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  • Writer's pictureStephen Yanni

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023) - Heroes in a Half-Shell? More Like Half-Hearted

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 stars)

Released 08-02-2023

Watched 10-08-2023

Reviewed 10-11-2023

Watched on Paramount +

"Do we not have last names?"


In an era of remakes and reboots, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" had the potential to rise above and breathe fresh air into a beloved franchise. Unfortunately, it falls well below expectations. The plot promises an interesting twist: our favorite turtles trying to get out of the sewers, blend in with New Yorkers, and be accepted as average teenagers. But the execution is painfully lackluster.


One can't help but cringe at the off-timing humor and forced jokes. The mysterious crime syndicate and an army of mutants should have offered thrilling and engaging antagonists, but instead, they come across as uninspired and poorly conceptualized enemies. The animation is a jarring departure from what one might expect; clunky movements and inconsistent character designs distract more than they delight.


The lone saving grace of this otherwise disappointing film is its soundtrack, offering a surprising blend of catchy and memorable tracks. It's a soundtrack worth adding to your collection even if you give the film a miss.


For die-hard TMNT fans, this might be worth a watch to see how things have evolved or, in this case, devolved. But for the casual viewer or those with fond memories of the turtles, it's better to revisit the classics or wait for a better adaptation in the future.

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