Despite plot flaws, 'Mutant Mayhem' has major 'Turtle Power'

Following a string of lackluster and forgettable live-action films, our favorite reptiles are back with something to prove in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem." Under the guidance of a brand-new team of writers and animators, this reboot is a breath of fresh air for the iconic franchise, leading to arguably its finest outing yet.

The film centers on our titular turtles, Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.), Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Raphael (Brady Noon) and Donatello (Micah Abbey).

Our heroes are eager to discover themselves and the world but are sheltered by their father figure, sensei and giant mutant rat, Splinter (Jackie Chan). With the help of their human friend, April O'Neil (Ayo Edebiri), the turtles aim to prove themselves by defeating a crime ring led by the sinister Superfly (Ice Cube).

Despite the bizarre premise and wacky cast of characters, the movie is a fun and digestible experience for fans and newcomers alike. The filmmakers had a passion and vision for the project, something that sets it apart from previous adaptations (namely the Michael Bay-produced ones).

The movie itself is a heartfelt coming-of-age story, something that had surprisingly never been explored within the franchise before — despite "teenage" literally being in the title. It's satisfying to finally see the franchise capitalize on the concept of its characters being mutants shunned from society, which naturally lends itself to exploring teenage angst and insecurities.

Opting to cast actual teenagers as the central characters instantly infuses the movie with genuine and authentic energy. The four actors have an infectious chemistry with one another, resulting in hilarious moments of improvisation that capture the essence of actual siblings bickering with each other.

The supporting cast is solid as well, with Cube emerging as a surprise voice talent, bringing levels of intensity and menace to his performance that we haven't seen from him before. Chan perfectly embodies the role of Splinter, a flawed but, ultimately, caring father. And Edebiri completely steals the show as April, delivering some of the film's funniest moments. Even Paul Rudd shines in his minor role as a skateboarding gecko.

In the film, music plays a pivotal role in setting the tone and defining its characters. The filmmakers skillfully blend East Coast hip-hop classics like "Can I Kick It?" and "No Diggity," which feel entirely authentic for a New York teen's playlist.

As great as all of these aspects of the movie are, what stands out is undoubtedly the animation. The film takes the blueprint of the "Spider-Verse" films and puts its own twist on it, rendering characters and backgrounds with raw outlines that make it seem like it was ripped straight out of a sketchbook.

This almost crude imagery not only adds to the movie's charm but also serves as a vehicle for driving home its message about the significance of looking beyond physical attributes and embracing individuals for their true selves.

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" amounts to a mostly great adventure, but it isn't without its weaknesses. The animation, performances and music collectively elevate an otherwise typical origin story, which may evoke a sense of déjà vu for most viewers, especially fans familiar with previous projects.

The movie doesn't take any interesting or unpredictable directions with its story, as it's way too similar to the structure of other coming-of-age movies. This simple, straightforward storytelling caters to a younger target audience, which will potentially alienate lifelong fans.

The movie's tendency to rely on childish humor, mainly when the turtles begin quoting TikTok and internet memes, helps to characterize our protagonists. Still, it will inevitably end up dating the movie in a couple of years.

Narratively, there’s a limit on what can be achieved with a ridiculous premise. At times, especially during the dramatic moments, it can be hard to take the movie completely seriously.

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" is far from perfect, featuring an abundance of clichés and inconsistent humor. But the breathtaking animation and pitch-perfect casting will rope in some new fans and leave long-time enthusiasts more optimistic than ever about the future of their beloved heroes.

The film is now available to stream on Paramount+.