The best franchises maintain their longevity through continued iteration. The TMNT have been constantly filtered through different generational lenses. And they’ve only rarely lost sight of the familial core which makes them so relatable.
I can immediately name ten iterations, so you could argue that this franchise is a cultural Ouroboros, never-ending. But recalling childhood cinema visits to see these characters, and how I now take my own daughter, tells me otherwise. That the TMNT have remained culturally relevant through all these years is a massive achievement, again pointing to that strong core.
So here we are again, and it makes me a very happy older geek to say that in a world where we have the 1990 film, the IDW comics, and the 2012 series, Mutant Mayhem oozes quality and a strong sense of self.
We’ve been spoilt with quality animation recently, and Mutant Mayhem picks up the baton from the Spiderverse films, Puss In Boots, and The Mitchells vs the Machines. Audiences have been quick to use Spiderverse as shorthand for innovative animation, but each of these films has embraced styles which reflect their characters. In Mutant Mayhem’s case, it looks rough, awkward, and chaotic. Like teenagers!
Speaking of which, casting actual teenagers is a masterstroke! There’s a fluidity and naturalness to how they quickly and excitedly spark off each other and talk over one-another. You can’t fake that, and it’s such fun to listen to. I can’t believe it’s not been done before. I even understood some of their lingo. As someone who was watching Turtles in 1987, it’s somewhat pleasing that I know what “rizz” even means.
Not everything needs to be a three-hour epic, and I enjoy the clarity of intent behind this film. As much as I love Ninja Turtles, it is ultimately a children’s show. It’s got to cater to them, which Mayhem does with a ninety-minute run time and no messing about. My six-year-old has a reasonable knowledge of the characters – Mikey is her favourite – and she really enjoyed herself. Between the Turtles and the various mutants introduced through the antagonist Superfly, there’s a good mix of cute and gross, perfect for kids. We get solid introductions (though I always wonder how they procure their weapons) but curiously no early mention of going’s on in Japan. Wait and see on that front I guess.
There’s plenty here for those who know their Leatherheads from their Wingnuts. But importantly, you don’t need to know. In a similar sense, it really doesn’t matter if each mutant is faithful to previous incarnations or not. What does matter is that they all look interesting, and they’re all voiced with fitting enthusiasm. Plus there’s a brilliant performance by Jackie Chan as a Splinter giving off serious single Dad energy too. He’s amazing, backing up his love for his boys with action when required.
There’s a lot of love for TMNT in this house. It’s cool to see so much on the big screen too.
Be the first to comment