Every generation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will love Mutant Mayhem.
As a huge Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan from the 90s, I had an exciting and unforgettable childhood. The late 80s cartoon that was syndicated introduced me to Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael, the pizza-loving, crime-fighting turtles that I instantly fell in love with. I eagerly followed their adventures when they made it to the big screen in the 90s. Action figures of the turtles were everywhere, providing me with endless hours of imaginative play. My love for the Turtles never faded, and I have been excited about Mutant Mayhem since its announcement.
Synopsis
The Turtle brothers, who are isolated from the human world, embark on a mission to gain acceptance as ordinary teenagers in New York. Their ally, April O’Neil, aids them in battling a dubious criminal organization. However, they find themselves overwhelmed when they are confronted with a legion of mutated creatures.
TMNT Mutant Mayhem is visually impressive. It utilizes a perfect “imperfect” art style that sets it apart from other movies like Spider-Verse. The animation is captivating and delivers a unique experience for fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. The soundtrack enhances the action-packed scenes and heartfelt moments, making the overall viewing experience enjoyable. The storytelling and dialogue have a noticeable influence from John Hughes’s films, adding depth and relatability to the characters and their journey.
Mutant Mayhem stands out because it portrays the Turtles’ strong feelings from their perspective.
The film’s creative team did an excellent job of exploring their unique personalities and relationships. This allows the audience to connect with them on a deeper level due to their vulnerabilities. Whether you grew up with any version of the Turtles, this movie appeals to all ages with its captivating storytelling. The voice actors are in perfect sync. They bring the beloved characters to life in a way that feels authentic and faithful to their essence. Including the pre-teen/teenage aspect of the ninja turtles was a refreshing twist, adding new dimensions to their already iconic personalities.
Brady Noon as Raphael, Nicolas Cantu as Leonardo, Shamon Brown Jr. as Michaelangelo, and Micah Abbey as Donatello all delivered outstanding performances. Director Jeff Rowe had the children record all their voice sections to ensure the ensemble could play off each other, transforming the film’s tone. They brought their own lingo and chemistry, taking this movie to the next level.
The way Ice Cube portrayed Super Fly was exceptional, blending the character’s toughness and street credibility perfectly. Paul Rudd’s interpretation of Mondo Gecko was fantastic, bringing a fresh perspective to this beloved TMNT character. Jackie Chan’s portrayal of Splinter introduced a new side to the wise rat that we have never seen before, and surprisingly, it was a great success. This film lays the foundation for exciting future possibilities, with many hints cleverly scattered throughout the movie for future installments and spin-offs. Mutant Mayhem is a must-see film that honors the Turtles’ legacy while introducing an exhilarating new chapter for fans of all ages.
Verdict
I give Mutant Mayhem 5 out of 5 pizza slices. It is a shell-abration of the pizza-loving ninjas and delivers a rollercoaster of emotions, non-stop action, and humor, leaving me in stitches and cheering like a true TMNT fan. I cannot wait for more turtle-tastic adventures. Read more Reviews on Nerdtropolis and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube.
Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.