Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles : Mutant Mayhem
USA | English
2023 | 99 Minutes
Director: Jeff Rowe
Cast: Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, Seth Rogan, Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon
Hollywood’s obsession with remaking anything and everything has finally turned its focus back towards the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, last seen being mangled by Michael Bay. This time, with Seth Rogan behind the project, and lending his voice to the animated film, we were to pray that the outcome would be better.
It is always going to be a daunting task to outdo the original film from back in 1990, and the thought of another attempt at rebooting the franchise left me with mixed feelings that, quite honestly, swayed more towards dread that they did towards glee. There are so many other fresh stories out there waiting to be brought to the silver screen without constantly redoing those that have been done to death, but those that push pens and sign check books as still far too afraid to try anything new. Sad really, but that’s Hollywood for you.
See Also: Hundreds Of Beavers at Fantasia Festival 2023
I admit, I had my doubts about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles : Mutant Mayhem when the film was announced. All signs at the time pointing towards the film heading down the terrible path that so many modern mainstream films appear to be heading; and the race-switching of April O’Neil seemed in-line with everything studios like Disney have been doing. I have been a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan since my childhood, and I won’t deny that I greatly disliked the idea of O’Neil being anything but the way she was depicted in the past. There is an argument here that Baxter Stockman was also race-switched from the original comics to the character that appeared in the 80s television show and for that reason, I was willing to give the film a chance before casting into the fiery pits of hell, alongside junk like The Rings Of Power.
Moreover, the origins of the four turtles, Master Splinter, Baxter Stockman, and even Bebop and Rocksteady have all been altered for this new film, which also doesn’t sit well with me. I feared that would prove to be a catalyst for me to despise this film – it wasn’t (that’s the short version, but do read on). Even with these new story lines, I found I was still able to enjoy the film, but it admittedly took me more than one viewing to come to that conclusion. Yes, my first reaction to it was to outright hate it. It took me about three viewings to final cave, let down my guard and admit that, yes, I did enjoy the film. I’m a diehard Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan, and although there has been changes in the IDW books, it still wasn’t something I wanted to see on the big screen.
Having been a fan of the franchise since the television show originally aired in the late 80s, then discovering the comic books and becoming absolutely obsessed, it was important for myself to give this version of the film a proper chance to grow on me. I’m glad it did. Is this the best incarnation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? No. Not by a long shot, but it’s far from the worst as well. I already greatly dislike reboots, remakes and reimagining’s especially when its a franchise such as this that really didn’t need a do-over. To me, that’s just lazy film making,
While there is still a lot I dislike about the film, there’s quite a bit a like too, and I should probably get to the point where I talk about that. First and foremost, casting the great Jackie Chan to voice Master Splinter is a stroke of genius. Major brownie points. Then there’s the animation of the film, which after seeing the trailer, I thought might be an area of concern but having seen the film, I must confess that I rather like the animation style. It feels different and fresh, and that for once is a good thing. It is vibrant and gritty, not unlike the streets of New York City, with a playful side to it.
I have to bitch some more about a few things in the film though, I’m afraid. A lot of the dialogue didn’t set well with me. It largely hints at cultural references that are clearly not aimed at my generation – the one that made the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles what they are. I get that the film is aiming at a younger audience to further continue the franchise, because heaven forbid some fresh ideas by injected in Hollywood (and people wonder why it’s falling, right Bob Iger?), but doing this also ostracizes those of us that have been supporting the franchise for nearly four decades. Surely a middle ground could have been found here. Throw me a fricken’ bone heeerrrreee!
Having Bebop and Rocksteady side with the turtles after Super Fly (later Super Duper Fly) gets a little tasty with his plans for global domination, feels dirty and wrong. Filthy dirty. Way wrong. Like undoing four decades worth of story arcs and plot in one foul swoop. Still though, and call me a optimist here (that’s what I am, right?!) the final scene of the film shows the mighty Shredder gazing over at the New York skyline. Offering a glimmer of hope that for the next film, that is sure to follow, that the Shredder might storm in and reclaim Bebop and Rocksteady as his henchman, at his side where they belong.
Read More:
>> The First Slam Duck at Fantasia Festival 2023
>> The Goon finds a home on Netflix
>> The Primevals at Fantasia Festival 2023
Having a lot of the more obscure characters from the franchise turn out was a pretty nifty turn of events. From Wingnut to Leatherhead and everyone in between, except Casey Jones for whatever reason. I assume they’re saving him for the sequel. In short, those that are perhaps fans of the later version of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles might well really enjoy this feature. As will some of the old school ‘heads, like myself, that set history aside and accept change – but I believe a large portion of the older crew won’t like this one bloody bit.
The physical media version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles : Mutant Mayhem releases on December 12, 2023 in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, in original English 7.1 TrueHD and Atmos with German, Spanish, French (both Quebecois and France versions), Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Flemish Dolby Digital 5.1, as well as subtitle options in those same languages.
You’ll have to watch it yourself and be your own judge.
