This is an exciting time for me although some might not understand my attachment to ninja karate turtles that came from nuclear slime in the sewers. When my boys were young they had the Nintendo Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle video game, We (yes I said we) watch the cartoons, watched the movie and I even took my boys to the San Diego Sports Arena to see the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live! I found out that the Turtles could also play guitar.
You see I taught both of my boys some karate as they were growing up so having the Turtles as role models seemed to fit. And that Master Splinter always had sage wisdom. Here is on of the trailers of the new movie.
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The thing I remember is the Turtles were cool and teenagers – they had to learn to go along with the program and take direction by Master Splinter. Master Splinter was a wise sewer rat that had seen lots of stuff and was an ideal mentor for the Turtles.
To this day I still don’t see why the Turtles wore masks except they looked cool. It was not as if they would not be recognized in public without the masks. My boys had the Turtle toys and were interested in how to do the various kicks, punches and in martial arts weapons. Rather than having to make them learn drills – they wanted to learn.
Although my boys realized that the Turtles were not real – they did teach solid lessons in life. You did not see the turtles later misusing the trust like so many real life teenagers that grow up and thereby throwing all of the lessons learned into question.
And during the concert at the Sports Arena – the drummer Turtle – I forget which one – even did a flying flip off of the stage – so my boys could suspend disbelief for a bit longer. I think I’m going to text both of my sons and see if one of them want to go to the movie with me. Who knows – maybe I’ll get lucky.
Remember Raphael from Master Splinter:
You will listen now. My Master Yoshi’s first rule was “Possess the right thinking.” Only then can one recieve the gifts of strength, knowledge, and peace. I have tried to channel your anger, Raphael, but more remains. Anger clouds the mind. Turned inward it is an unconquerable enemy. You are unique among your brothers, for you choose to face this enemy alone. But as you face it, do not forget them, and do not forget me. I am here, my son.