Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem aims to reimagine the entire franchise. TMNT has existed in numerous forms since its inception including indie comics, assorted family-friendly animated series, and multiple live-action movies. Each incarnation was a subtle tweaking of the original formula. The latest animated movie, Mutant Mayhem, enters the fray with greater ambitions.
How’s the story?
Tiny spoilers ahead. The movie opens with the backstory of “ooze” and the ramifications resulting in its unintended spread as well as alluding to potential antagonists. We’re then quickly introduced via a 15 year time jump to the TMNT at a stage that preceded their future heroics. They’re just basically wacky teenagers hungry for adventure, and more importantly, acceptance by humanity. But for now, as instructed by their “Dad”, Splinter, they must remain in the shadow. That is until fate intervenes. An off target throw of one of the TMNT’s ninja stars ends up lodged in April O’Neil’s helmet. As she screamed from street level at the Turtles on the roof top, her scooter was stolen. Leonardo decided to take action to retrieve it for her. The TMNT tracked the thief to a sketchy garage and emerged victorious after battling with a crew of thugs–a milestone given it was the first time they’d actually had to use their Ninja training in real combat. Their heroic journey had officially begun.
What really drove the narrative was the palpable youthful energy. The banter felt unforced coupled with a funky soundtrack that set a New York City vibe. Also, the origin story of several notable mutants had been revised from pure villains to misguided participants. In effect, they were seeking a community and ended up following a bad influence. Even Splinter’s humble beginnings strayed from past iterations. He is just an ooze-altered rat.
How were the special effect?
I loved how the visuals were exquisitely raw, gritty, and imperfect as though a graffiti artist’s freshly drawn sketches had come to life. Vehicles were misshapen as were buildings and assorted structures. In a way, it represented the embodiment of the TMNT world.
The movie has a PG rating. Can I take my kids?
Definitely. Mutant Mayhem offers up a fresh new take that’s fun and exciting yet relatively tame in terms of violence.
Are there any ideal moments for Bathroom Breaks?
The film offers up a quick-paced story with few lulls. But if you must answer nature’s call, perhaps consider heading for the theater exit when the turtles first go to April’s high school.
Final thoughts
I have been a TMNT fan for too long to mention. I particularly enjoyed their last run as an animated series (2012 to 2017) on Nickelodeon. The VoiceOver cast was phenomenal and the stories were compelling. In fact, my kids were first introduced to the TMNT world via this show which ultimately resulted in numerous toy purchases over the years. I had no idea what to expect with Mutant Mayhem. I am elated to report that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem marks the successful beginning of a new generation’s journey. The torch has been passed. Cowabunga!
Overall Grade: B+
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Pros: Off-beat, eye-popping visuals. Raw, contagious, teenage energy.
Cons: The character of Splinter felt underdeveloped.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem official Movie Trailer
The cast includes Nicolas Cantu (Leonardo), Sharon Brown Jr. (Mikey), Micah Abbey (Donnie), Brady Noon (Raph), Jackie Chan (Splinter), Ayo Edebiri (April), Ice Cube (Superfly), Seth Rogen (Bebop), John Cena (Rocksteady), Paul Rudd (Mondo Gecko), Rose Byrne (Leatherhead), Post Malone (Ray Fillet), Hannibal Buress (Genghis Frog), Natasia Demetriou (Wing Nut), Maya Rudolph (Cynthia Utrom), and Giancarlo Esposito (Baxter Stockman)!
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