Film critique: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles make a comeback, perhaps even surpassing their previous records

The animated feature, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” sports several amusing bits and ingenious twists, but the stroke of genius lies in the choice of Ice Cube to voice Super Fly, the mutant insect antagonist.

The once unlikely choice of the rapper known for “dropping bombs on your moms,” has turned out to be a highlight in a PG-rated children’s film. This is the seventh installation in the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” film saga, not including countless series and video games. The franchise, more often associated with merchandise than pop culture, had reached a point where it needed to innovate or, as Ice Cube would say, “chickity-check yo’ self.”

“Mutant Mayhem,” premiering in theaters this Wednesday, doesn’t completely shake off the sense of rehashing familiar turtle territory. Still, if a return to the slime is inevitable, then this movie, directed by Jeff Rowe (co-director of “The Mitchells vs. the Machines”) and co-penned by co-producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, is likely the cream of a somewhat mediocre crop. It notably focuses on the “teenage” aspect of the turtles’ persona. And, of course, it features Ice Cube as a fly quoting the O’Jays.

The animation is richly detailed, the rhythm is consistently hip-hop (with tracks from Lauryn Hill, De La Soul, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and more in the electronic score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross), and the portrayal of New York is remarkably intricate. The most significant twist in this “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” version might be the exploration of the adolescent nature of the 15-year-old turtles.

Just as “Barbie” balanced Greta Gerwig’s childhood recollections and her grown-up feminism, “Mutant Mayhem” leans more into teenage sensibilities. This is reflected in the raunchy humor and comic book-style animation. Yet, they are also relatable teenagers who watch films (“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”), long for concert tickets, and film silly videos of themselves slicing watermelons.

Guided by the experiments of scientist Baxter Stockman (Giancarlo Esposito), the turtles have grown up underground, yearning for the world above, reminiscent of “The Wolfpack.” They get a glimpse of it through high school journalist April O’Neil (Ayo Edebiri), who aims to document their goodwill to humans. Meanwhile, they encounter the charismatic Super Fly (voiced with explosive energy by Ice Cube) and his gang of mutants, who initially seem friendly but have plans to transform all animals into mutants and wipe out humans.

Films like “Into the Spider-Verse” and this year’s “Across the Spider-Verse” may have stolen some of “Mutant Mayhem’s” thunder, with their refreshing take on animation and vibrant soundtracks. However, this “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” installment, while not as polished, has its unique, quirky appeal. It’s more goofy, revolting, and overall enjoyable. The four turtles are often hard to tell apart, but their teenage authenticity shines through. After seven films, it’s about time Donatello, Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raphael experienced a revival.

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” released by Paramount Pictures, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for sequences of violence and action, language, and rude material. The film’s duration is 99 minutes and it scores three out of four stars.

Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP

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More about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Official Website
• Paramount Pictures Official Website
• Jeff Rowe IMDb Profile
• Ice Cube IMDb Profile
• The Mitchells vs. the Machines IMDb Page
• Motion Picture Association Website