Take 61: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: TheSecret of the Ooze

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze is the sequel to the wildly popular 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film. This time, Shredder, who it turns out is very much alive after the events of the first film, plans to use the same ooze that created the TMNTs to create some new minions Minions, Tokka and Rahzar to further his war with the turtles. The Turtles are joined by a young kung-fu fighting pizza delivery boy, Keno and together, they take on Shredder and his gang who are now more dangerous than ever.

It only took me 35 years to get around to see this one and here I was, at the 35 anniversary of the film. A refresher probably would have been helpful, but let’s be honest, there isn’t much leg work that needed to be done. I only ever really saw the first when it came to theater and I don’t remember much about it aside from the fact that it was a lot of fun. This one started out no different. It was fun. I could easily see how young me would have enjoyed this. It’s campy as heck. It still felt like the 80s, in a landscape not for removed from something like The Last Dragon. The Turtles are funny and likable and the personalities of each are clearly defined. As a relic that is pre-CGI, the look of this one holds up really well. Mostly practical effects and glorified bodysuits, it still looks pretty darn good, with the exception of the necks on the of the suits, but other than that, it was easy to buy into the fantasy.

The plot itself… oh boy. Not a ton there. You can tell that the returns are diminishing . I can only imagine what #3 is going to look at if and when I get there, but it does feel like this one is there to capitalize on the success of the first.

Still, as thin as the plot was, I had fun. Paige Turco assumed the role of April O'Neil. It’s been so long, I honestly dont remember Judith Hoag's portrayal, but she was fine for the little bit she did. Ernie Reyes Jr. as Keno screamed 80s sidekick addition and I would have been all for it back then. Seeing it now I can see how forced his addition was, but again, I don’t mind. He was a little corny. The humor was corny but I chuckled more than a few times. Thenstakes never felt that grave but 35 years later, there is a certain charm.

Final thoughtz- it wasn't earth-shattering and it was far from perfect but for what it was, it was perfectly fine. Score: 7.5

Got a comment that’s practically oozing from your keyboard? Leave it in the comments. And until next time…Cowabunga!