Across its long history, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have appeared in many interpretations. Not one version can be called a failure, even the Michael Bay films. Creators have always balanced the author’s vision with the recognizable traits of these mutants. Recently, a fresh take emerged in the animated film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. The goal was clear: will the 2023 turtles satisfy longtime fans or will current trends reshape the series once again?
Ninja Cheburashki
The first thing viewers notice is the distinctive animation style. Sony’s Miles Morales project set a bold trend for offbeat visuals, yet Mutant Mayhem looks even more unusual—odd by the standards of Spider-Verse. Most characters outside the four turtles and their rat mentor Splinter are intentionally angular and have rough, almost grotesque features. This choice mirrors the story, where the outside world beyond the sewers seems hostile to both the rat and the turtles. It is striking to see a city full of characters who look decidedly unconventional.
In every frame, the backdrops are rendered with a confident, almost five-star polish. The visuals resemble watercolor sketches or pencils shaved onto the page, creating a strange and intriguing texture. In moments, performers render meticulous details, while in other scenes light strokes carry the emotion and focus on the characters themselves.
The turtles themselves are drawn with care and charm. The main quartet stand out as one of the film’s strong points. The animated format suits mutants well, letting facial expressions feel lively and expressive. Each turtle has a unique look, not only in color but in overall silhouette, which helps the audience keep track of who is who without effort.
You don’t always see this level of care in live-action films.
Yet the film offers a real origin story, with the history and development of each character clearly laid out. Donatello is not yet the tech genius, and Leonardo isn’t the undisputed leader. This setup reduces some of the individuality of the group, making them feel more alike than distinct. Still, the turtles remain teenagers, carrying all the consequences of adolescence. That choice creates some narrative friction that may not appeal to every viewer.
Visually, the film accomplishes what matters: it leaves a memorable impression. In a landscape where many productions chase realism, Mutant Mayhem forges a distinct path by emphasizing bold character design alongside a lively, animated texture.
Do you love ninja turtles?
This needs pizza.
The plot centers on how heroes come together. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are still young, dreaming of interacting with humans, a notion that sometimes feels reckless and funny. Several familiar beats of the origin story are altered, such as a mad scientist duplicating mutagen who works in isolation. Besides the turtles and Splinter, other animals participate in experiments, creating a more diverse cast of subjects.
Despite the changes, April remains a central figure and the core chemistry among the turtles endures. Splinter, the rat mentor, never trained in martial arts through traditional means but learned from television broadcasts. The fate of Shredder and how he might fit into this retelling remains open, and Bebop and Rocksteady shift into more sympathetic roles than in some earlier takes.
April’s character arc stands out as well. The depiction shifts away from past portrayals, presenting her as a confident, modern figure who navigates her own challenges. The portrayal keeps her grounded, avoiding clichés while allowing her to participate in the story with authenticity.
The villain, while having clear motivation and logic, eventually leans into a familiar arc of world domination. With such a rich bestiary of the turtles, some viewers might have hoped for a more unique antagonist. The tension and twists feel restrained, and some human antagonists appear briefly before fading again, leaving little room for lasting intrigue.
As the narrative unfolds, the film avoids heavy surprises. Conflicts tend toward conventional outcomes, and there is limited momentum in the development of secondary plotlines. The pace feels steady but not particularly gripping, and some viewers might mistake its gentler approach for a lack of ambition.
Mutant Mayhem delivers action that is visually engaging and technically polished. The fight sequences are well choreographed and satisfy fans who crave authentic martial artistry, even if there are not as many battles as some might expect. The film’s aesthetic remains the most compelling element, drawing audiences into a world that is both fresh and endlessly watchable.
The movie targets a younger audience with a tone that can be too dark for the smallest viewers while offering little that would strongly appeal to older fans seeking multi-layered storytelling. For many, the return of the turtles will be a matter of when and how rather than if, and the ultimate verdict will hinge on personal expectations for the series’ future entries.
What are the best turtles?
Source: VG Times