Aug. 1, 2023
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" brings a fresh and anarchic vibe to the classic characters, captivating audiences with its entertaining and comedic approach. By: Syahmi Zulqarnain
Story: After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.
Length: The animated film has a runtime of 1 hour and 39 mins.
Cast: The film is directed by Jeff Rowe and Kyler Spears, and written by Brendan O’Biren, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.
The film features voices of a star-studded cast, such as Ayo Edebiri as April O'Neil, John Cena as Rocksteady, Jackie Chan as Master Splinter, Seth Rogen as Bebop, Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko, and Ice Cube as Superfly, among others lending their voices to bring the characters to life.
The Turtles are voiced by Nicholas Cantu (Leonardo), Brady Noon (Raphael), Micah Abbey (Donatello), and Shamon Brown Jr. (Michelangelo).
Review: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" is an animated film that serves as an engaging origin story for the four turtle brothers - Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo.
Narrated as a flashback by the adoptive rat father Splinter, the story reveals how the Turtles, after years of isolation, encounter April O'Neil, an ambitious teen reporter. Intrigued by her mission to take down the criminal mastermind Super Fly and his army of mutants, the Turtles decide to help her. They hope that by becoming heroes, the humans in New York City might embrace them, allowing them to live normal lives.
As the alliance between the Turtles and April forms, they engage in epic action-movie-style confrontations with Super Fly and his gang. The battle features an all-star ensemble of TMNT characters and voice performers, including Leatherhead, Ray Fillet, Mondo Gecko, Wingnut, and Genghis Frog.
The film's animation style is both vibrant and deliberately rough-hewn, resonating with the rebellious and humorous nature of the Turtles. The visuals and design embrace an underground comic-book feel, adding a stylish and distinctive touch to the movie. Furthermore, the witty dialogue, characteristic of Seth Rogen's involvement as a screenwriter, consistently brings humour and entertainment to the narrative.
The youthful energy of the Turtles is amplified by the fact that the young actors voicing the characters were teenagers themselves during the time of recording. This dynamic enhances the film's charm and makes it relatable to a younger audience.
Overall, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" proves to be a compelling addition to the beloved franchise, masterfully blending action-packed sequences with themes of unity and acceptance. Whether one is a longtime fan of the TMNTs or new to their world, this animated adventure delivers an enjoyable and action-packed journey that leaves audiences eager for more turtle-powered excitement.
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