Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem has the genius idea to really hone in on the teenage part of these heroes in a half shell in all its funny and sincere glory. Combining that with a moving story about their desire for acceptance and a gorgeous yet unique animation style it results in the best iteration of TMNT so far.
Nicolas Cantu, Shamon Brown Jr., Micah Abbey and Brady Noon are perfect, all of them are pretty much the ideal embodiment of their corresponding Turtle and the chemistry is instant and just doesn't stop. They quip constantly and almost all of them land as well as bringing the depth as they long to live above ground.
Jackie Chan as Splinter was inspired casting that is utilised so well. The emotion he brings to the character feels so genuine as an overprotective but kind father who has seen mankind at its worst and never wants them to have to experience it. His arc could've used more subtlety but it's still terrific.
Ice Cube is a great villain, there's a charm and real warmth to him at first but if crossed he morphs into a really intimidating presence. The rest of the cast are basically stunt casting but even then you can tell they clearly want to be there and are having a ball, especially Paul Rudd's skater bro.
Jeff Rowe's direction is incredible, the action is fun and constructed in a way that most live action only wishes it could achieve and the animation manages to create its own unique style in an increasingly ambitious landscape. It's a world of jagged edges and perfect imperfections.
The soundtrack oozes style and the music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross works so well, it's their usual synth style but obviously in a more up beat fashion with blockbuster sensibilities that shines brightest when accompanying Superfly.
Nicolas Cantu, Shamon Brown Jr., Micah Abbey and Brady Noon are perfect, all of them are pretty much the ideal embodiment of their corresponding Turtle and the chemistry is instant and just doesn't stop. They quip constantly and almost all of them land as well as bringing the depth as they long to live above ground.
Jackie Chan as Splinter was inspired casting that is utilised so well. The emotion he brings to the character feels so genuine as an overprotective but kind father who has seen mankind at its worst and never wants them to have to experience it. His arc could've used more subtlety but it's still terrific.
Ice Cube is a great villain, there's a charm and real warmth to him at first but if crossed he morphs into a really intimidating presence. The rest of the cast are basically stunt casting but even then you can tell they clearly want to be there and are having a ball, especially Paul Rudd's skater bro.
Jeff Rowe's direction is incredible, the action is fun and constructed in a way that most live action only wishes it could achieve and the animation manages to create its own unique style in an increasingly ambitious landscape. It's a world of jagged edges and perfect imperfections.
The soundtrack oozes style and the music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross works so well, it's their usual synth style but obviously in a more up beat fashion with blockbuster sensibilities that shines brightest when accompanying Superfly.