There are just SO many films out there! You see two to three wide releases on a weekend with a handful more in limited release. Throw out at least a dozen more on VOD or streaming and now you have an overload of content. But we only have so many hours in the day, and we must be thoughtful towards what we dedicate that precious free time to. That is the point of this series of articles giving you specific reasons why you should run out to your nearest multiplex, drive to search for that limited release, drop some money in the virtual cinema, or to surf those streaming services. Here on The Wasteland Watchlist, you will find some reasons to check out the latest and greatest of films including…Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (theaters August 2nd)
The Animation
What makes an animated film standout the most? Having a unique look can help make it a lasting experience. Jeff Rowe made quite an impact with Mitchell vs the Machines and he brings this look to Mutant Mayhem. This film has a unique grit and griminess to it that makes the New York City setting feel so lived in. The look feels like a cool mix of stop motion and computer-generated effects. This adds layers and textures to the film that are quite unexpected.
The Music
Who is surprised by the impressive work of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross? Nobody should be at this point! They lay down a cool and moving score that brings plenty of atmosphere to the film. This film needs to be cool and Reznor and Ross deliver. But it is not just the score. The musical choices are on point and add layers to the film. A few of the choices just add so much cool atmosphere to the film and help create the world that these turtles inhabit. You get lost in the world and music makes a big contribution.
The Cast
What is the most important surprise of the film? They cast teenagers! These four teenagers, Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Micah Abbey, and Shamon Brown Jr, all deliver. They are genuine and have some impressive chemistry together. We connect with each of them, and each turtle has a distinct personality. But they are not the only stars of the film. Jackie Chan kills it as the warm and fatherly Splinter (who can still kick some butt). Ayo Edebiri provides a fresh and fun take on April and she works so well with the turtles in the film. The mutants in the film are an impressive group of talented performers. Each makes the most of the moments they get. It is hard to not enjoy such a great crew like Ice Cube, Seth Rogen, John Cena, Paul Rudd, Rose Byrne, and more.
The Action
When you have ninja in the name, what aspect of the film better deliver? The action! And it sure does. Rowe can make the most of this animation style and deliver some engaging and well-choreographed action. There are some impressive martial arts moves throughout the film (especially when Splinter gets into the action). The film gets a little big for its britches by the end, but the action certainly doesn’t disappoint. The film is fun and still finds a way to be thrilling as well.
The Humor
What is just as exciting in Mutant Mayhem as the action? The humor. It is no surprise that this film is this funny when Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg were writing it. There is a great mix of types of humor. There is some physical humor embedded in the great action sequences. The awkwardness of the turtles and Splinter because of how anti-social they are. But they also have great banter and buckets full of hilarious pop culture references. Each character gets some moments to shine and a few laughs to provide. This film is exciting, heartfelt, and downright funny.
