Shellshocked

With this month’s Rojo’s Pick, we’ve decided to cover 2023’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. The titular turtles started their film career with a bang in 1990. Although a bit dated by today’s standards, it did manage to capture what makes these characters so likeable in the first place. In the years to come, however, it seemed like studios and creative heads alike forgot what made the reptiles so lovable in the first place. From 2007’s animated misfire to the lauded Michael Bay-produced films released in 2014 and 2016, the property seemed unable to catch a break. Thankfully, “Mutant Mayhem” avoids this criticism and marks its own path. Let’s find out why on Gaber’s Two Cents

How’s the Animation?

First and foremost, the animation in this film sets a precedent for how this adventure sets itself apart from the already overcrowded animated children’s film pantheon. It’s so unique in fact, that comparing it to any other style of animation, especially the likes of the Spider-Verse films, would not do the art style justice.

Colors pop, characters look as if they’ve been lifted straight from a classic TMNT comic, and New York City is depicted with a refreshing aesthetic that both resembles its real-life counterpart and stands as a unique interpretation. For instance, the opening scene involving how the tokened “ooze” find’s it’s way to the turtles beautifully exemplifies the vibrant and comic-inspired animation style.

Characters, objects, and even scenery move and hum as if they are being carefully drawn whilst watching. It’s so expressive in fact that every action interweaves harmoniously within one another. One could forget that they are watching a feature film, and not a motion comic. It’s confounding in the best way possible and provides a unique advantage that allows one to be immersed into this colorful and chaotic world.

How’s the Story?

To do justice to these characters, the story must align with their personalities and delve into the individual desires and needs of each turtle. “Mutant Mayhem” takes this challenge to heart. For instance, it introduces a refreshing twist to the familiar dynamic within the group. The leader, Leo, adheres to their father’s rules, preferring to remain in the shadows and avoid involvement with the human world above. On the other hand, Mikey, Raph, and Donny eagerly seek interaction with the world beyond their underground lair. What sets this portrayal apart is a moment where Leo finds himself compelled to report on his brothers’ escapades in the streets above. This unexpected turn injects both humor and depth into a well-worn tradition within these characters’ mythology, while underscoring their teenage personalities. After all, they are teenagers, and “Mutant Mayhem” doesn’t let us forget it.

The turtles’ father, Master Splinter, voiced by martial arts legend Jackie Chan, does an adequate job of representing the paternal worries that every parent goes through when their child finally leaves the nest. His VO is great, and also allows some excellent comedic moments. Splinter “bringing the world above to his boys” by making mannequin citizens, and a makeshift New York City within the sewers is an example of Chan’s comedic prowess in the fatherly role. Effectively turning what could have been a throwaway gag, into a humorous look into common patriarchal fears regarding one’s children.

The main antagonist within the film, a mutant named Superfly, provides the film with a substantial amount of relatability. Superfly, voiced by rapper/actor Ice Cube (who also impresses with superb VO) provides a villain whose point of view is not much different than most. Rejected for his mutant like appearance and made an outcast, Superfly’s neglect from society is the driving point of his motives.

While not the first villain to contain a similar rationale, his initial experience with humans is identical to Master Splinters. As both were exiled due solely from their physical characteristics rather than who they are as individuals. While both character’s morals and actions dealing with this trauma are markedly different, the underlying sentiment remains the same. This balance of societal banishment and the outlining trauma that it has caused is quite advanced for a children’s film. Yet, it handles it in such a way that it can be understood by children of all ages, while also resonating with adults as well. It’s poignant and quite relevant for the time, and it makes the film all the better for it.

How’s the Action?

With a TMNT movie comes paradigms that fans expect, and great action is definitely at the top of the list. Thankfully, “Mutant Mayhem” has some excellent choreography that provides the film with a frantic, no holds barred fire, that continues to burn brighter over the course of the film’s runtime. The key example being a hallway fight montage that looks as if it is inspired by Park Chan-wook’s, Oldboy. Each individual turtle demonstrates their unique fighting capabilities within this sequence, and it is a marvel to look at. When action transcends mere physical combat and contributes to character development, it elevates the film to something truly special.

If I had one complaint in this film, it would most likely be with how the turtles gained their ninja moves. Rather than gaining their skills through their father Master Splinter’s teachings, they learn ninjutsu by studying old cheesy action flicks. While the training sequence that follows is entertaining, a deviation like this could leave more hardcore TMNT fans a bit disappointed with this revision. However, this does not detract from the movie’s quality whatsoever (It is a movie about talking turtles after all).

Does it Make Cents?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a return to form for the franchise. It has heart, action, and some great comedic bits that cater to children and adults alike. While some deviations from the source material might roll the eyes of some fans, nothing is changed drastically enough to degrade from the quality. All that and more is why “Mutant Mayhem” received this particular Cent Score.

Cent Score: 4 Cents

Not a masterpiece, but as close as one can get.

Thanks for checking out this week’s Film & TV pick. Feel free to tap the thumbs-up button and leave a comment below. Don’t forget to subscribe if you want to be notified of new posts each week. Make sure to check back next week for an all-new piece. See you all next time on Gaber’s Two Cents.