Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles : Mutant Mayhem Movie – Review, Analysis And Impression
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” is a delightful blend of nostalgia and modernity, capturing the essence of the beloved ninja turtles who have been entertaining audiences since the 1980s. Beyond the turtles’ enduring popularity, the film’s visual style is a captivating fusion of meticulous computer-generated animation and playful doodles, splotches of color, and imperfect lines. It’s like an artful concoction born from a free-spirited period, a set of Sharpies, and a composition notebook, echoing the exuberance of adolescence itself.
The story, which most fans are already familiar with, revolves around four endearing turtles transformed by radioactive ooze, raised underground in the New York City sewers by their martial arts master, Splinter, voiced by the iconic Jackie Chan. These pizza-loving heroes, namely the pugnacious Raphael, doofy Michelangelo, nerdy Donatello, and the ever-earnest leader Leonardo, yearn for a normal life alongside humans. However, the surface world faces its own threat in the form of another mutated creature, Superfly, voiced by Ice Cube, who seeks to conquer humanity, evoking Magneto’s ambitions from X-Men. The turtles, along with a student journalist named April, voiced by Ayo Edebiri, join forces to save the day and hopefully integrate into human society.
This incarnation of the Ninja Turtles feels tailored to the Internet Age, brimming with pop culture references that highlight the turtles’ familiarity with platforms like YouTube and Netflix, suggesting a solid Wi-Fi connection in their underground lair. They reminisce about attending an Adele concert and catching Ferris Bueller at a Brooklyn drive-in, with Donatello even waxing poetic about anime.
The heart of the movie shines through when the group comes together, engaging in extended, entertaining riffs peppered with humor and dance moves, reflecting the wholesome playfulness that has endeared the franchise to generations of fans.
The film’s zany cartoon humor finds its pinnacle in the dynamic fight scenes, where director Jeff Rowe’s frenzied angles and high-flying action capture the chaos and excitement perfectly. Some instances of bodily humor, while not always hitting the mark, provide a fitting portrayal of the quirks and challenges of New York living, complete with a memorable vomiting scene set to an ironically cheerful Natasha Bedingfield song.
What makes “Mutant Mayhem” even more enjoyable are its self-referential jokes, poking fun at its own logic and the inconsistent science behind the magical radioactive ooze. Even the villains engage in light-hearted teasing, playfully calling the green turtle siblings “Geico geckos” and “Shreks.”
The film’s far-reaching references align it with a new wave of animated films like “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” and the Spider-Verse movies, which revel in a pop culture tapestry of emojis, gifs, viral videos, and chatspeak.
The music score, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, adds another layer of excellence, featuring their signature wild, industrial rock punctuated by softer piano interludes. Additionally, the incorporation of quintessentially New York hip-hop tracks, including DMX and Blackstreet, amplifies the film’s energy and authenticity.
The casting is a standout aspect of the movie, boasting a plethora of comedic talent such as Paul Rudd, Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, John Cena, Hannibal Buress, and Post Malone. Their contributions, voicing various colorful mutants, add an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. In fact, the side characters often shine brighter than the turtles themselves, with Jackie Chan’s endearing Splinter and Ice Cube’s 1970s Blaxploitation-style funky-fresh villain, Superfly, serving as prime examples.
However, despite its numerous charms, “Mutant Mayhem” falls short in complexity of characters and predictability of the plot. The film’s messaging, centered on tolerance, good intentions, and the theme of outsiders finding their place, feels uninspired and clichéd.
In summary, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” is a film that unintentionally, finds itself in its own kind of adolescence. It exudes plenty of charm but occasionally tries too hard to be cool, funny, and relevant in the age of the internet, forgetting to simply relax, enjoy a slice of pizza, hang out with friends, and vibe.
Directors :Jeff Rowe, Kyler Spears
Writers: Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Jeff Rowe, Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit
Stars :Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Ayo Edebiri
Rating :PG
Time :1h 39m
Genres:Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
