No matter what generation you were born into, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will likely be a name you’re familiar with. Since Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael were introduced to the world by creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird via comic book in 1984, they instantly became a household name and have remained a successful franchise for thirty-nine years. 

 

Over decades the crime-fighting foursome has had an array of films based on them, most of which have been mediocre. When the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem was announced, I was skeptical that another adaptation could produce a quality film that fans would appreciate.

​

Thankfully, my doubts weren’t warranted, as Jeff Rowe’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem exceeded my expectations. From the get-go, the audience is presented with captivating, gorgeous, vibrant visuals. Stylistically, the film pays homage to the turtles' print media origin, with viewers feeling like they have stepped into a comic book in real time. 

​

Each turtle possesses personality traits that make them unique and lovable in their own way, and the voice acting among the talented young cast is top-notch. They complement each other effectively, reflecting the siblings' bond and playful rivalry. It works well as the actors portray characters their age, as opposed to adults playing the brothers in previous movies, which failed to capture the essence of being a teenager.

​

The storyline is engaging, especially with the villain Superfly (voiced by Ice Cube), onboard, who makes the film even more entertaining. Action sequences are satisfying, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem does an impeccable job of staying true to the original material while inserting modern-day music and pop references into the mix.

On the flip side, some themes explored in the film are heartwarming, relatable, and add depth to the characters. Splinter (Jackie Chan) illustrates how much parents wish to protect their children, even though their choice to do so may be met with frustration. Mutant Mayhem also explores what it’s like to be an outcast and having to navigate that reality when you want nothing more than to be accepted by society.

​

All in all, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is the best-animated film based on the brothers to date, with writers Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Dan Hernandez, and Benji Samit providing fans with a fun, action-packed thrill ride while also adopting sentimental greatness.