The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been a beloved franchise for over three decades. The latest feature-length film, “Mutant Mayhem,” takes a youthful approach to our sewer-dwelling heroes. With a talented voice cast, hilarious comedy, and stunning visuals, this movie is a must-see for fans of all ages.
In “Mutant Mayhem,” Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello yearn to explore more of New York City. However, their adoptive father and sensei, Splinter, worries about their acceptance in the world above. Voiced by Jackie Chan, Splinter brings an endearing presence to the film. The young voice cast brilliantly captures the bantering energy of the Turtles, showcasing their natural chemistry and relatability. As teenagers, they add pop-culture references to their conversations, making them even more enjoyable to watch.
A Comedic Rogues’ Gallery
While the Turtles are voiced by newer talents, the rogues’ gallery is a lineup of comedy geniuses. Actors such as Paul Rudd, Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph, and Hannibal Buress lend their voices to various mutants, adding to the humor and charm of the film. Ice Cube’s portrayal of the lead villain, Superfly, is especially entertaining. However, some characters feel like cameos, leaving the audience wanting more exploration of their unique traits. Even the Turtles themselves could have been given more room to shine.
Action-Packed and Visually Stunning
“Mutant Mayhem” packs a lot into its runtime, with the Turtles battling mutants and a sinister organization. While it may feel a bit overstuffed at times, the film remains consistently enjoyable. Director Jeff Rowe, known for his work on “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” brings an incredible father-child dynamic to the forefront, adding heart to the action-packed sequences. The movie’s art style is visually stunning, combining the bold, sketch-animation look of the Spider-Verse movies with a grungy, hand-drawn texture in the CG animation.
Thrilling Set Pieces and Nostalgic Soundtrack
The set pieces in “Mutant Mayhem” are electrifying, particularly the fight scene set to Blackstreet’s “No Diggity.” The film pays homage to the Turtle’s ’90s heyday, with a nostalgia-inducing soundtrack that enhances the viewing experience. The action sequences, accompanied by the Turtles’ signature weapons, have a crunchiness that occasionally makes the audience cringe, adding a thrilling element to the film.
An Excellent Origin Story with Exciting Potential
While “Mutant Mayhem” includes nods and gags that will delight long-time Turtle fans, it stands on its own as an excellent origin story. It introduces the characters in a way that makes viewers feel like they are meeting them for the first time. The movie leaves audiences craving more adventures with the Turtles, and the powers bestowed upon them by the mystical ooze promise an exciting future.
Release Dates and Conclusion
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” hits UK cinemas on July 31 and US cinemas on August 2. Don’t miss out on this powerful and enjoyable movie that caters to fans of all ages. For more information on upcoming movies, be sure to check out our guide to all the confirmed release dates for 2023.
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