Movie Breakdown: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Pre-Screening Stance:

I was all about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles when I was a kid, so Mutant Mayhem is essentially my Barbie. Well, not really, but I will always have a soft spot for the movies/shows/toys/whatever. So, with that being said, I think this new film could be a lot of fun, especially with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg involved.

Post-Screening Ramble:

I ended up being really impressed by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem – it not only looks fantastic, but it’s a really funny, energetic movie that’s a blast for kids and adults alike. The plot pretty much contains the usual origin for Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Donatello (Micah Abbey), Raphael (Brady Noon), Michelangelo (Michelangelo), and Splinter (Jackie Chan) – there’s ooze, it makes it way into a sewer, it gets all over them, mutations happen. The group doesn’t face off against Shredder here though, the villain instead is Superfly (Ice Cube), who’s the leader of a wily group of mutants (hence the title). When the turtles get wind of his nefariousness via their new buddy April (Ayo Edebiri), they decide that taking him down may be a great way to get introduced to the residents of New York City, which would allow them to live regular lives.

I already mentioned that Mutant Mayhem looks great, but I just want to reiterate that here. The film shares the sort of painted style that was on display in Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, and it really gives it a vibrant, modern look. I found the writing to have that same snap to it as well – in fact I’m pretty sure this is the only post-90s TMNT-related thing that has gotten the mix of nostalgic and new elements right when it comes to the humor and dialogue. So, don’t expect to cringe or have that moment where you go “this is clearly for kids.” Nope, Mutant Mayhem is truly just an all around well made film that also happens to double as a nice nod to the heyday of TMNT.

Whether you care about the four turtles and their rat father figure or you’re just on the hunt for a good animated film, you should check out Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. It’s in theaters this Wednesday, August 2.

One Last Thought:

Between this, The Bear, and Bottoms (I’ve already seen it, you’re going to love it), 2023 seems to be Ayo Edebiri’s year. I heavily support this.