Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Review

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has seen countless iterations over the years, but Mutant Mayhem breathes new life into the familiar story with a chaotic, vibrant energy that feels entirely its own. Directed by Jeff Rowe (The Mitchells vs. the Machines), this animated reboot blends stunning visuals, sharp humor, and an earnest coming-of-age story to deliver a version of the Turtles that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

The film quickly reestablishes the familiar origin story: four baby turtles and a rat, Splinter (voiced by Jackie Chan), mutate into anthropomorphic creatures after exposure to radioactive ooze. Raised in the sewers of New York City, the Turtles — Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Donatello (Micah Abbey), Raphael (Brady Noon), and Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.) — yearn for a life above ground where they can connect with humanity and just be normal teenagers. Their quest for acceptance leads them to team up with high school reporter April O’Neil (Ayo Edebiri) to uncover a crime spree orchestrated by the mutant Superfly (Ice Cube) and his gang.

What sets Mutant Mayhem apart is its distinctive visual style. Inspired by doodles and graffiti, the film’s animation feels alive with rough, sketchy textures and bold colors. Each frame looks like a hand-drawn masterpiece, full of energy and creativity. The chaotic, psychedelic visuals are complemented by a dynamic soundtrack, enhancing the film’s playful tone and bringing New York City to life as an immersive, neon-lit playground.

The voice cast is another major strength. For the first time in the franchise’s history, the Turtles are voiced by actual teenagers, giving the characters a level of authenticity that enhances their youthful chemistry. Nicolas Cantu captures Leonardo’s cautious leadership, while Brady Noon’s Raphael channels impulsive bravado. Shamon Brown Jr.’s Michelangelo is delightfully goofy, and Micah Abbey’s Donatello balances intelligence with adolescent awkwardness. Their banter feels natural, lending the film a warmth and humor that’s often missing from previous adaptations. The supporting cast, including Paul Rudd’s scene-stealing Mondo Gecko and Ice Cube’s hilariously menacing Superfly, adds further layers of charm and chaos.

While the humor and visuals shine, the film’s straightforward story can feel thin at times. The narrative leans on familiar beats — defeating a villain to earn societal acceptance — and occasionally dips into clichés. Cynthia Utrom (Maya Rudolph), a corporate executive with shadowy motives, serves as an underwhelming secondary antagonist, hinting at future threats rather than standing out in the current plot. However, these minor shortcomings are easily overshadowed by the film’s infectious energy and heart.

At its core, Mutant Mayhem is a story about identity and belonging, exploring the Turtles’ desire to be accepted for who they are. Jeff Rowe deftly balances these emotional beats with irreverent humor and thrilling action sequences, creating a film that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers. The Turtles’ interactions with Superfly and his gang add an unexpected layer of empathy, presenting the villains as more than just adversaries.

With its bold artistic vision and genuine affection for its characters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a standout entry in the franchise. It may not reach the narrative depth of the Spider-Verse films, but it delivers a unique and wildly entertaining experience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this chaotic, heartfelt reboot proves that these heroes in a half shell still have plenty to offer.

Cowabunga indeed.