Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: “Mutant Mayhem” certainly attempts to bring a fresh take to the beloved story, but it falls short when compared to the previous (10, 11 versions? Including 8 different series, 2 animated “movies” and 5 live-action films, not including several specials and appearances in other works.) adaptions. The movie's attempt to emulate the Spider-Man/Spider-Verse style is an interesting concept, but it ultimately doesn't blend well with the Ninja Turtles universe. One of the standout aspects of the film is the voice acting, which fits with the slight "stoner" vibe of the film. The actors behind the Turtles deliver their lines with enthusiasm and manage to capture the unique personalities of each character effectively. Jackie Chan and Ice Cube have the richest lines and comes across best as an ass-kicking Phil Dunphy, Mr. Miyagi, Carl Winslow hybrid, a fearful but loving father-figure "Splinter" and the latter as the mutant "Superfly."
However, the quality of the voice acting isn't completely enough to salvage some of the movie's shortcomings. One of the main issues lies in the humor. While the audience seemed to find some jokes amusing, a substantial portion of the humor failed to land effectively. As a viewer, I couldn't help but wonder what I was missing, as the laughter around me suggested that others were finding something funny that I simply did not find funny. At times, it felt as if the film was trying too hard to be humorous when it was out of "action" mode, resulting in jokes that felt forced and lacking in genuine wit. Simply saying funny things after a while just stops being funny without something to compliment or enhance what is being said. Though there were references and callbacks to previous versions of the Turtles, it felt more like an attempt to cater to nostalgic fans rather than adding depth to the story. Instead of enhancing the movie, these callbacks ended up feeling like fan service, not contributing significantly to the overall plot or character development.
The blending of the Spider-Verse style with the Ninja Turtles concepts also presented its own set of problems. While the Spider-Verse approach works for Spider-Man due to the character's current history with multiple universes, it felt slightly out of place when applied to Mutant Mayhem. At times it created an ugly looking film which at points muddled the visual narrative, making it difficult to fully engage with the story. For young children, teens, and die-hard Turtle fans, the appeal of seeing the Turtles on the big screen again may be enough to enjoy the film. However, for those looking for a fresh and captivating take on the classic story, Mutant Mayhem might leave them feeling somewhat disappointed. Additionally, the film's attempt to be ridiculous and over-the-top may entertain some viewers, but it doesn't make up for the lack of substance in the storytelling. While certain situations may elicit a chuckle, they do little to contribute to the overall enjoyment of the plot. Excellent are the original score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross which puts a heavier 1980s retro/8-bit musical sheen over the film which at times comes at odds with some of the banger throwback songs selected in the soundtrack.
Mutant Mayhem showcases some commendable voice acting and nostalgic callbacks, but it falls short in terms of storytelling and humor. The movie's attempt to mimic the Spider-Man/Spider-Verse style feels a bit forced and out of place within the Turtles universe. Fans who simply want to see the Turtles in action may find enjoyment, but those seeking a memorable cinematic experience may leave the theater slightly disappointed. This reviewer would still recommend Mutant Mayhem despite its negatives but wondered all the while why it exists after failing to game-change or outdo its predecessors.
