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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
1990 93 min Hong Kong, United States of America PG 12+
★6.4
Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family
Director: Steve Barron
📖 Based on the novel
«Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles»
Trailers
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Teaser
Teaser
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Description
A quartet of humanoid turtles, trained by their mentor in ninjitsu, must learn to work together to face the menace of Shredder and the Foot Clan.
Budget:
$13.5M
US Gross:
$135.38M
Worldwide:
$201.97M
Starring
Judith Hoag
Actor
Elias Koteas
Actor
Josh Pais
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 1991
— Best Fantasy Film
Saturn Awards 1991
— Best Costume Design
Key opinion
The 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film is widely regarded as a nostalgic touchstone that successfully translates comic book characters to the screen through impressive practical effects and charm. While some critics note its dated production design and simplistic narrative, the consensus celebrates its enduring humor, character depth, and authentic tone.
| Production | The use of practical puppetry and realistic costume work creates a believable, tangible presence for the turtles that holds up better than modern CGI. | |
| Acting | Elias Koteas’s performance as Casey Jones and the human-focused character portrayals provide a grounded emotional anchor for the film. | |
| Direction | The fight choreography effectively blends old-school Chinese action influences with a family-friendly, non-violent aesthetic. | |
| Adaptation | The film succeeds as a faithful and atmospheric adaptation of the source material's origins and character dynamics. | |
| Ending | The final confrontation with Shredder is widely considered anti-climactic and rushed compared to the rest of the film. | |
| Humor | Opinions on the tone are mixed: fans appreciate the balance of dark, urban atmosphere and lighthearted comedy, while others feel the humor occasionally weakens the narrative stakes. |