Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Early Review

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have played a part in the childhoods of legions of fans since 1984. Be it toys, comic books, animated series, animated or live action films, and everything else in between, the turtles have appeared in countless forms over nearly four decades. In an age where reboots and remakes have been the norm, what better time to introduce Leonardo, Ralphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo to a new generation of masses? Offering audiences breathtaking animation and action sequences that feel like they were pulled straight out of a comic book and phenomenal voice acting from an all-star cast, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is an absolute blast to watch. What holds it back somewhat is its writing and humor. A fresh take on the turtles’ origin story, perhaps Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg were not the best choices to helm it. Trying to bring their trademark edge to the franchise, it just didn’t quite fit here while the humor didn’t always hit. That being said, a lot of audiences are sure to enjoy the humor and all the little bits and references that make the film feel fresh and current.

Mutant Mayhem follows Leonardo (Cantu), Ralphael (Noon), Donatello (Abbey), and Michelangelo (Browne Jr.) as they lived mostly sheltered lives in the sewers below New York City under the rule of their adopted father Splinter (Jackie Chan). Teens, they had aspirations of something more and that ultimately lied in the world above the surface despite their father’s hate of humans. Observing the human world from afar all their life, it’s only natural to be curious and it’s only inevitable that they pursue that fascination. The teen part of the equation, again, comes with plenty of naivety as they believed that they could be heroes and win over the hearts of the residents and be accepted for who they are, much to the chagrin of Splinter. Suffice it to say that the turtles faced an uphill battle but a recent crime wave committed by a mysterious organization led by a figure known as Superfly presented an opportunity for them to prove themselves. However, it wasn’t that simple. Joining them was April O’Neil (Ayo Edebiri), an aspiring journalist who also believed it to be an opportunity for her big break and win over her fellow high school students.

To stop Superfly, April and the turtles had to work together by combining their skills. Seeing them in their element was a blast as they were truly tested, some for the first time. Very much a coming-of-age film, they trained for it all their lives by Splinter and it was merely the first step on a path most audiences already know more or less, though one that he did not have in mind. Now nobody can deny that it has a youthful energy to it as the writers have a firm grasp on its characters, generating moments that are not only exciting but also hilarious and endearing. Giving the film a kind of edge to set it apart and make it feel current in the hopes of reintroducing the franchise to a new generation of audiences, not all the humor worked as some of that energy had to be reigned in at times while some of the bits came off as forced. With 5 credited writers, including the aforementioned Rogen and Goldberg, it may simply be another case of too many voices conflicting with each other.

Meanwhile, the messaging about accepting others and their differences was clear and most evident once the turtles were faced with an army of mutants for whom they shared a similar origin story. Unfortunately glossing over that, the story came to a climax as the two groups held conflicting views of humans as a result of their different upbringings. In a city that was already on edge, their arrival made things more complicated. While the stakes were high and ramped up in exciting fashion, the outcome was predictable though still a satisfying culmination of everything that happened leading up to that point. Putting a fresh spin on the story, Mutant Mayhem takes it in interesting directions and though they may not all work, it sets up what could be a promising sequel with a mid-credits scene teasing the arrival of a familiar foe.

In the end, the best part of Mutant Mayhem is the voice acting. The script may have highs and lows, but the performances from its all-star cast make it fun to watch. Cantu, Noon, Abbey, and Brown Jr. all deliver the right energy to really bring Leonardo, Ralphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo to life. They are young so it makes sense for them to be young. The material may resonate with certain audiences more than others but their chemistry creates the right dynamic between the turtles. In terms of its supporting cast, there are too many names to mention here. Out of them, Chan was born to play Master Splinter and Ice Cube was menacing as Superfly. Each were scene-stealers in their own right.

Overall, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a fresh animated take on the venerable Ninja Turtles franchise for a new generation whose execution may not all work but is still a blast.

still courtesy of Paramount Pictures

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.