The Overview: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) and TMNT 2: The Secret of the Ooze

In “The Overview,” a series of alternative film commentaries, the gang from from Overthinking It—the smartest, funniest pop culture site on the whole internet—watch and discuss their favorite movies in real time.

In honor of the upcoming release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, revisit the franchise’s first film adaptations in all their rubber-suited, animatronic glory.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

Peter Fenzel, Richard Rosenbaum, Ryan Sheely, and Matt Wrather revisit the 1990 debut of the TMNT big screen franchise. In their commentary track, the panel discusses whether this is the last film of the 80s or the first film of the 90s, analyzes the business plan underlying the Shredder’s crime syndicate, and theorizes about why the Ninja Turtles love pizza so much.

TMNT 2: The Secret of the Ooze

Think you remember the campy sequel to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ big screen debut? You’re probably only remembering the tip of the (Vanilla) iceberg. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Secret of the Ooze is a demonstrably silly movie, taking its cues far more from the cartoon series than the darker, grittier comic books, but it still remains true to the Turtles’ core values, and still provides a lot to Overthink. Panelists Peter Fenzel, Mark Lee, and Richard Rosenbaum unlock the Secret of the Ooze, and further unpack the existential puzzle hidden within.

TMNT Box Set

Save over 15% when you buy the commentary tracks for both films together.

You’ll need your own copy of each film (the theatrically-released version), and the ability to play our MP3 commentary alongside while watching it.

While you’re at it, check out all of the installments of The Overview, the commentary series that listeners have called call “So good, I don’t even need the movie to enjoy them.” (Don’t get us wrong, we recommend you play the movie too. But it was awfully nice of them to say.)