Incredible is an understatement to explain just how good the latest Ninja Turtles movie truly is. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is one of 2023’s best. It offers one of the most unique takes on the titular characters. Believe the hype.

The latest entry in the TMNT franchise takes the same approach as the Spider-verse films. It has a unique animation style and the film wastes no moment to keep the film engaging. With the help of Seth Rogen on board, there is a sense of delicate appreciation to the material. It almost felt like he saw Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse and felt like this original approach needed to happen to another beloved franchise. It is clear where the inspiration comes from; however, it offers an original take. Instead of mimicking the comic book style, their version of the animation is intentional as they did this to make the animation mimic the style of what one would dry it as a kid. It’s a brilliant way to get kids to connect with the film and another brilliant way to get adults to feel nostalgic. Afterall, nostalgia is one of the rare winners of 2023 in film.

Mutant Mayhem is the perfect title for this entry. It not only solidifies itself as the perfect way to reboot, but it also is the perfect way to explain the energy that this film has. At 99 minutes, the film is consistently moving, but never rushed. The titular characters have so much heart and actually talk like real characters of their age. It truly felt like listening to real teenagers. Their journey is realistic and heartbreaking. Their journey from start to finish is one of the film’s most resonating characteristics. There is a also a strong sense of the actor’s behinds the voices truly bringing their characters to life. The film’s stacked cast bring out the best between the humor and more serious moments.

One of the film’s strongest attributes is the score, which is delivered by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross. The duo has collaborated on many outstanding scores in the past and their career feels like its only beginning. They bring so much energy to the film, very much in the tone of what Nine Inch Nails was established from the beginning. The action has an electrifying score, which the slower moments have more of that somber tone. Outside of watching this film, listening to the soundtrack is a perfect substitute of imagining the movie without watching it. Mentioning of the soundtrack and nostalgia, the film only makes itself even more nostalgic by adding old school music throughout the film to also match the tone. It feels more intentional rather than just adding random needle drops.

The only complaint worth mentioning is with its structure in the beginning. It is a bit different, especially for this entry to set the stage for many more entries to come. Perhaps more characterization could have been added to have more of an emotional impact instead of the route the film chose to go in. Not that is particularly bad in any way, but it services more to the fans more to a larger audience, which would have helped more newcomers get on board with the material.

Overall, what makes Mutant Mayhem incredible is its attention to detail within the animation, humor, action, characters, and soundtrack. Looking at the remaining offerings of 2023, it is difficult to imagine how or even why this film wouldn’t get the accolade recognition that it deserves. The film has so much rewatch ability. Only when that rewatch occurs, this film may be a 5/5.

VERIDCT: 4.5/5 (Amazing)