I’m not kidding when I say, I finally watched the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie today and boy oh boy was this thang good! Why did I wait so long to see this?!! I actually streamed it on Paramount Plus, since it was released while the SAG strike was still in effect. But like y’all — this was a KIDS movie! PG rating! And it ATE, seven ATE nine ten ATE! Okay!? I wasn’t even planning on writing a review for this because it feels like it’s been out for like forever now, but this new “Mutant Mayhem” movie man!! So freaking dope! Almost as good as the new Spider-Man Spider-Verse movie! Key word here: almost.
So what’s this new “Mutant Mayhem” film all about?
Well … after a lifetime of seclusion from the human world, the Turtle brothers embark on a quest to win over the affection of New Yorkers and blend in as typical teenagers. With the aid of their newfound ally, April O’Neil (played by Ayo Edebiri), they confront an enigmatic criminal organization. However, their aspirations for normalcy take a perilous turn when they find themselves entangled in a dangerous showdown against a much bigger and badder group of mutants than they had expected.
Here’s My Quick Review Of The TNMT “Mutant Mayhem” Movie
Discovering “Mutant Mayhem” — A Delayed Delight!
First of all, the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” movie leaps onto the screen with a unique, but vibrant, animation that might take a moment to grow on you! But once it does baby, it’s hard not to be fully captivated and in awe. From the moment this joint begins, the music and voiceovers are flawless — setting the tone perfectly, for what turns out to be an incredible film, sucking viewers right into the turtles’ world from the very start.
The film’s charm lies in its ability to make you chuckle while continuously tugging at your heartstrings. Especially if you’re a millennial, who grew up loving these little turtles!
But the best part, of course, is getting to see a whole new side to our favorite mutants, who just like the other teen superheroes, just want to be regular kids, and crave a sense of normalcy!
It’s seeing (and hearing) them as actual teenagers that makes this movie quite enthralling.
Millennial Nostalgia Meets Gen Z Appeal
And while the “Mutant Mayhem” movie may be based on the franchise we millennials grew up loving as kids, it was undoubtedly made with a Gen Z audience in mind. The dialogue infuses humor and modern references, along with popular Gen Z slang words, like “rizz” making it a nostalgic trip for ’90s fans, while still keeping it up to date so our kids don’t get lost in a sea of 90s hip hop.
While some of the quips and NYC lingo may feel a bit too cheesy — especially, if you’re a real New Yorker, the clever use of pop culture nods and the turtles’ sibling banter 100% makes up for it. And watching them learn how to fight like our martial arts fave, Jackie Chan, from YouTube, was delightful.
As the plot continues to unfold, the line between heroes and villains also continues to blur, echoing the universal desire for acceptance and understanding. Amidst the chaos and action-packed fight scenes, there’s an essential message about embracing one’s individuality.
But don’t let the adorable moments fool you! There’s depth here, with unexpected twists and a clever narrative that keeps you engaged until the explosive end.
Family Entertainment Redefined: “Mutant Mayhem” Thrills Without Compromise
But what’s truly commendable, aside from the film’s impressive use of music, is the film’s ability to remain family-friendly without compromising on any of the excitement. “Mutant Mayhem” is a PG-rated thrill ride that doesn’t rely on profanity or adult humor to create a compelling storyline.
Which is almost impossible to find these days.
In a nutshell, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” is a delightful, action-packed sensation that balances heart, humor, and heroism. It sets the stage for a promising sequel, leaving audiences (and moi) eager for more turtle-powered adventures.
So, if you haven’t watched one of the greatest animation films of 2023 yet — grab a box of pizza and get ready to cheer for these shell-tacular heroes on their quest for acceptance.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” is now streaming on Paramount Plus.
Rating: 5/5