Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem – From Sewers to Heroes … Its Turtle POWER!!!

The delight of this world is how we are amazed.  Within many aspects of the unknown, that trigger is set through experiences of our own.  In film, when we come to find that delight, it will simply be unforgettable.  In this review, I look at the latest iteration of an iconic IP.  Taking a dive into animation, this new origin tale provides freshness within the familiar.  Within a new spin, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a whimsical journey that showcases what it means to be … yourself. 

The story follows four turtle brothers, as they seek admiration while also fighting the fear of the unknown.  With the world’s future at stake, will they be seen as heroes … or monsters.   On the surface, the outline is built off the typical hero/origin tale.  In the beginning, we come into the film through a prologue that showcases the creation of the turtles and a silhouette of their ninja skills.  This leads into the first act, which blends amazing animation, witty dialogue, and familial interactions to create an attachment to the four brothers and Master Splinter.  The grounded nature elevates the familiarity of the outline, creating whimsical moments that showcase the themes of brotherhood, adolescence, and social acceptance.  There is joy and sadness within their lives, a schism between their home and the outside world (of NYC).  Through some convenient mishaps, they encounter April O’Neil, a high school girl who is trying to solve the mystery behind Superfly.  The turtles believe this is the way to get their dream and be able to live among humans.  This leads into the second act, where the outline becomes more layered within characterized appeal.  This depth is complimented by the abstract nature (of the animation) within the dynamic moments of character interactions.  Once the turtles meet Superfly (and his crew), this begins to obscure the hero’s tale motif with moments of intrigue, growth, and fragility.  Through a series of wholesome and action moments, the turtles are thrust into a situation that becomes an unwavering crossroads of what it means … to be a hero.

The turtles come into a dire situation, which breathes brevity into the basic outline.  When push comes to shove, the brothers begin to understand the importance of their dream.  Once they face the truth of the matter, some heavy foreshadowing (throughout the film) leads to a third act that continues to build a new spin of the origin tale.  Coming into their own as heroes, we get a series of amazing animation, over-the-top action sequences and wholesome character growth.  This leads to a different spin of the hero triumph climax and the closing of this first chapter.  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a new take on a familiar origin.  If you are a fan of the property, animation, character tales or family fun, this is one of you.  I say this is worth seeing on the big screen.

Full Score – 4 out of 5 (Full Price)