In a refreshing reboot of the beloved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, "Mutant Mayhem" injects a new lease of life into the sewers and rooftops of New York City. Directed by Jeff Rowe, the film boasts an innovative animation style inspired by the groundbreaking "Spider-Verse" films, breathing new energy into the turtles' adventures.
The movie introduces us to the iconic foursome: Leonardo, the leader; Donatello, the tech-savvy turtle; Raphael, the bruiser; and Michelangelo, the comedic cut-up. They're the true, sympathetic heroes of the story, and their origin tale draws subtle threads from classics like "Phantom of the Opera" and "The Elephant Man."
The turtles, found crawling in green ooze by a radioactive rat, Splinter (voiced brilliantly by Jackie Chan), represent the outcasts yearning to fit into a society that fears and rejects them. Their plight tugs at the heartstrings, thanks to the film's impressive voice cast and refreshed take on the Turtles' backstory.
Amidst the mutants and mayhem, we encounter April O'Neill, an aspiring documentarian who takes a youthful and brash turn compared to her previous portrayals. Ayo Edebiri's charming voice performance brings humanity to the film, adding depth to the narrative's exploration of acceptance and diversity.
Underlying cultural commentary aside, "Mutant Mayhem" presents a kitchen-sink approach to the TMNT universe, showcasing a host of well-known characters. Baxter Stockman, the mad scientist, unwittingly mutates most of them, including Superfly, a mutated housefly with grand ambitions of turning all insects into powerful mutants. This twist adds a unique dynamic to the story and opens doors for the turtles to encounter a colorful rogues' gallery.
The film's setting, New York City, plays a pivotal role, providing different perspectives on Brooklyn and adding depth to the storytelling.
While "Mutant Mayhem" showcases committed performances and undeniable charm, it occasionally struggles with tonal inconsistencies, veering into familiar superhero action fare. The humor, too, ranges from adolescent quips to occasionally mean-spirited putdowns, muddling the film's overall message of tolerance.
Despite its earnest intentions, "Mutant Mayhem" can't fully escape the confines of mass-market storytelling and dated pop-culture references. Yet, it still manages to rise above the disappointments of previous TMNT adaptations, including Michael Bay's lackluster takes on the characters.
In this animated revival, "Mutant Mayhem" successfully honors the spirit of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, making it the best TMNT movie to date – though it falls short of reaching new cinematic heights.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" is a PG-rated adventure that runs for 99 minutes and is currently in theaters. On a scale of 1 to 4 stars, it earns a respectable 2 stars for its effort to revitalize the franchise and bring joy to fans, even if it doesn't fully transcend the genre's familiar trappings.