The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have always been some of my favorite and most beloved pop culture icons from the 90’s. Something about these absolutely absurd character concepts being used as a gateway for stories about family and healthy masculinity is so effective and has always stuck with me as well as thousands of others. There have been countless reboots, with some adaptations being more cursed than others (looking at you, 2014), but the turtles have stood the test of time and this 2023 reimagining is proof of that. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is everything you could ask for in a TMNT movie, so let’s get into what makes this so great. 

It’s impossible to talk about this film without mentioning the absolutely stunning animation. After years of mass-produced bland family blockbusters in cinemas, Into the Spiderverse (2018) has clearly paved the way for a new generation of fantastic and unique animated films, and TMNT wears its inspirations on its half-shell. The comic book style pays homage to the franchise origins while maintaining a look that’s almost as urban and gritty as the sewers it takes place in. The action sequences are a feast for the eyes, with mind-blowing transitions and one-takes that breathe an unmatched energy into the film.

The film boasts an absolutely stacked voice cast, with Bruce Lee and Ice Cube stealing the show in their respective roles. Lee’s take on Master Splinter brings a refreshing dynamic to the father figure and the story focuses on his relationship with the turtles for the most impactful emotional beats. Ice Cube injects pure charisma and genuine menace as the antagonist for the film, and I could not think of a more perfect casting. 

In regards to the turtles themselves, it’s surprisingly cathartic to see them accurately embody and look like teenagers. They’ve all been modernized to be more relatable to the average young teen, and while this can sometimes feel like an oversaturation of pop-culture references, it’s important to remember that these have always been a key element to the turtles throughout the decades. Their dynamic has never been more fast-paced and fun, with a brotherly bond that holds the entire film together. 

From the beginning, the turtles have always been about good music, and Mutant Mayhem does not disappoint. Between tracks from A Tribe Called Quest, Blackstreet, Gucci Mane, and a perfectly executed use of What’s Up? by 4 Non Blondes, the soundtrack of the film takes on a life of it’s own and will keep audiences nodding their heads for days. 

At the end of the day, people turn to TMNT when they want to have some fun, and this movie puts that at the forefront. There’s an intangible youthful energy even in the more heartfelt moments, and although the scale of the story quickly grows out of control, the film is rooted in the familial bond of the brothers and never loses sight of what is important. Whether you’re a long time fan of the turtles or just want to see a great animated family film, there’s something for everyone in Mutant Mayhem.