
@page { margin: 0.79in }
p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 120% }
</style>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Also, make sure to
check out <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120828142022/http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-tant-script-reviewed.html" target="_blank">the initial leak of the original Teenage Alien Turtles script</a> that we did way back when that caused all that trouble, and get ready to cringe.</div>
The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-18588612227650518312014-03-27T19:45:00.000-05:002014-03-27T20:01:51.784-05:00The Trailer Is HereProduction for the latest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie (officially renamed <b>TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES</b>, by the way) has officially been under way for some time. And while it's supposed to be a vast improvement over <a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-tant-script-reviewed_22.html">the original script that <i>somehow</i> made its way to the Internet a couple years ago</a>, it has still proven itself to be full of all sorts of fail, like casting Megan Fox as April and the banker with a shotgun in <i>The Dark Knight</i> as Schrad... er, white Shredder.
<p>
But, after a little more than a year since the announcement that production is under way, we finally have our first look at the movie. And...
<p>
...
<p>
...
<p>
...
<p>
...
<p>
Wait for it...
<p>
...
<p>
...
<p>
...
<p>
...
<p>
It doesn't look <i>that</i> bad...
<p>
<center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nCjsWpM9zFU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>
<p>
From the first look, we can already see it has it's set of problems: subtlety has pretty much gone out the window, cookie-cutter <i>Transformers</i>-style chaos fills almost the entire scene, unnecessary lens flares, unnecessary origin change (anytime I think about combating crime, I know my first thought is <i>purposely</i> exposing reptiles to toxic waste), the fact that Megan Fox is April and so much more.
<p>
But the turtles themselves seem pretty intact. Their personalities are there (at least, Mikey's is) and they look pretty damn good. I really like the look of the "raggy" headbands; after all, they are <i>sewer mutants</i>, so it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility that their headbands would be made of torn-up recycled tshirts.
<p>
Of course, ignorant media outlets with no real insight into the franchise have to chime in. The Hollywood Reporter <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-first-691646">referred to the trailer as "what we'd expect from a regular superhero movie"</a>, and went onto say this might actually be a "good turtles movie", insinuating that one has never existed.
<p>
First off, we already have a "good turtles movie"; it was made in 1990 and it's still amazing even today. Secondly, the turtles were never "regular" superheroes in the first place, but by trying to portray them as such, most of the magic that made the turtles unique in the first place is taken away. Remember in TMNT '90 when April was about to be attacked by The Foot in the subway? It wasn't the first reveal of the turtles in the movie, but it helped play a big part of their build-up in the trailer. Remember how you felt when you saw Raphael slowly pick up the sai off the ground? It was like, "Oh shit, that's Raf! It's about to go down!" There didn't need to be mass panic and shit flying everywhere to convey the build-up. But now, that's what's there; violent flashes blasting the screen with Megan Fox's stupid face filling the frame as she tries to poorly convey an amazed and curious expression in the loudest way possible. Like I said: subtlety is out the window, and it's a damn shame.
<p>
Then again, it is being produced by Michael Bay (and producer is higher than director, in case you wanna argue that point).
<p>
Anyway, it was only about a minute and a half, and while we still have to wait (and pray) to see if things get better, that small clip still spoke volumes. While working on the awesome designs, they should have at least tried working on a closer-to-property story.
<p>
And if they still turn out to be aliens, so help me God...
<p>
What did you guys think? Did it look at all promising, or have you already tapped out and given up hope?The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-72218937921845643692013-02-21T22:31:00.000-06:002013-02-21T22:32:43.228-06:00Michael Bay: King of the TrollsEarlier today, Michael Bay released <a href="http://michaelbay.com/2013/02/21/tmnt-we-are-bringing-megan-fox-back-into-the-family/">a very small and vague statement</a>:
<p>
<i>TMNT: We Are Bringing Megan Fox Back Into The Family
<p>
Michael Bay</i>
<p>
At that moment, the Interwebz blew up with, <i>"OH EM GEE!!! MICHAEL BAY CASTEDED MEGAN FOX AS APRIL!!!"</i> And even Variety elaborated with <a href="http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118066448/">an uncited and incredibly shaky story revolving around the post</a>.
<p>
First off, this is even assuming that the production was put back online. The <a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/06/victory.html">production closed</a>; the only thing that has said otherwise was a <a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2013/01/breaking-news-tant-filming-rumor.html">small, uncited tweet</a> saying when filming was going to start. <i>Mortal Kombat</i> fans will remember that this kind of thing used to happen <a href="http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2007/03/30/mortal-kombat-3-movie-gets-a-fresh-start-christopher-lambert-rayden-and-robin-shou-liu-kang-might-return.htm">all</a> <a href="http://moviehole.net/200812785director-talks-mortal-kombat-reboot">the</a> <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/news/third-mortal-kombat-movie-filming-in-september-report-6213141">time</a>, and nothing that they described ever happened (thank God, because Threshold sucks).
<p>
But, for the sake of argument, let's say it did go back on schedule. Who's to say that he actually casted Megan Fox? Maybe he's trying to cast her, and is incredibly confident that he'll be able to get it done. And if he did cast her, what says she's gonna be April? Because she's the female lead? Since when is Michael Bay not above creating new characters that don't belong in the property? He could have made Shredder into a female; who's to say when it comes to Michael Bay?
<p>
People are reading way too much into this, and a part of me feels like that was Bay's intention. We all know Bay isn't above lying, like <a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/08/michael-bays-comment-on-leak.html">when he claimed he wasn't involved in a certain script that got leaked, when all evidence suggested otherwise</a>. This has caused me to name Bay as King of the Trolls. Not just because of his online talking habits, but also because of his career. He pulls one over on the general public, gets paid for it, and laughs his way to his next trolling opportunity.
<p>
What's sadder is that people are buying this nonsense. You post something on a website with no proof whatsoever, and people believe it without question. I guess all I'm trying to say is, I am Michael Bay, and you've all been falling for this beautifully. Honestly, where do you think I got the leaked script from? I actually almost got in trouble for that, just so you know. Thank you for giving me all the ideas I need to actually make a better TMNT story (can you say "robot augmentations"?) and ammo for any of your ridiculous criticisms when it comes out. And for the last time, WAIT FOR THE MOVIE! Trust me, you'll love it!
<p>
MichaelThe Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-30308726973190431362013-01-12T16:26:00.001-06:002013-01-12T16:33:43.707-06:00Breaking News: TANT Filming Rumor<p>Well, that lasted long. </p>
<p>According to <a href="https://twitter.com/prodweek/status/290186216417132544">a tweet from Production Weekly</a>, principal photography for TANT will start in April (the month is currently unknown). </p>
<p>While we are hesitant to believe it, we are still not ruling out the possibility. </p>
<p>We will cover any new developments.</p>
The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-68851806576721501892012-12-07T03:02:00.001-06:002012-12-07T03:15:41.932-06:00This Blog and Its FutureWhen I started this blog, it was initially a knee-jerk reaction to Michael Bay's announcement of his plans with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I wanted to make some kind of impact, but I never expected it was going to make the dent it did. And I certainly didn't expect that it would (arguably) play a part in pretty much ensuring that the production would stay in indefinite hiatus.
<p>
Then comes to pressure in figuring out what to do next. With no new news, there's really nothing else to bring to light, outside of restating and discussing the same facts over and over and over again. This blog has, surprisingly, accomplished what it set out to do. It's not only a personal victory, but a victory for anyone who loves TMNT, and for the property itself.
<p>
That's why this site will not be updated in the foreseeable future. Instead, it will stand as a passive beacon to the mess that could have been, and the potential for the future of TMNT on the big screen. And the Facebook group will stand as a collection of fans who don't want their intelligence questioned by Hollywood anymore. Soon, I will start a blog dissecting Nolan's Batman trilogy, and stating why better Batman movies can (and will) be made in the future without his assistance.
<p>
However, this site won't be closed forever. When Bay rears his ugly head back out and talks about TMNT, I will be back. But for now, rest.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-74089979843532233672012-09-16T09:02:00.001-05:002012-09-16T09:02:13.191-05:00Brave Little Toaster: Live-Action RemakeThis really has nothing to do with TMNT, as a whole. However, it does have to do with taking every single animated film imaginable, and remaking them in 3D to sell to children.<br />
<br />
Waterman Entertainment, the people behind the live-action adaptations of <i>Casper</i>, <i>Stuart Little</i> and <i>Alvin and the Chipmunks</i>, are <a href="http://screenrant.com/brave-little-toaster-live-action-remake/">planning a live-action reboot of <i>The Brave Little Toaster</i></a>.
<i>The Brave Little Toaster</i>, arguably, wasn't too much of a household name; while it garnered popularity, you'd probably still find people in their 20's who've never heard of it. So, why this movie? You might as well make a CG remake of <i>The Land Before Time</i>; at least that did well in the box office at its initial release.
Now, I'm not knocking <i>The Brave Little Toaster</i> at all, I'm just commenting on the randomness of this endeavor. That, and with the mention of "modernizing" the talking electronics in this movie, I doubt this will ever see a theatrical release. Just look at <i>The Christmas Story</i> "sequel" (sequel is in quotations because if it's made almost 30 years later, but still takes place in the same period of time as the first, then it's not a sequel; it's a waste of time). Just like that movie, it wreaks of direct-to-DVD.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-14556761499206353512012-08-31T13:55:00.002-05:002012-09-01T00:30:49.515-05:00Franchise Changes vs A Bad Script: How Profound Is The Original Material?Since the leak, Michael Bay apologists have been in full force. Of course, they do what they're expected to do; call us pathetic fanboys because we actually enjoy something while hypocritically insinuating that we have no lives. However, one thing they “understand” is that we're automatically opposed to any kind of change. After all, Michael Bay can do no wrong, so it's our fault that we don't accept it.
<br />
<br />
What a load of bullshit.
<br />
<br />
First of all, look at any adaptation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In fact, let's just look at the first movie that came out in 1990. It was an adaptation that was very faithful to the comics. However, instead of sporting the same uniform dark-red bandana, the turtles had their multi-colored bandanas that debuted in the cartoon series (that, aside from April being a news reporter, being some of the few things that were carried over from the cartoon). That change, as well as the turtles not saying things like “we turtles are not dogs without honor”, was well-accepted. On the flip side, I think it's safe to assume that most of us saw the movie when we were children, not knowing any other medium outside of the first cartoon. That movie was so unlike the cartoon, but we accepted it all the same. Yeah, we were children; but keep in mind, the story most likely went over most of our heads (for evidence, see anything that Splinter said, including the profound “death comes for us all” speech at the end of the movie). But we didn't care, because at the time, we loved it regardless.
<br />
<br />
Change is to be expected (preferably minimal change), so most of us can endure. However, when you change so much that it's pretty much unrecognizable, there's a problem.
<br />
<br />
It's easy to say, “They're just humanoid turtles who do martial arts; who cares?”
<br />
<br />
With that logic, why try to make any movie a good movie? Why not just make every movie in production as unrealistically stupid as possible? Yeah, they are humanoid turtles, but that's not all that defines their character. It matters how they were brought into this world, how they were raised, and so on. TMNT has always focused on isolation, brotherhood and forced tradition. It was also about Splinter training and raising four boys as his own, knowing they will never know or meet their parents (since they were regular turtles). Yeah, the subject is very abstract, but very profound storylines have been crafted with it. It's an insult when one of Bay's asskissers says, “It's not high art; it's just turtles hitting eachother. Who cares if their aliens or mutants?”
<br />
<br />
It matters because once you change the turtles into aliens, all of those profound qualities go out the window, and you've just demoted them down to fodder meant explain why all of the explosions are happening. The turtles deserve better. You can call us fanboys for seeing it, just like we can call you fanboys of Bay for denying it.
<br />
<br />
However, the backlash over the leak was not so much about that change, as it was about how bad the script was. The story, the setting, the script itself, the changes to the other characters; it was formulaic, badly-written crap. Even people who aren't big fans of the turtles were able to see that it was garbage after reading the script. And if you're going to write a script about turtle-aliens, at least have it be “good”. If great stories can be written about humanoid mutated turtles that practice Ninjutsu, then it could be done. We just don't want to see it; save it for a graphic novel instead.
<br />
<br />
If you're going to stick up for Michael Bay, first off, figure out that TMNT is not just some toy-cartoon from the 80's. Then, at least “read” the shit Bay's blamed for commissioning. And when he <a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/08/michael-bays-comment-on-leak.html">full-out lies about how he wasn't involved with the writing of it</a>, at least look into whether he is or not before saying, “So, when Michael Bay says he has nothing to do with it, you just blame him for lying!?” It just makes you look (even more) stupid.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-87535994076473115762012-08-30T14:23:00.000-05:002012-08-31T14:36:23.020-05:00Michael Bay's Comment On The LeakMichael Bay actually took time out of his day from being an unimaginative hack to <a href="http://www.comicbookmovie.com/news/?a=66514">comment on the leak</a>:
<br />
<br />
<i>The leaked script for Ninja Turtles that different sites continue to comment on was written well before I, or anyone at Platinum Dunes, was involved with the project.
<br />
<br />
That script saw the shredder a long time ago.
<br />
<br />
This is tired, old news -- Wait for the movie!
<br />
<br />
Michael</i>
<br />
<br />
First off, this is even more confirmation that the script is the real deal.
<br />
<br />
Secondly, <a href="http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/platinum-dunes-steers-turtles-relaunch/">Michael Bay and Platinum Dunes were announced to produce the reboot in May 2010</a>; the script was dated in January 2012. So, either the date was wrong, or Michael Bay is a liar. I'll go with the second theory.
<br />
<br />
Third, if they don't plan on working off of this draft, it still means that the same two guys who wrote the script are still working on the film. How is this progress?
<br />
<br />
"Wait for the movie!" No, Michael. We don't want to wait for the movie. Because by then, it'll have been too late.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-19773759969411604312012-08-28T23:21:00.001-05:002012-08-29T00:16:47.590-05:00Latino Review's "Exclusive" Review of the TANT ScriptToday, <a href="http://latino-review.com/2012/08/28/exclusive-bays-failed-ninja-turtles-script-review/">Latino Review posted an "exclusive" review of the scrapped TANT script</a> (the parenthesis is because the story isn't all that exclusive), and made a video summarizing the story.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><center>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="253" id="sbPlayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450"><param name="movie" value="http://www.springboardplatform.com/mediaplayer/springboard/video/ltrv001/955/540589/"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param>
<embed src="http://www.springboardplatform.com/mediaplayer/springboard/video/ltrv001/955/540589/" width="450" height="253" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent"></embed></object></center>
<br />
While I disagree with the assertion that the first half of the script was good, I do agree with the review saying that the script was crappy. And yes, LR is right; we all need to be very vocal about this. We need to send Hollywood a message that it's too late; it's too late trying to rewrite history, and it's too late trying to change people's minds.
<br />
<br />
I hope the lawyers don't get their panties in a twist and demand that you take your video down, Latino Review. Evidently, you infringe a copyright anytime you talk about something Bay/TANT-related.
<br />
<br />
And a big thank you to all of you who have been vehemently vocal after reading <a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-script-and-review-takedown-proof-of.html">what used to be on this site</a>. It makes this fight all the more worth fighting for.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-4780712706176457452012-08-28T14:31:00.002-05:002012-08-28T19:59:24.477-05:00The Script and Review Takedown: The Proof of Paramount's Embarrassment of the Terrible Reboot ConceptIf you're on this website, odds are it's because of the script leak you heard about. Perhaps you read about it online and had to see if this was real. Indeed, it was here. <i>Was</i>. Paramount was very adamant at making sure it was taken down and the fire was put out, despite the fact that once something is on the Internet, it's out there. And once it's out there, you can't stop it, no matter how hard you try.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>When I posted the script and my profane review of it, it got attention fairly quickly. In fact, I was overwhelmed by all the attention it got. I could have never guessed it would have gained this much steam; I thought maybe 10-20 would have read it at best. But in under a week, this site had gained 100,000+ visitors, and a handful of larger sites reporting on what was written on this little blog. It's not like the script wasn't being passed around; I would have assumed everyone had already read it. I guess I underestimated the situation, and it wasn't long before truly <i>everyone</i> had read it after visiting this site.
<br />
<br />
I say this because <a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/08/cease-and-desist.html">I received a cease and desist notice to take down the script</a> within a couple of days of its posting. It had received enough attention for Paramount to stand up and take notice. I complied, and I took down the script and removed it from its web space. After that, they requested that I take the review down. Now that, I initially refused to do (especially since it wasn't even part of the initial request). But once Blogger got involved and told me that they put the post as a "Draft" (allowing me to edit it and take the "infringing parts" out, etc.), I had to submit. When you look at it, people in droves have already read about it, and they will continue to read about it, so what does it matter if my review is taken down? Like I said, it's out there, and there's no stopping it.
<br />
<br />
Why did I initially refuse, you ask? Well, let's see:
<br />
<br />
First and foremost, I have my 1st Amendment right to say whatever I want, about whatever I want (look up <b>"fair use"</b>). There's no validity to what I wrote or the script I posted; for all anyone knows, it could have been a script I was writing as an elaborate hoax. In fact, their insistence that I remove the script gave the whole thing validity, and in that regard, they only have themselves to blame. This proves two things: that this was real (God help us), and that Paramount is embarrassed by this tossed-away first draft. And they should be, because if the script proved anything, it's that they've failed to hire actual "professionals". I gather it wouldn't be easy to secure funding for a script that contains the word “eyefuck” more than one time, especially a project meant for children.
<br />
<br />
Secondly, I started this blog for one reason and one reason only: to oppose the Michael Bay reboot of TMNT. And I will continue to do just that. I'm not gonna claim that he's raping my childhood; that's a ridiculous claim to make, and it insults those who've actually been victims of rape. However, Michael Bay time and time again is given the opportunity to take something people love(d), and make something great out of it, in every respect. Time and time again, he squanders this great opportunity, and decides to pander to the lowest common denominator. And I'm sick of it. As someone who looks at film very seriously (and looks at adaptations and remakes about as seriously), I find it insulting and down-right abusive in regards to his influence in Hollywood. And I, for one, am not going to take it anymore.
<br />
<br />
Just because a story revolves around an abstract concept doesn't mean you can't make a great film out of it. People will argue, “Well, he's doing what makes money.” No; what makes <i>his </i>money is special effects. In regards to the story, he's doing only what he knows how to do. He's not making a good movie; he's making SFX porn. He's not thinking outside the box; no one said a great TMNT movie (or even a great TF movie that actually revolved around the fucking robots) couldn't be made. It's just assumed that since what he did makes money, it's the only way money could be made (I think <i>The Avengers</i> proved that assumption wrong). And its assumptions like that that'll keep the same shitty movie getting made, and re-branded with the name of a pop icon.<br />
<br />
And to those saying, "Bay's not the director of this reboot! It's not his movie!" I only have this to say: he's the producer and the project is being made by his production company. He's the guy that hires the director and the writers. Bay has more influence then you think, and it's apparent in the writing. <br />
<br />
As far as I'm concerned, Bay has enough money. This mediocrity has to stop, and it's about time that Viacom got the message that they picked the wrong man (men, if you include the writers) for the job. Let Bay make a third <i>Bad Boys</i> movie or another <i>The Rock</i>. I'd support him more for his original efforts, but I will not support his "rebooting" efforts unless he actually comes out with something "good", "faithful" and "non-formulaic".The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-676921645262922872012-08-27T01:46:00.001-05:002012-08-27T01:46:16.330-05:00Cease and DesistEarlier today, I received an email from a law firm that represents Paramount Studios. It demanded that I cease and desist from hosting the screenplay on this blog. Here's the notice in full.
<br />
<br />
<i><b>To whom it may concern:
</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>This letter is being written to you on behalf of Paramount Pictures Corporation (“Paramount”). Paramount is the owner of copyright and other intellectual property rights in and to the unreleased “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” motion picture (hereinafter referred to as "TMNT"). No one is authorized to copy, reproduce, distribute, or otherwise use “TMNT” without the express written permission of Paramount.
</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Notwithstanding this, Paramount has learned that you are reproducing excerpts of the unreleased TMNT screenplay at the URL located at http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-tant-script-reviewed.html#more; and are distributing the screenplay as a .PDF file located at https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B22ZbuTtrOA3aDdpWFhUNGRacWs/view?pli=1&sle=true.
</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Paramount hereby demands that you immediately cease all distribution of the TMNT screenplay and remove the TMNT screenplay from this website and any other website where you may have reproduced and/or distributed it. Please further remove or disable the link to the .PDF file referenced above.
</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>We further demand that you immediately provide us with written confirmation that you have complied with Paramount’s demands.
</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Please contact me at [withheld] to discuss the source from which you obtained the screenplay and the scope of your distribution.
</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>This letter is not a complete statement of Paramount’s rights in connection with this matter, and nothing contained herein constitutes an express or implied waiver of any rights, remedies, or defenses of Paramount in connection with this matter, all of which are expressly reserved.
</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Very truly yours,</b></i><br />
<i><b>/s/</b></i><br />
<i><b>Dennis L. Wilson</b></i><br />
<i><b>Keats McFarland & Wilson LLP
</b></i><br />
<br />
As such, I have decided to comply and take down the script.
<br />
<br />
For those of you who have read it, this should be further confirmation that what you read is the real thing. And now, Paramount is obviously starting to take notice.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-62331991807138566362012-08-24T22:18:00.000-05:002013-01-12T22:54:31.667-06:00Peter Laird Comments On The Leaked TANT ScriptSomeone posted a comment on Peter Laird's blog, and linked him to <a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-tant-script-reviewed.html" target="_blank">the TANT script that I posted a couple of days ago</a>. This is what he had to say about it:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Someone else alerted me to the existence of this script, and I just a few minutes ago finished reading it. If it is, in fact, the actual draft that was rejected and caused the production of the next TMNT movie to be pushed back to 2014 because the script was unsatisfactory, then I think all true TMNT fans should be grateful to the new "powers that be" that they did not allow this wretched thing to go any further. It could definitely be taken as a good sign if that is the case.
<br />
<br />
It reminds me of one of the reasons I am glad to not own the property anymore... because I don't have to tear what little hair I have left out while trying to fix junk like this. -- PL</b></i>
<br />
<br />
I think I speak for everyone when I say that if the production stays closed (and is later picked up by a production firm <i>not</i> lead by Michael Bay) then we will be very grateful. Because that script wasn't at all satisfactory.
<br />
<br />
To read the script for yourself, just <a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-tant-script-reviewed.html" target="_blank">click here for my review of it</a>. The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-80256108460578862602012-08-22T21:02:00.003-05:002012-08-28T18:22:38.941-05:00The TANT Script: Reviewed [Taken Down]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DrwZ9uRD-2gKEQAv1cbTOpUceHWDKCemefWGNPr8j0iipgc-Wi186YzHaUWn4h08u2hYUrp9qwpEz36Rk4Skr-RsYckYr96548vQro829RSdUSurT-h4zGc2bR_NhAdMgROJnGbHUdu-/s1600/image_1346126035652134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DrwZ9uRD-2gKEQAv1cbTOpUceHWDKCemefWGNPr8j0iipgc-Wi186YzHaUWn4h08u2hYUrp9qwpEz36Rk4Skr-RsYckYr96548vQro829RSdUSurT-h4zGc2bR_NhAdMgROJnGbHUdu-/s400/image_1346126035652134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I know what you're thinking: "Hey, isn't there supposed to be a review of the leaked Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot script on this blog?"
<br />
<br />
You'd be right. However, <a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-script-and-review-takedown-proof-of.html">because of certain "legal" reasons</a>, the script and the review are no longer here. You missed out. And if you didn't miss out, and you're just coming back because you're a glutton for punishment, then I feel sorry for you.
<br />
<br />
If you want details on the how, the what and the why, read all about it <a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-script-and-review-takedown-proof-of.html">here. It's a tale of embarrassment, legality, and pissedoffedness about mediocrity.</a>The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-42177149394843265832012-06-15T16:07:00.000-05:002012-08-24T03:45:26.868-05:00VICTORY!It's been a long time since this blog has had any activity. Mostly because this blog was a knee-jerk reaction by a couple TMNT fans who were confused and infuriated by <a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/03/michael-bay.html">Michael Bay's insistence that the Ninja Turtles were aliens</a>. It didn't help when people behind the film insist that since the turtles are products of aliens, it could mean that they are an alien species (<a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/03/tcri.html">a concept that was greatly discussed on this blog</a>). Then, it was revealed that the official name of the project was changed to <i>"Ninja Turtles"</i>, and more and more people were getting behind the idea. It seemed like all hope was lost, until...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paramount-shuts-down-ninja-turtles-338301">Paramount shut down production of the latest reboot</a>!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>It's official! According to some sources, the date was pushed back. However, considering the other information given in the article, the production is shut down.<br />
<br />
What does this mean? Well, first and foremost, it could be just a rumor. If it's not a rumor, it means that a TMNT big screen reboot won't be happening any time soon. While some might be saddened by this, at the same time, this would be less of a reboot and more of a completely different movie all together.<br />
<br />
Despite the fact that this might be a rumor, it was someone talking about the TMNT "reboot" shutting down, and it got me excited enough to post this. With the failure of <i>Battleship</i>, the people are finally sending a message to Hollywood that we're tired of the "They're aliens!" shortcut, especially with adaptations and reboots. And that we want to see something different, while staying familiar to the source. The Ninja Turtles aren't aliens, and finally some are getting the message that if it were to be released tomorrow, it would fail.<br />
<br />
I wonder, are the Turtles aliens in the new Nickelodeon cartoon? I haven't watched because, well, I've already seen TMNT cartoons aimed at children.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-22855594107563324852012-03-24T20:26:00.002-05:002012-08-22T19:48:00.375-05:00PassionIf you pay attention to people defending Bay's words, and saying that TMNT <i>should</i> be aliens, you'll probably see a quote like this:<br />
<br />
<i>"All of you fanboys aren't seeing the big picture: maybe Bay changed the back stories because he has no real passion for the original and wanted to make it his own so it could be the best it could be!"</i><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
First of all, supposedly the production team of any adaptation are all fans of the material they're adapting. If the above quote was true, it would prove that directors and producers are horrible liars (which, they probably are). But even so, why would you want to adapt something to the screen that you're not a fan of? Of course the easy answer is, "For money", but TMNT is a little specific of a choice, mostly because it hasn't made any sort of money in a few years (which was probably pennies when measured against its past success).<br />
<br />
If you're going to bank on nostalgia, why change anything? Point to five good movies where a drastic change in what the original property was, yielded a good movie specifically because of that change. You probably can't; and yet while you can't, writers, directors and producers still think it's appropriate to change stuff, arguing with the logical fallacy that a version taken strictly from the source would not turn out as good as it could.<br />
<br />
It also enforces that horrible stereotype that if you have any kind of passion in something fictional, that you're automatically a basement dwelling fanboy. "Why do you care if they change anything? Are you a nerd?" You know, the members of the Wu-Tang Clan are huge comic book fans; do they look like basement-dwelling fanboys? And if you thought they were, would you honestly say it to their faces?<br />
<br />
On the other side of the coin, minor change is to be expected in adaptations for various reasons. That kind of change just usually ends up being more noteworthy than actually important. However, that doesn't warrant huge change just for the sake of change, or because one person wasn't <i>passionate</i> enough.<br />
<br />
You're getting paid to make a movie; that should be passion enough to do it right.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-61043816234004702402012-03-22T21:21:00.003-05:002012-08-24T03:48:30.752-05:00"You Should Be Happy..."As a defense against the public outcry of Bay's comment, some people on the Internet have been going on a public outcry of their own. <a href="http://tmntnottant.blogspot.com/2012/03/fanboy-accusations.html">We last covered some people's misconceptions of those against T.A.N.T. as cry-baby fanboys</a>, ignorant to the hypocrisy while looking down at us just because we actually enjoy something.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>One of the arguments you'll see is, "You TMNT fans should feel <i>lucky</i> that someone even wants to make a movie out of your favorite property! This should be like your <i>dream come true</i>!"<br />
<br />
First of all, really? We should be <i>lucky</i>? That's insulting not only in general, but to a property almost everyone under 50 remembers in one capacity or another. When this announcement came out, it's not like people went, "Oh yeah, I totally forgot they existed."<br />
<br />
And secondly, why should we be lucky that it's <i>Michael Bay</i> that's producing it? His history of box office grosses don't mean jack to me when his movies are terrible to begin with! After the crappy treatment he gave the <i>Transformers</i>, he shouldn't be allowed to produce or direct movie adaptations. If he wants to get this liberal with the source material, why doesn't he pull an <i>Asylum</i> approach and just make his own franchises that hint at the original?<br />
<br />
Third, again, how is a <i>Michael Bay</i>-produced movie a "dream come true"? I don't dream of my favorite franchises involved in tragic failures. Personally, my "dream coming true" involving a TMNT movie would involve an ending that looked like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtcf4chot-3xdSP5OBoezNsvl-LBiFsskXHJitDG5PnoULr9eNwk7o4zHXfP3wxHoy6y2I68cxxD3wuO402VGvuCo6j_3zUwMQEA8EEa_Nrd9vzcvQAfpBtNZfeQtyeEij9zspUbL_XiD/s1600/shredder-stabbed.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtcf4chot-3xdSP5OBoezNsvl-LBiFsskXHJitDG5PnoULr9eNwk7o4zHXfP3wxHoy6y2I68cxxD3wuO402VGvuCo6j_3zUwMQEA8EEa_Nrd9vzcvQAfpBtNZfeQtyeEij9zspUbL_XiD/s400/shredder-stabbed.jpg" width="372" /></a></div>
<br />
And since this is being made under Nickelodeon, there's really no chance of that happening.<br />
<br />
So, because we're fans, we're just expected to lap up any kind of crap they happen to throw at us? Are we forced to enjoy it because we should feel oh so fortunate? That's the attitude that Bay's starting to give off with his "chill out" comment.<br />
<br />
I do believe that as potential customers, as people expected to pay money to see this when it comes out, we have a little bit of say in what should and shouldn't be in a movie. Not full, but a little bit. And the fans need a little bit of say, or Hollywood would feel compelled to walk all over the movie-going public by just throwing whatever crap out there and expecting you to eat it up and smile (like Bay is trying to do). If I'm a paying customer, I don't want an industry I'm supposed to be supporting to treat me like an asshole.<br />
<br />
So, if I raise a concern and say, "Yeah, this doesn't seem right. I don't see why this change would be necessary, or make the franchise better," I don't want to be told in response, "CHILL OUT! SHUT UP AND WATCH THE MOVIE!"<br />
<br />
Those are not good business ethics. I know that the original fans represent a minor demographic when compared to every single person on Earth. However, there's a reason they want to bring this property to the big screen. And yes, it's money; it's money that the <i>fans</i> started paying first. And if its using a tried and true formula (especially one that's been used for more than two decades), then why try to "fix" it? Why reinvent the wheel when its original design has cashed in so many times before?<br />
<br />
Honestly, if I had the choice between seeing this movie made and nothing at all, I'd choose "nothing at all". And I think any TMNT fan, hardcore or not, would agree, despite how awesome it would be to see TMNT on the big screen again.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-75946965814482054732012-03-22T13:03:00.004-05:002012-08-22T19:47:42.109-05:00"Fanboy" AccusationsI can totally understand on the surface what this whole outburst says: it's just fanboys being fanboys. However, if you've been paying close attention, the outcry hasn't been minimal. Almost anyone who was a fan of and still remembers the turtles has been very vocal about this. Even Kevin Tancharoen, the director of the recent Mortal Kombat shorts that have largely rewritten the mythos, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/KTANCH/status/182587670831181824/photo/1">has expressed his opposition at this</a>.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Why, do you ask? Because the alien change is a change that morphs the entire property. This isn't fanboy nitpicking; complaining about colors, clothes, voices or the like. This isn't trivial change; this is a monumental change that not only changes the namesake, but changes the characters themselves. This has moved beyond basement dwellers territory, and into the public.<br />
<br />
Whether passively or aggressively, people at great numbers are against this change. However, that didn't stop show host Jimmy Kimmel from typecasting all of the people against this change into Internet wackos with no life: <br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EY9LG6yRua8" width="420"></iframe></center>
<br />
<br />
First of all, great job ripping off the Animaniacs:<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lNJ6dFwh8a4" width="420"></iframe></center>
<br />
<br />
Secondly, what makes you so much better? The fact that you had a team of writers craft a skit to riff us makes you no better. Yeah, you're on TV. So what? Most people have been on TV multiple times, and have most likely gotten more viewers than you do nightly. Conan was able to get laughs without poking fun at the audience:<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TKOkAgGY4GU" width="420"></iframe></center>
<br />
<br />
Probably shows you why he's got a better time slot. I can see how you'd say I have no life: I did create this blog just to bad mouth Bay's decision and I pointed out the Animatiacs short that you ripped off of. That doesn't mean everyone against this change is like the fat guy at the beginning. Guess what? Most people aren't. They just don't want to see TMNT devolve into crap because of change that didn't need to happen.<br />
<br />
Now personally, I'm all for <i>trivial</i> change. If you can make it work, go for it. If the namesake and the characters are still the same overall, I'm in. But a line needs to be drawn in order for it to even still be considered the same property. Otherwise, you're just better off kickstarting your own franchise. And to all you people pulling the "get a life" card: if you're spending precious time complaining about our concerns, take your own advice. Because you're no better.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-38237505864906038612012-03-22T00:35:00.003-05:002012-08-22T19:47:30.422-05:00T.C.R.I.?If you've never read the comics, huge spoilers are about to come up. If you read the comics, you'd know that the turtles were mutated by ooze that was formulated by aliens under the guise of a research laboratory. That can raise questions concerning what Michael Bay said, and what that makes the turtles.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
First of all, it asks, "If an alien compound is the thing that mutated them, wouldn't that make them aliens of some kind?" To answer this, I'd like to bring up <i>District 9</i>.<br />
<br />
In <i>District 9</i>, Wikus (the main character) is infected with an alien compound and slowly starts turning into one of the "prawns" (alien creatures). Now naturally, that would make you assume that he turned into an alien. Wrong: he <i>mutated</i> into a prawn. He was a human; he was naturally born a human. And most importantly, he's from Earth. Technically, he's a mutant that resembles their species.<br />
<br />
Now, with the turtles, it's a little different. They mutated from regular turtles into another humanoid species instead of resembling Utroms (the aliens that created the ooze). However, the concept remains fundamentally the same. While the ooze could be a compound that was formulated off of Earth by otherworldly creatures, since the ooze mutated Earth-born turtles, the mutated outcome cannot technically be considered "alien" in the extraterrestrial sense.<br />
<br />
It also asks, "Keeping the origin of the ooze in mind, could Michael Bay's summary about the turtles have been poorly worded?" While the term "alien" <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alien">could be used as a synonym for "strange"</a>, Michael Bay could have just been shortly elaborating that the turtles' (and by small extension, Splinter's) species is <i>alien</i> to life on Earth, as there are no other mutated creatures on the planet that we know of. He could have been commenting on the materials used to mutate them; as the materials were created by extraterrestrial life, so by extension, listing their species as "alien".<br />
<br />
If it weren't for Bay's record, we probably would have assumed this. However, with his treatment of Transformers, we're ready to assume that he means they will be aliens, as in, from another planet all together: one change that would completely change the TMNT universe. And that doesn't make us (fans that have been wanting and yearning for a dark, more mature portrayal of the turtles akin to the original comic book) very happy or anticipating this movie.<br />
<br />
We can only hope that it was poor wording on his part. And that he plans to make the turtles (and Splinter) Earth-born and mutated by ooze. Because this is one franchise where if you change one trait of the name, you just changed the whole damn franchise.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-70770193960770180992012-03-21T21:28:00.000-05:002012-03-21T22:49:05.204-05:00What Past TMNT Actors ThinkAccording to various sources on the Internet, but summarized in <a href="http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=37716">Comic Book Resources</a>, three past TMNT actors have opinions on this matter: two for, and one against.<br />
<br />
The people who played April O'Neill and Leonardo think it's a good idea; the actor who played Michelangelo does not, and had very vulgar choice words on the subject.<br />
<br />
However, one issue comes up when looking at these numbers: Judith Hoag (April) has been in Michael Bay's films. She's assumed to be in his employ. She admits this, but that doesn't excuse her obvious bias for professional reasons.<br />
<br />
The way I see it, it's one to one. I think other TMNT fans would agree.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-87658001095256395762012-03-20T20:47:00.000-05:002012-08-22T19:47:08.873-05:00What Peter Laird Thinks; Marketing Ploy?Peter Laird, the co-creator of the TMNT franchise, <a href="http://peterlairdstmntblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/few-musings-on-turtles-as-aliens.html">recently blogged</a> about his opinion of the matter. He sarcastically talks about how this is a "genius" notion.<br />
<br />
<i>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.</i><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
He also expresses that he no longer has any control of the property, despite the fact that he can still make the turtles look bad ass, as evidenced by his header.<br />
<br />
<i>These Turtles are from an alien race." That is Michael Bay's exact quote. Now, I suppose if you look at it sideways, with your eyes half-closed, through a glass, darkly, and from a distance in low light, you MIGHT be able to interpret "These Turtles are from an alien race" in the manner you suggest. if that IS, in fact, what Mr. Bay meant, it has to go down in history as one of THE most poorly articulated statements EVER.<br />
<br />
However, it IS remotely possible, and I still think TMNT fans really should wait until their worst fears are confirmed (or not) before getting up in arms (or not). -- PL</i><br />
<br />
Oh, they've begun going up in arms already. And I think he supports that:<br />
<br />
<i>You know, I've been kind of impressed with the volume and intensity of fan reaction to this alien idea. It makes me wonder what the reaction would have been had the producer of the upcoming "Superman" movie announced that instead of Kal-El being an alien from the planet Krypton, they would be making him a mutant created on Earth by KryptoBioGenetics, Inc..<br />
<br />
That's almost as wacky. -- PL</i><br />
<br />
You can argue that this whole thing is revitalizing interest in TMNT. But in reality, it's just reminding its fans of the property's existence. And maybe that is Michael Bay's plan; to get people talking about TMNT early before releasing it without having to spend millions of dollars in the process. Maybe he's sticking to the origins, and is just not good with words. Or, maybe he's just being straight-forward, and people are reading too much into it.<br />
<br />
And for those of you who say, "He's not directing or writing it!" Well, he's producing it, and the producer is over the writer(s) and the director.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-89558485349925335812012-03-19T21:27:00.001-05:002012-08-24T03:45:40.327-05:00The ArroganceThere are people that disagree, and think that this is blown way out of proportion. And most of them have been shown to:<br />
<ol>
<li>Not know of TMNT, or really cared about them as children.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?10389-Ninja-turtles">Belong to Bay's personal forum</a>, or are under his employ. </li>
</ol>
<a name='more'></a>I know most of you clicked that and immediately tried to register to protest Bay's direction. Notice how you can't? If you could, the server would crash from the overload of people looking to give Bay a piece of their minds about this. The Bay asskissers know it, but won't admit it publicly. Plus, they want there to be a strong opinion in favor of Bay's move, as evident by rumors that Shoot For The Edit's admin have started banning existing members who voice any opposition.<br />
<br />
You'll also notice the outright arrogance and disrespect for the core audience that's allowing him this opportunity in the first place.<br />
<br />
<i>Fans need to take a breath, and chill. They have not read the script. Our team is working closely with one of the original creators of Ninja Turtles to help expand and give a more complex back story. Relax, we are including everything that made you become fans in the first place. We are just building a richer world.</i><br />
<br />
This brings up a few issues:<br />
<ol>
<li>We need to chill? No, you need to bring this kinda shit up from the get-go, so you can craft your explosion-fest to better cater to the fans. You know, those people from whom you get your paycheck from. If you're looking at this from a strictly business perspective, then you need to have some business ethics. Especially the kind that involve <i>knowing your customers</i>, which you've proven you obviously don't. While this direction might net you a good penny or two, it's nothing compared to the fans who are comfortable with the franchise, and want to see it in its loyal entirety. It'd maybe even get your name out of the "hack" category. Instead, with the volume of the uproar, this might get your production cancelled. People are tired of your constant butchery, and TMNT was obviously the last straw.</li>
<li>This is going to bring back what made us fans in the first place? I don't remember the turtles being from an "alien" race; I remember them being mutants from Earth, though.</li>
<li>Who said the world wasn't rich to begin with? It's not about the story; it's about its execution. Obviously you haven't read the comics. Because had you, you'd see a whole world begging to be portrayed on the big screen (even if it didn't turn out family friendly).</li>
</ol>
What's also troubling is the arrogance from Bay's fans, with one saying we should be lucky that someone wants to make another movie out of our favorite property. Like he's doing us a favor. You know what? If I had the choice between this and no movie, I'd prefer no movie. And I know almost everyone else would agree. Because it wouldn't be the same property. "Mutant" is in the name; I don't remember following the Teenage Alien Ninja Turtles. It sounds like some rip-off toy you find at the dollar store.<br />
<br />
There are a ton of people who'd jump at the opportunity of making a TMNT film, especially if it was dark and took a more mature approach (like in the comics). All they'd need is some money to make it happen.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4777946498532013451.post-68108451338129988422012-03-19T20:13:00.000-05:002012-08-10T11:56:10.148-05:00Michael Bay...<br />
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xpi22w" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xpi22w_michael-bay-talks-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles_shortfilms" target="_blank">Michael Bay talks Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</a> <i>by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/stuffwelike" target="_blank">stuffwelike</a></i></center>
<br />
The video that started a dramatic Internet shit-storm now referred to as, "Turtle-gate". A shit-storm so big, <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sns-rt-michael-bay-moviesmt1thewrap36399-20120320,0,6778758.story">The Chicago Tribune</a> and <a href="http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/20/michael-bay-relax-tmnt-fans-im-building-a-richer-world/">CNN</a> have written about it. Everyone on the Internet (including myself) has protested, with a small pocket of supporters left (almost all of them found on Bay's own forum).<br />
<br />
It's no doubt that Michael Bay isn't the best director ever. He's not even tied for 27th. But still, leaving the fundamentals of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles alone might have yielded him a small amount of brownie points. However, with this one line; with this small utterance that's meant to give you a glimpse of his plans, he's shown that he plans to change almost everything about TMNT. To the point where they're unrecognizable, and possibly a totally different property all together.The Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761557738722655767noreply@blogger.com1