Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem will be the 7th theatrical appearance of the titular characters — as well as Nickelodeon Animation’s first CG-animated theatrical production. So it’s safe to say the upcoming feature is already setting records. Just for existing. But with it being another theatrical reimagining in a longline of theatrical reimaginings. What does Mutant Mayhem have to offer that will set apart from its theatrical counterparts?. Well, within this article, some answers are explored.
Plotting The Premise
While the amount of writers for this movie seems intimidating. Seth Rogen who [more or less] acts as the face of the film’s writers circle has since given insight into what he and his fellow writers tried to emphasize or at least use as a jumping-off point when approaching the story.
Essentially, Rogen became a part of the project because he felt the coming-of-age, teenage perspective that [more or less] makes up part of the mythos of the TMNT needed to be emphasized. And considering how the Michael Bay-produced, live-action outings faired. Rogen certainly isn’t wrong for wanting to go back to basics. With a story that focuses on a quintessence of the characters, Rogen and company could be setting audiences up for welcomed, familiar experience.
Casting Choices
As a way to further reiterate the teenage perspective this movie was aiming for; actual teens were cast for the titular characters. Which creates a perfect correlation between character and actor, if there ever was one.
On top of this, the nature of the recording sessions have since been revealed to be communal, as opposed to the [usual] isolated nature of recording sessions for animation. Meaning that, many (if not most) of the interactions that will be showcased in the feature will mostly be genuine & visceral — whether audiences realise this or not.
A Unique Style
The animation genre forever changed when the 2018 hit movie, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-verse came out. With a distinct visual style that not only helped it standout from others in the bunch. But also elevated the narrative it was putting across. It’s no wonder, the film became so beloved and would even go on to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the award’s 91st ceremony. Since then, the movie has also gone on to score two more sequels. The first of which has already released in cinemas [this year] — to immense acclaim and box office success just like its predecessor. Writer & Director Jeff Rowe, who helms this project appears to have been greatly inspired by the Spider-verse franchise.
Although his filmography doesn’t extend far (as this will be his first theatrical feature). The filmmaker’s work(s) so far have leaned more into concept art, comic book inspired style of CG animation. Which Spider-verse clearly favours. As opposed to the more refined, realistic style of CG animation that Pixar, DreamWorks and a host of others have championed for years. So from a visual standpoint, Mutant Mayhem is certainly looking like a must see. Especially for animation aficionados.
With all of these factors in play, Mutant Mayhem already has the makings for the IP to get back on its feet and reinstate its dominance in pop culture. Albeit, in a poineering way.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem opens in Cinemas August 2, 2023