"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" emerges from the shadows of the Spider-Verse movies, carving its unique path with the punky, ground-level flair that sets it apart from its web-slinging counterparts. Director Jeff Rowe, known for "The Mitchells vs. The Machines," infuses this animated adventure with vibrant energy, proving that the Heroes in a Half Shell can forge their Turtleverse.
The film swiftly introduces us to Splinter (voiced by the legendary Jackie Chan) and his adopted sons: Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello. Rather than dwelling on their martial arts prowess, "Mutant Mayhem" delves into their familial bonds, especially their dynamic with Splinter as a father. The movie daringly embraces the "Teenage" aspect of the Ninja Turtles, serving up infectious, witty banter among the 15-year-old brothers. Their dialogue is not only effortlessly quotable but also laced with a delightful dark humor that caters to audiences of all ages.
Anticipating comparisons to other superhero stories, "Mutant Mayhem" places the Turtles within the context of a world filled with masked heroes. They've learned that showcasing their abilities is the quickest path to public approval. This tension between their desires and society's expectations adds a layer of maturity to the storytelling.
The heart of the film lies in Splinter's world-weary portrayal by Jackie Chan. His constant warmth and unmistakable single-dad charisma shine throughout, overshadowing the origin story's mutation details. The movie artfully portrays the family's growth and connection in the sewer-dwelling setting, setting up Splinter's justifiable distrust of humans and the ensuing conflict as the Turtles yearn for acceptance on the surface.
While the Turtles coalesce around their shared desire for human acceptance, their individual struggles take a back seat. Leonardo's journey as the team leader is touched upon, but the specifics of his transformation are somewhat underexplored. Nevertheless, each Turtle boasts a distinct personality, closely aligned with their traditional traits. Importantly, the film dials down the exaggerated aspects of their personalities, allowing them to stand as fresh, authentic characters, partly thanks to the casting of actual teenagers.
The film's art style perfectly complements its energetic narrative. The characters interact within a relatively realistic New York, highlighting the Turtles' distinctiveness. The blend of character animation's elasticity and digital cinematography's logic-based approach emphasizes the Turtles' uniqueness in society. This inventive style extends to the action sequences, where the Turtles wield their signature weapons with precision. The visual spectacle is complemented by a synth-laden score from the Oscar-winning team of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, creating a grungy, emotionally charged atmosphere.
"Mutant Mayhem" compensates for its somewhat predictable plot with its boundless energy and well-drawn characters. While it embraces its comic book roots, the film's emphasis on the everyday heroes of New York feels a bit worn. The emotional depth of the Turtles' journey eclipses the world-ending stakes presented by the mutant villain Superfly, voiced by Ice Cube. The true interest lies in whether Splinter will allow the kids to visit the arcade more frequently.
The mutant henchanimals are standout character designs, exuding a rough, sketch-like quality brought to life. Voiced by actors in co-producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's circle, including John Cena, Paul Rudd, Rose Byrne, and Hannibal Buress, these genetic monstrosities radiate charm and endearment.
As tradition dictates, the Turtles find an ally in the intrepid reporter April O'Neil, portrayed brilliantly by Ayo Edebiri. Her deadpan delivery adds a refreshing dynamic to the group as they embark on their heroic adventures.
In conclusion, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" exudes confidence, energy, and heart, marking a high point for the Turtles on the big screen. The top-notch voice acting, led by Jackie Chan's Splinter and the lovable teen Turtles, along with the outstanding Reznor and Ross score, ensure that the film isn't merely a visual spectacle. While it treads familiar superhero tropes, its enthusiastic approach always triumphs, making it a must-watch for Turtles fans and newcomers alike.
