This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
The iconic heroes-in-a-half-shell have returned with a new and fresh rendition for a new decade. Previously, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were on the big screen in the Michael Bay-produced rebooted series, much to negative buzz. That’s not to say that’s the last time: they’ve made a big impact in Netflix’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And now, they’re back in theaters for more shell-shocking action with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.
The film follows Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Raphael (Brady Noon), Michaelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.) and Donatello (Micah Abbey) as they seek to find a way to fit into human society. After an accident with April O’Neil (Ayo Edebiri) places them in a conspiracy with Superfly’s (Ice Cube) gang, the Turtles must prove themselves to be the heroes they desire to be. In the midst of their mission also lies a secret agency willing to get their hands dirty to retrieve the mutants they call their “property”.
From a visual standpoint, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem feels both organic and dynamic in a way other renditions have not. It pulls out several visuals styles, including hip-hop/realism/sketch art, to create a neon-rich atmosphere that meshes nicely with its modern world. In addition, the film also utilizes a blend of animating on twos and ones, which actually adds a special flair for specific moments that bring out all the action. Mikros Animation, the studio behind the film’s animation, certainly deserves the acclaim for making such a colorful world for this movie in addition to Kent Seki’s informal cinematography, which makes the animation feel natural and down to earth.
In addition, Mutant Mayhem‘s extreme action was really spectacular with a nice combination of face-to-face combat and use of environment. In a way, it’s reminiscent of Turtles in Time, Shredder’s Revenge, and all the classic Ninja Turtles beat ’em ups games while also inserting some cool 3D shots by playing around with the camera. The brawling sequences throughout the movie, ranging from lowly gangs to a literal kaiju boss battle, help develop the Turtles as they slowly adjust to the human world. They’ve never been in more dangerous situations than now and these sequences build up their skills, showing how adaptive and versatile they become.
As for the main cast, they share a delightful innate chemistry that doesn’t feel as forced as other renditions. The movie presents several moments of comical ramblings from the Ninja Turtles when they face tough situations, but these don’t take away from the tonal changes the movie makes. Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Shamon Brown Jr., and Micah Abbey wonderfully fit the Turtle they play and putting them together in the same place (quite literally) makes this version of the team feel livelier than ever.
As a bonus, the additional cast of Mutant Mayhem helps elevate the already solid main cast. Ayo Edebiri’s April brings more of that teen spirit, building onto the Turtles’ nailed chemistry while having an empathetic background they can relate to. She seeks to fit in her school much like the Turtles seek to fit into human society and it was nice to see that build up. Master Splinter’s (Jackie Chan) excessive, yet caring parenting honestly feels relatable (as I’ve been in the same situation as the Turtles), but watching his own personal journey was a bit sweet.
In terms of the villains, Superfly actually feels formidable and don’t let his gangster personality fool you. There’s a sequence in the middle of the film with Superfly and the Turtles that actually got a surprise out of me as his terrifying anger completely shows out. As for his gang, it mostly ranges in quality, but Mondo Gecko (Paul Rudd) was the biggest highlight for me. His chill hippie vibes with Michaelangelo formed a surprisingly hilarious bond, even if it feels overdone near the film’s end.
Storywise, Mutant Mayhem‘s plot is simplistic to follow, but its heartfelt themes support it. Baxter Stockman (Giancarlo Esposito) desires to use his ooze to create mutants and form his own family due to his exile from the world. In doing so, it inevitably leads to the creation of the Turtles and Superfly’s gang. The two groups share the same goal: they both want to fit in and be accepted, although they pursue different means to achieve it. As the film progresses, their selfish aspirations lead them astray, and the movie emphasizes this in its climax. It’s easy to understand, but Mutant Mayhem employs all its aspects effectively to translate its themes of family and unity for its new audiences.
Though Mutant Mayhem rises to new heights, I did have some problems with some of its aspects. It loads a lot of cultural references, most of which were funny and surprising to recognize even if the movie can exaggerate them at times. Secondly, the build-up to the final battle seems a bit rushed considering how the film handled its villains by the middle of the film. On this, most members of Superfly’s gang and the secret agency, led by Cynthia Utrom (Maya Rudolph) feel somewhat one-dimensional. However, the other gang members do get their moments to shine even if the movie plays them quickly.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a charming adaptation, building on the strengths of the main cast and animation to beautifully execute Jeff Rowe and Seth Rogen’s vision of the Ninja Turtles. After taking some time to understand and comprehend everything this film has, it’s no wonder that a sequel and a series set in this universe is already in the works. Hopefully, those projects can live up to the potential Mutant Mayhem has established since this film will surely reinvigorate the franchise.
★★★★
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem releases in theaters on August 2.
