August 7, 2023 · Watch the trailer
For the foreseeable future, every animated action movie is going to unjustly be compared to Sony’s two “Spiderverse” films about Marvel’s web-crawling superhero Spider-Man.
The captivating, genre-bending spectacles and major Oscar contenders have set a new standard for what quality CGI storytelling should be with an equal emphasis on narrative and visuals that pushes the whole industry forward.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” an animated reboot of the classic 1980s/1990s comic book and Saturday morning cartoon characters, released in theaters this past weekend and the “Spiderverse” influence pervades the entirely of director Jeff Rowe’s feature from the avant-garde, kinetic CGI work to the heavily pop culture infused screenplay.
“Mutant Mayhem” finds young turtles Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello wanting to interact with the human world after years of being sheltered away in the sewers beneath New York City. The group try to track down a mysterious crime syndicate led by the villainous Superfly only to be confronted by other mutants.
What first strikes audiences is a cavalcade of slightly askew visuals that gives “Mutant Mayhem” a rebellious teen vibe and comic book aesthetic that can be a bit jarring at first but grows on viewers over time to make for an engaging, fun way to be transported into the world of the film.
The result is ultimately just fine however, because far as good as the animation is, the screenplay and narrative behind the visuals just doesn’t live up to par.
Dialogue lacks a crispness, and the overall narrative feels more like a supersized TV episode rather than a full fledge film.
Paramount is pushing all its chips behind “Mutant Mayhem” with a sequel and spinoff series for its Paramount+ streaming service already greenlit and as family friendly content goes, it seems like a moderate, yet solid investment for at home audiences. This is ultimately where most, if not all, cinephiles young and old should spend their time with “Mutant Mayhem,” as the visuals aren’t quite dynamic enough to require an urgent trip to the movies.
There is a playful, improv-esque banter between the four actors playing the titular turtles – Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Shamon Brown Jr., and Micah Abbey – and this springs from the decision to have the four young actors record their lines together, which helps build chemistry within the group and accentuate the light, playful banter as natural not forced.
Jackie Chan is a perfect choice to play father figure Master Splinter, both for his martial arts background that gives the character credibility but also his soft approach and tenor that evokes the calm, caring parental presence to help balance out the wild teens around him.
There are a lot of famous voices surrounding the main cast with producer Seth Rogen and John Cena as iconic baddies Bebop and Rocksteady, both underutilized in the overall narrative.
The best supporting voice in the film – rapper/actor Ice Cube as the evil Superfly – evokes both a 70s blaxploitation and 90s hip-hop aesthetic even though Rowe leans a bit too heavily into the pop culture references at times.
As it compares to other nostalgic children’s IP based movies, “Mutant Mayhem” is far from as dynamic as something like awards season contender “Barbie” but also miles better than the overstuffed, ridiculous “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.”
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” is good enough for a streaming service but doesn’t carry enough value to audiences for a theatrical experience despite its above average visuals.
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