Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an edgier live-action take on the legendary talking reptiles who emerge from the New York sewers to defend the city. The sometimes-explosive violence includes a lot of martial arts fighting, a flashback to a devastating fire, Turtles being tortured, and near deaths; in other words, it's too intense for younger fans of Turtle toys/merchandise, though it should be OK for tweens and up. And while this Michael Bay/Nickelodeon co-production doesn't have a lot of strong language (just insults like "stupid" and "idiot"), there are several references to April O'Neil's (Megan Fox) sexy body (she's called a "hot chick," one Turtle jokes that his "shell is tightening" around her, and her butt is stared at leeringly). The Turtles care about teamwork and brotherhood, and they work hard to defend the city against Shredder.
Sexual
Content
Although there's no sexual contact in the movie, April's character is frequently ogled and sexualized. Michelangelo says she's so hot that his shell is tightening, an obvious reference to arousal, and he continues to reference his "dibs" on her and how she's a "hot chick," etc. Vern can't help but flirt and come on to her, and he even spends time staring at her butt during a life-and-death situation. Michelangelo and Raphael climb a huge Victoria's Secret billboard; to avoid being seen, they attach themselves to the billboard right over the model's bra and kind of hang on, one turtle on each breast -- they giggle at each other.
Violence
There's a flashback to a fire that kills a scientist and nearly kills the Turtles and Splinter. The battles between Shredder and his goons and the Turtles and Splinter leave people injured and possibly unconscious but not necessarily dead. Explosions, etc. Three of the Turtles are tortured and bleed out until rescue arrives. A few scenes make it seem like the Turtles, April, or her friend Vern will be killed. A deadly toxin is nearly released into the city. The Foot clan is much more militant and evil looking than the ninja assassin/robot creatures they were in earlier versions.
Language
Insults like "idiot," "jackass," "stupid," "shut up," etc.
Social
Behavior
Teamwork and brotherhood are paramount to the story of the Turtles, who love and protect one another even though they don't always agree and occasionally fight.
Consumerism
Featured brands include Skype, YouTube, Pizza Hut, Orange Crush, Victoria's Secret, Dunkin' Donuts, Toshiba, and Ford. There's also a huge Nickelodeon merchandise campaign to tie in the Turtles with toys, video games, home decor, apparel, and books. Celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak is also featured early in the film.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Adults are briefly shown drinking at a dinner gala.
