Teenage Mutant Ninja…Terrorists?

[Source: Chicago Tribune]

Michael Bay and company have released a new poster for the upcoming “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movie’s Australian release that is…interesting.

Notice the imagery paired with the release date?  While many have been outraged by the mere thought of an exploding building and ‘September 11’ on the same poster, I am equally offended that the Ninja Turtles look like direct descendants of the Lizard in “The Amazing Spider-Man.”  Should Paramount have chosen a better image to pair with the date?  Absolutely.  Will it tank the film and keep audiences away?  I would say that damage was already done with the first trailer and subsequent TV spots.

While the image is not doing anything to help a movie that has its share of cynics, this poster is not going to help attract audiences nor will it drive movie goers away.  The overall tone, look, and the Michael Bay/Megan Fox pairing will keep the film from being a critical and financial success.  I only hope that William Fichtner and Will Arnett can elevate the film.

The poster just does not embody the essence and charisma of the pizza eating, skateboard riding, fun loving, crime fighting “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”  In fact, it makes them look like they are the potential villains jumping away from the scene of the crime rather than preparing to battle the Foot Clan or Shredder himself.  As a child of the 80’s I would love to be wrong about this movie, but I bet you a pizza and a skateboard that I am right.