I’m sure you can tell by now that I’ve gotten back on a kick for this movie since I got in on DVD. And it’s nice to take a break from Star Wars for a while. For some reason, it actually has a lot in common with one of my favorite childhood films: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Not the stupid Michael Bay one, but the original from 1990 — which was also kinda stupid, but I love it anyway. But since we can’t have a good Ninja Turtles movie this generation, we’ll have to settle for the Merc with the Mouth instead. So here are my reasons for why Deadpool and TMNT have more in common than you’d think:
#1. Takes place in New York City
I guess that’s not that unique for a comic book film. So does the Spiderman and Avengers movies I believe. But it is a fun coincidence.
#2. Main character(s) transformed by unnatural means
Deadpool is tortured, which triggers his mutation, and the Turtles are transformed by radioactive ooze. Again, standard comic book fare, but this is an exhaustive list.
#3. Pop culture references
Deadpool talks about everything from Batman and Robin to how Liam Neeson might be a bad father in Taken, and the Turtles reference everything from Jose Canseco to Vanna White.
#4. Exists to parody other comic characters
Both Deadpool and TMNT are tongue-in-cheek parodies of famous comic book characters. Deadpool started as a send up of Deathstroke, and the Turtles were just meant to be as bizarre as possible. And yet, both actually managed to become more popular than the things they were spoofing.
#5. Not afraid of swearing
While Ninja Turtles can be still considered a kid’s movie, it actually contains a fair amount of language. Notably the word ‘damn,’ which is said at least three times. For me as a kid, this actually made it seem a tad edgy. Not that I wasn’t used to seeing it in movies, but it just didn’t seem as likely I’d see it there. It would be like hearing cursing from Winnie the Pooh.
And Deadpool is… yeah…
#6. An awesome rap song
#7. Awesome fight scenes
Sure, TMNT is a little less gruesome, but you still have to give them credit for doing some good choreography. Those giant suits can’t have been easy to move around in.
#8. More faithful to the comics than most films
Of course, there’s always going to be a few changes. But by and large, what we got from both movies is pretty close in tone, style, and story of the comics. Though TMNT was also influenced by the cartoon show,. and Deadpool has several different origins in the comics. But I’m just saying, comparatively speaking, it’s a lot closer than even The Dark Knight.
#9. Broke box office records
At the time of its release, TMNT was actually the highest grossing independent film of all time. And Deadpool is now the highest grossing R rated film of all time. Suck it, Jesus.
And lastly…
#10. Nobody wanted to make it
It’s insane, but studios were too scared of both of these properties, despite each of them spawning lucrative merchandising empires. They were sitting on a gold mine for so many years. It took Ryan Reynolds leaking the test footage to get Fox to give them the money, and even when they did, it was only $50 million. TMNT was made on a shoestring as well.
So that’s all I can think of. Let me know if you think I missed anything.
Matters of Great Pith and Moment 