Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated movie review

Review by Gregg Katzman

The Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half Shell joining forces is something I've wanted to see since I was around five or six years old. Back in 2015, I got my wish when DC Comics and IDW Publishing worked together to craft a crossover comic. It's no surprise that the limited series was a hit, and now a third volume is being released by writer James Tynion IV, artist Freddie E. Williams II, and colorist James Colwell. The comic is unleashing plenty of amusement, but the thought of an animated adventure staring Batman and the Ninja Turtles is extra special because, just like so many other people, it was the cartoons that made me fall in love with these heroes in the first place. Well, a Batman and TMNT animated movie is finally here, but was it worth the wait?

Thankfully, Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lived up to my expectations and then some. Sure, not all of the humor had me laughing out loud and Damian Wayne should've been a little snarkier, but man, you can really tell this movie was created by people who sincerely adore these franchises and wanted to make a movie that the fans will legitimately love. There's so much fan service sprinkled throughout the movie, like Kevin Eastman's artwork, the original Batman design, and a shot pulled straight from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles '90. Fans of the first volume of the crossover comic will recognize plenty of moments, too.

Director Jake Castorena deserves some major praise for keeping the movie entertaining throughout the whole ride. One thing I really appreciate is the fight choreography. It's legitimately impressive at times, especially during the not one but two Shredder and Batman fights. Their jaw-dropping technique is on display and the way the action is followed allows you to appreciate every strike, block, counter, and dodge. It's a total blast.

Writer Marly Halpern-Graser did an excellent job respecting Tynion's work while molding the story into something that works within the restrictions a limited runtime. Things like making all the heroes exist within the same dimension and keeping the story focused on a relatively small cast are simple yet effective changes. Yes, I would've loved to see Splinter and Casey Jones, but having a smaller group of heroes means every character has their moment to shine. Plus, Batgirl was a welcome addition. Her dynamic with Donatello was good fun and Rachel Bloom delivers lines exactly how someone should in that surreal scenario - her performance did such a good job humanizing the character. I also appreciate how expectations are sometimes subverted, like the way one foe is defeated, a gag with Commissioner Gordon, and the Clown Prince of Crime not feeling appreciated after a grand reveal.

The voice work is solid. Again, Bloom's Batgirl is one of the highlights since the delivery feels so authentic. While some performances are tried-and-true, like Troy Baker as Batman and Joker or Tara Strong as Harley Quinn, I grew to enjoy the new takes on these iconic characters' voices, like Kyle Mooney's overly enthusiastic Michelangelo. And who wouldn't love John DiMaggio dropping a cold pun as Mr. Freeze?!

I appreciate the less is more approach to the Ninja Turtles designs. Just like the '12 animated show, each mutant's personality and strengths are portrayed through small differences in their physique. It's also worth noting that the score felt like it struck a good balance between each franchise while embracing some of the creepy nature of the villains' plot.

I absolutely adored Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. You can really tell it was a passion project for everyone involved and the end result is a movie that's worth adding to your collection. And the end credits? Man, what a joy. Consider this Batman and Ninja Turtles fan very happy.

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