IR Film Review: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES - MUTANT MAYHEM [Paramount]
The context of outsiders and the appropo approach of teenagers has always served "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" well. With "Mutant Mayhem", the newest entry that juxtaposes the intent a little differently (especially within its animation) has its best intents at heart. The animation style is more gritty, dirty and vivid in a certain way, no doubt the influence of producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg who, with "Preacher" and "The Boys" (in addition to "The Boys" animation spin-off "Diabolical") know the way to make the tone work. The trick with something like "Mutant Mayhem" is to make it cool enough but also be able to traverse the PG rating without going too far or too short. The good approach, which Rogen mentioned at CinemaCon, is to have the kids (which is important) playing the turtles be in the booth together and riff off each other. That is what undeniably comes through in the film. The awkwardness and pride and fun comes through in these characters because of that. The bigger context of the story can be reflected even back to "XMen: The Last Stand". The story mechanics are barely important because they are just building a base.
The known villains we are looking for are pretty much there, save for one but he is replaced by another in Superfly (Ice Cube). The progression,which does involve April O'Neill, does speak to the notions of acceptance but also hope. Rogen and team understand these stalwarts of story even though they are used to going more to the dark side. The strength of the film (in a lesser way but similar to "Spiderverse") is its fluidity. This is a much darker world mostly taking place in sewers and dark nights. One specific fight sequence inside a garage that introduces the turtles to O'Neill works well. The music choices are also interesting because they are more 90s plus throwbacks. It just reflects Rogen and cronies who are now approaching 55+ status which is interesting to ponder. The question becomes the new generation and what culture will become their calling card in 25 years. Even the Master in Splinter is that throwback (though Jackie Chan is of course the perfect casting). As the movie reaches its climax, the psychology of the turtles is pretty much there but is basic. It is basically "Superman" moving to "Superman II" but without the emotional notes. This is made for the younger crowd but with a sense of throwback. It is effective enough, takes creative risks in the animation and has some fun to it but does not resoundly stick with the viewer. B-
By Tim Wassberg
