The reviews are in for Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon’s new animated feature “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”, and the reaction is glorious.
Helmed by “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” director Jeff Rowe, the project seems to have gotten just as much a rousing reception with a 97% (7.6/10) on Rotten Tomatoes with over three dozen reviews counted.
That’s leagues above every other “Ninja Turtles” film released thus far, which have all landed ‘Rotten’ scores – the highest being the 1990 live-action film at 41% and the lowest being the third film of that series at 19%.
Here’s a sampling of reactions from various critics:
“This CGI-animated effort is the most engaging version I’ve encountered thus far, which bodes well for those who haven’t grown up as TMNT lovers.” – Frank Scheck, THR
“Fans will not be disappointed with any of the decisions here, notably the scattershot animation that feels rough around the edges, stylish, anti-CGI blandness, and visually surprising and satisfying.” – Pete Hammond, Deadline
“The film is dynamite, perfectly blending a modern, childlike wonder, with a healthy dose of 1990s nostalgia, wrapped in a heartfelt, relatable story about growing up and feeling different.” – Germain Lussier, io9.com
“This new animated origin story for the chelonian adventurers is unexpectedly funny, with a rather stylish crepuscular design.” – The Guardian
“There’s so much to appreciate here, such as the film’s dynamic score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, or the needle drops, which aren’t just delightful picks on their own, but integrated into the action with thought and care” – Liz Shannon Miller, Consequence
“The heart of ‘Mutant Mayhem’ is pure, and the look of it is sprightly and unique, making it a worthy new addition to a franchise that clearly still has new stories to tell.” – Kate Erbland, Indiewire
“It’s that adolescent experience that keeps this latest entry feeling more alive and engaging than it has any right to.” – John Nungent, Empire
“This is the first theatrical Turtles film that comes anywhere close to that feeling in the mid-’80s of something that was weird and underground and a little edgy.” – Mike Ryan, Uproxx
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem oozes confidence, energy, and heart, and the animated adventure represents a new high for the Turtles on the big screen.” – Tom Jorgensen, IGN
“Considering Rogen’s participation as both a writer and actor, it’s surprising that “Mutant Mayhem” plays it so safe, not merely in terms of plot but with regards to its comedy.” – Nick Shager, The Daily Beast
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” is set to open in cinemas everywhere on August 2nd.