Strangely, this film is not considered to be apart of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies, which is now 35 films in total. Maybe it's due to the fact that this film features characters who aren't apart of DC Comics. Everybody knows Batman is the main character and almost the signature character of DC Comics, other than Superman who was technically created first. However, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were the creation of Mirage Studios, an independent comic book company that introduced the Ninja Turtles in 1984. I was first introduced to the Ninja Turtles in the animated series that debuted in 1987 and ran till 1991. There have been six live-action films about the Ninja Turtles. The last of which was in 2016, so people are pretty familiar with the characters. This film is designed to introduce those characters to that of Batman. However, I feel like this film, written by Marly Halpern-Graser, adapting the book by James Tynion IV and Freddie Williams II, draws on the fact that most people don't need too much of an introduction to these Ninja Turtles, so we don't get much of a backstory. They basically show up in Gotham, which is Batman's home city, and it's off to the races.
This film might not be in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies, but essentially it is. It too takes for granted that we all know who Batman is, as well as his family, including his son, Damien Wayne aka Robin and Barbara Gordon aka Batgirl. It also takes for granted that we all know the so-called Rogues Gallery, which includes villains, such as Penguin, Scarecrow, Two Face, Bane, Mr. Freeze and of course the Joker. It's an easy premise that presupposes the Rogues Gallery teaming up with the iconic villains from the Ninja Turtles cartoon and battling the heroes here. There is an a bit of twist to that battle and it's a bit fun, but nothing more engaging than that.
The majority of the fun otherwise is watching the interactions of the Ninja Turtles themselves. Unlike the characters in and around Batman, the Ninja Turtles have more fun personalities. They look like man-sized turtles that walk upright like men. Obviously, they're muscle-bound. They're big and buff. They're also well-trained in martial arts. There are four of them and each wears a different colored bandanna over their eyes. For those who remember the 1987 cartoon series, you'll know that the theme song had lyrics that described those fun personalities succintly.
Simply those lyrics go, "Leonardo leads, Donatello does machines." It continues, "Raphael is cool but rude, Michaelangelo is a party dude." Basically, Leonardo who wears a blue bandanna is the leader of the four Ninja Turtles. He gives the orders. He rallies the troops. Donatello who wears purple is a highly intelligent machinist. He can fix any piece of technology. He's also very book smart. Raphael who wears red is the one with the attitude. He's the most aggressive, a hothead who's also a bit sardonic. Michaelangelo who wears orange is more of the stereotypical, surfer dude. He's also the most child-like, the goofball who's also the most hyperactive.
Watching these Ninja Turtles bounce off Batman is entertaining. However, given the lacking in story, strong themes or character development, this film becomes a bit of a trifle that's notable because it's the first on-screen crossover of the two figures, but that's the only thing for which it will probably be noted.
Rated PG-13 for fantasy violence.
Running Time: 1 hr. and 27 mins.
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