These days it seems there are two camps when it comes to new movies based on childhood obsessions: those who want them dark and serious and grown-up, and those who want them fun for all ages. And we're not talking about just moviegoers. Studios tend to pick a personality for their franchises, and stick to it.
And then there's Paramount and its Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sequel, which seems to have jumped from serious to all ages. The first movie introduced us to broody turtles, militarized bad guys, and a world that was much more straight faced than you'd expect for a movie about mutant turtles who also happen to be teenage ninjas.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows has switched up directors (Earth to Echo's Dave Green takes over), and the impact is immediately obvious in the new trailer. This looks like a live-action cartoon. It's silly but self-aware. The action is big and ridiculous, and the color palette has really opened up, taking us far away from the brooding world of the first movie. Frankly, it looks like it may be one of the most entertaining surprises of the summer.
Check it out.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows hits theaters on June 3, 2016.