I'm absolutely not someone who grew up with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, before this film the only movies I'd seen were the Michael Bay produced ones and that fact would probably annoy most hardcore fans. I didn't really have much of a strong desire to see Mutant Mayhem but after the really positive reviews I thought it was worth a try. I'm very surprised by those reviews now having seen the film because I just thought it was just fine overall.
The inspiration this film takes from the Spider-Verse movies isn't hard to spot but it became a detriment to me pretty quickly because it just started to feel like a water down version. Don't get me wrong; the animation is still beautifully produced and rendered but even the score from the legendary Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross feels like it's hitting almost the same notes as the Across The Spider-Verse soundtrack.
I think it's very likely we're going to get more films inspired by the Spider-Verse series and I really don't think that's a bad thing but this really reminded me of those movies in all the wrong ways. At least something Puss In Boots: The Last Wish had its own distinct tone that separated it and made it feel distinct from those films.
I think most of the characters are pretty likeable and Ice Cube's villain was actually stronger than I ever would've expected him to be but this version of the April O'Neal character I found to be borderline insufferable. A lot of people are going to fall for the tone and humour but they did next to nothing for me. The film is chock full of moments that meant to come across as corny in an endearing way but for me they felt unintentionally cringe worthy.
I really don't what to come across as a kill joy, and it's certainly possible that TMNT just isn't my cup of tea, but with all the positive buzz I was amazed at how middle of the road I though this film was. It's certainly got its fair share of entertaining moments but I couldn't help but feel like I'd seen it all before (and done better at that). I definitely think there's an audience for Mutant Mayhem, I just don't think I'm in it.
The inspiration this film takes from the Spider-Verse movies isn't hard to spot but it became a detriment to me pretty quickly because it just started to feel like a water down version. Don't get me wrong; the animation is still beautifully produced and rendered but even the score from the legendary Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross feels like it's hitting almost the same notes as the Across The Spider-Verse soundtrack.
I think it's very likely we're going to get more films inspired by the Spider-Verse series and I really don't think that's a bad thing but this really reminded me of those movies in all the wrong ways. At least something Puss In Boots: The Last Wish had its own distinct tone that separated it and made it feel distinct from those films.
I think most of the characters are pretty likeable and Ice Cube's villain was actually stronger than I ever would've expected him to be but this version of the April O'Neal character I found to be borderline insufferable. A lot of people are going to fall for the tone and humour but they did next to nothing for me. The film is chock full of moments that meant to come across as corny in an endearing way but for me they felt unintentionally cringe worthy.
I really don't what to come across as a kill joy, and it's certainly possible that TMNT just isn't my cup of tea, but with all the positive buzz I was amazed at how middle of the road I though this film was. It's certainly got its fair share of entertaining moments but I couldn't help but feel like I'd seen it all before (and done better at that). I definitely think there's an audience for Mutant Mayhem, I just don't think I'm in it.