Directed by Jeff Rowe and Kyler Spears is the big screen return for everybody’s favourite martial arts expert turtles. This time in a gloriously animated origins story. The boys (played by Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr, Nicolas Cantu & Brady Noon) still live a sheltered life with their father Splinter (Jackie Chan). The highlight of their days been their “Ninja” shopping trips. All that changes when they see April (Ayo Edebiri) become a victim of a moped theft. Playing “April’s” hero leads them into a collision with a group of mutants, led by Superfly (Ice Cube) who want to destroy all of humanity. The boys decide that they need to step up, ve heroes and be accepted by humans for who they are, regardless of their turtle based difference.
This is a 99 minute wild ride of an animated adventure. It feels like it’s pitched well at its target audience and doesn’t try to be over-smart or full of nostalgic nods back to the 90’s Turtle movies. Instead this is a fresh introduction to the story, which uses a smart mix of animation styles to create a lively and entertaining world.
The voice cast works well with the young leads well supported by a who’s who including Seth Rogen. Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph, John Cena and Paul Rudd.
If there is a criticism it is that there is a lot squeezed into its short running time which, for me, gave it a rather chaotic and unstructured feel at times.
It’s animation look is innovative and impressive, catching the eye throughout. Whciht is accompaniest by a lively soundtrack.
Mutant Mayhem is an action packed 99 minutes of animated Turtle fun. Its animation style and lively soundtrack all keep you engaged. Although it felt somewhat chaotic and unstructured at times, here’s plenty to enjoy in what is an entertaining Turtle’s adventure.
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