"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" is a delightful plunge into the past, resonating with echoes of the iconic 1980s. The turtle's journey from the original comics, TV shows, movies, and a myriad of merchandise is well-known. Yet it's the visual flavor of this rendition that invokes nostalgia. Seamlessly blending contemporary computer graphics with spirited, hand-drawn designs, the movie evokes memories of school-time doodles, an artistic adventure with vibrant markers on the margins of notebooks.
See Also: Paradise (2023) - Movie Review
The tale, fondly remembered by many, unfurls with four endearing turtles undergoing a transformation due to a radioactive concoction. They find a mentor and guardian in Splinter, a wise rat with martial arts prowess, brilliantly voiced by Jackie Chan. Their shared culinary passion? Delectable pizza. These adolescent reptiles - Raphael, the fighter (vBrady Noon); Michelangelo, the laid-back enthusiast (Shamon Brown Jr.); Donatello, the tech-genius (Micah Abbey); and Leonardo, their determined leader (Nicolas Cantu) - all harbor dreams of integrating with the human world above. However, humanity is under siege from a new adversary, Superfly, brought to life by Ice Cube's voice. With dire intentions, he threatens to upend human civilization. To counter this menace, the turtles join forces with an aspiring journalist, April (Ayo Edebiri).
This rendition is 'Ninja Turtles 2.0', tailor-made for the digital generation. It has references from contemporary pop culture, evident these sewer-dwelling martial artists know about today's digital entertainment. They often reminisce about trending events and binge-worthy shows. It's their unscripted moments with spontaneous jokes and laughter, that encapsulate the enduring charm.
Directorially, Jeff Rowe showcases his expertise in "Mutant Mayhem”. Particularly during the adrenaline-pumping action set pieces, offering viewers joyous, organized chaos. Some of the humor, while rooted in the peculiarities of New York City life, occasionally misses its mark. Yet, the film’s self-awareness becomes one of its strengths. It cleverly jests at its own inconsistencies. It draws hearty laughter when antagonists mockingly liken the turtles to pop culture's beloved green-skinned figures.
Taking a cue from the current age of internet-driven content, "Mutant Mayhem" aligns with animated sensations. For example, "The Mitchells vs. the Machines" and the movies from the Spider-Verse universe. It revels in a digital tapestry of modern quirks, filled with memes, gifs, and the distinct lingo of the internet generation. An added feather in its cap is the masterfully curated soundtrack. With Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross at the helm, listeners have an electric fusion. There are intense rock and poignant piano melodies, with hip-hop tracks that pay homage to the essence of New York.
The voice-over cast is a veritable who's who of comedic excellence. It features the likes of Paul Rudd, Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, John Cena, and Hannibal Buress. Even Post Malone lends his voice in a delightfully unexpected avatar. While these standout characters, especially the heartwarming Splinter and the retro-vibed antagonist, Superfly, steal many scenes, they often eclipse the main quartet in terms of comedic delivery.
However, despite its merits, the movie isn't without its flaws. The storyline occasionally meanders, offering little in terms of innovative character development. Even its pivotal themes, centered around unity, acceptance, and finding one's tribe, are sometimes handled in a predictable and clichéd manner.
In its essence, "Mutant Mayhem" is a film caught in its adolescent phase. Overflowing with charm and enthusiasm, it sometimes strains to connect with the zeitgeist of the present generation. In its bid to be cool and relevant, the film might have benefited from a moment to breathe. It could have basked in its legacy, and simply savor the joy of camaraderie.
