On Aug. 2, 2023, Jeff Rowe’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” released in theaters nationwide. Helmed by producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, it grossed $167.3 million on an impressive $70 million budget, raking in a stellar 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 3.8 stars on Letterboxd. The movie follows four titular turtles, voiced by Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicholas Cantu and Brady Noon, as they discover their passion for the outside world after coming of age — though they must battle both an overprotective father and their mutant past as they attempt to fit in. Hailed by critics for its stylized animation, snappy screenplay and steadfast commitment to staying true to the franchise, “Mutant Mayhem” has proven itself to be a success for Paramount Pictures and fans alike.
From the very first seconds of the film, its distinctive look, unparalleled by any past animated project, is quick to catch the viewer’s eye.. In The New York Times’ review, Maya Phillips remarks that “[t]here’s a refreshing sense of nostalgia.” According to director Jeff Rowe, its jagged look is intended to set it apart from the crowd, featuring sketchy, claymation-like movements and character designs to resemble “concept artwork.” In an interview with Variety, Rowe stated that his artistic choices encapsulate the “imperfect and misshapen… way you draw when you’re a child or a teenager.”
Much like its art style, “Mutant Mayhem” is committed to depicting the turtles as authentically-teenaged as possible, achieved by its witty screenplay and the talent of Abbey, Brown, Cantu and Noon. Recently popular across the internet was a clip from the film of the four mutants — Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael — riffing off of each other after sneaking into a high school at night, with the actors notably improvising the entire scene on the spot. Through Rowe’s unconventional choice to allow his teenage cast to record their lines together, the film was infused by a “frenetic, palpable energy,” enough to leave a considerable amount of its scenes entirely deviating from the original script. The turtles’ brotherly, rapid-fire dialogue, coupled with the inherent youthfulness of its production, does justice to the teen-oriented source material while also aiding in the genuinity of its coming-of-age lessons.
Accompanied by the improvements of improvisation, the film is praised for its sharp, succinct script, acknowledged for being “one of the most electric depictions of actual teenagers in God knows how long” according to Houston Coley of Letterboxd. The New York Times stresses that aside from the zippy one-liners and action-packed sequences, the film does little to add “complexity to the characters” or “surprise to the plot,” and is primarily focused on moving expediently through the story. The screenplay flows how a good rollercoaster feels; glass-smooth, perfectly paced and not too long or too short. However, like a good roller coaster, it never stops to smell the flowers. This is an issue because coming-of-age themes can be heavy. The audience needs time to process the heavier information, instead of it being briefly touched on before moving on to the next scene.
Additionally, one Redditor criticized the fact that “none of the ninja turtles are differentiated,” all exhibiting interchangeable, stereotypically-teenage personalities to fit any given humorous moment. This serves as a disappointment to some looking for a multifaceted story, but will likely not be of any concern for those who prefer the franchise’s action-inclined roots. With critics still divided on the depth of the plot, “Mutant Mayhem” isolates its more thoughtful audience, but serves its adventure-loving fans well.
Although slightly lacking in profundity, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” checks off all the boxes. Tasteful, glittering humor, a distinct animation style and its dedication to the franchise’s youthful roots combine to make it an enjoyable watch, particularly for the demographic that can understand it the most: teenagers. At the very least, they can relate to the turtles’ tumultuous coming-of-age, and if this can be conveyed as a normal part of growing up, director Rowe has done his job.
“We decided we would make a teenage movie, and teenagers are rough around the edges,” Rowe remarked to Draftkings Network. “You’re figuring out who your friends are, what you like, and who you are as a person.” That’s not an easy job, and it’s certainly not any easier for the turtles. But it’s a part of growing up, and if they can do it, the film boasts, anyone can.
The combined forces of its adolescent art style, humor, and appeal make it palatable to any kid who walks into the theater, and for a movie about four turtles raised by a sewer rat fighting crime, palatable is more than enough.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” is available in theaters and streaming on Paramount+.
