The third in the series of movies that last appeared some 15 years ago, this time the ninja turtles are involved with an immortal seeking after some ancient artifacts, as well as trying to reform themsevles back into a team. It's about a year or so after Shredder's defeat from that second mobvie of a decade and a half ago, and the turtles have fallen apart as their leader, Leonardo, has been gone to parts far away for his own private lessons. The task upon his return is to bring the turtles back together in time to stop whatever said immortal and his henchmen may be up to.

Not too bad, all in all, this version being done in computer graphics; think mnore Shrek and less Phantom Menace level graphics. The Foot Clan is back as Ronin mercenaries, lead by the voice of Ziyi Zhang, and you should be able to pick out the voice of Patrick Stewart. But also present is the voice talents of one of the most distinctive presences in movies; Master Splinter is played, with the most accurate case of type casting ever, by a favorite character actor of mine known only as Mako. That alone got me into the theater. After that it was a pleasing enough ride of just plain matinee' fun. No big serious Oscar-contending epic, butif you want to enjoy yourself a bit then you can do worse than to see this Limburger-rated flick.

A sad addendum I wasn't aware of, given in the form of an "in memorium" at the very end of the final credits. Two names, one of which is "Mako Iwamatsu". A confirming check with IMDB gave me the news that I was unaware of (or had just missed). Mako died July of last year (2006), and it looks like this film was his last. So a belated fond farewell to Mako, always the Master Splinter of any film he's appeared in. I'll miss you much.