Image: Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies
The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie directed by Seth Rogen has already been playing in American theaters since August 2, 2023. Why TMNT fans should definitely watch this new release, you can find out here!
The last TMNT movie, "Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", was released in 2022. Therefore, the wait for fans of the franchise really wasn't long at all! It's been a week now since the new movie "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" hit theaters. Stylistically, however, the whole thing looks quite different from what we're used to seeing in the 2018 series. Anyone who has seen the Spider-Man movie "Into The Spider-Verse", or the sequel "Across the Spider-Verse", will be able to guess where the inspiration for this style comes from. Mutant Mayhem relies on CGI, while the design is clearly based on the concept of claymation from stop motion movies.
Image: Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies
Cast And Plot
In the new interpretation of the TMNT universe, the four brothers Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo do everything they can to win over the citizens of New York so that they no longer have to live isolated from their world. Of course, this requires some heroic deeds. With the support of April O'Neil, their loyal friend, they plan to bring a group of criminals to justice.
As for the voice actors of the new TMNT version, you'll surely recognize one or two names. Let's start with Splinter, the father and teacher of the four siblings. In the original version, he is given the voice of none other than Jackie Chan himself. The producer and actor Seth Rogen has taken on the role of the villain Bebop himself. John Cena is already known to fans from the "Rise" series; in Mutant Mayhem he now voices the character Rocksteady. In addition, popular American rapper Post Malone makes an appearance as Ray Fillet. He was already involved in the soundtrack of "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse."
An info for die-hard fans: [Spoiler warning] One of the Easter Eggs of the new movie is already known. It's the legendary "Ninja Rap" by rapper Vanilla Ice, which has been well-known in the Turtle fandom since the 1991 TMNT movie "The Secret of the Ooze". The idea to use this track came from Seth Rogen himself, as he is known to be a huge fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as well!
What Do The First Critics Have To Say?
Just as fans can get very excited and eager for a new adaptation within a franchise, they can of course also be skeptical. After all, the original comics have already been brought to life in several fundamentally different series. Logically, everyone has their favorites. By now, however, the first ratings and reviews for Mutant Mayhem are out, so let's see what they have to say about the film.
The well-known platform for movie ratings Rotten Tomatoes give the new Turtles movie a whole 96% on the Tomatometer. Not bad! And what does the audience say? As it seems, moviegoers agree, because the audience score is also 91%.
Here are some opinions about Seth Rogen's work:
"Fantastic Visuals, all around a must watch for new fans and old!"
- Damon Young
"An action-packed, utterly goofy nostalgia trip"
- Kristy Puchko (Mashable)
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is the best film centered around the four pizza lovers since the first live-action film in 1990."
- Sebastian Gross (moviebreak.com)
Now it's up to you to watch the movie and create your own opinion about the new Turtles version. Ideally, you could combine your visit to the cinema with a pizza dinner!
Here's the trailer, in case you haven't watched it yet:
Shop Turtles Merch At Impericon
Naturally, you'd love to be perfectly equipped for a visit to the cinema in order to express your love for the four chaotic turtles. You'll find everything you need for that in our Turtles Merch collection. Impericon offers T-shirts as well as numerous action figures and Funko Pops. So nothing should stand in the way of your future movie nights with Leo, Donnie, Raph and Mikey! Of course, we also have Movie and Series Merch for all other hot topics in our assortment. Just browse through!
