Things Only Adults Notice In TMNT: Mutant Mayhem

The iconic heroes in a half shell return to the big screen for a new animated adventure in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" — where they're given a refreshed origin story and face new villains. "Mutant Mayhem" follows the titular turtles as they deal with their desires to walk among humans despite the disapproval of their mentor/father figure Splinter (voiced by Jackie Chan). However, when they cross paths with a band of mutants led by the infamous Superfly (voiced by Ice Cube), the turtles are forced to take action. Now, with the help of high school reporter April O'Neil (voiced by Ayo Edebiri), the turtles embark on a dangerous quest to stop Superfly and understand what it means to be heroes. 

While the film's younger depiction of its turtle heroes would make it seem like it's geared more towards kids, there's actually a lot for adults and older viewers to enjoy. "TMNT" is already a very nostalgic property, but there are fresh points of view that parents and older fans can have looking at the newest iteration of the franchise. From questionable choices by characters to some nostalgic pop culture nods, there are many new perspectives and ideas that adults might think about as they leave the theater. So let's take a look at things only adults will notice in "Mutant Mayhem." 

When the turtles head to April's high school, they discover that she's an outcast, largely due to an incident where she vomited on-camera while trying to read the morning announcements. She has mean names written all over her locker and now finds herself searching for a way to get people to see her in a different light. 

There's a lot for audiences to relate to with this incarnation of April, and adult viewers will especially understand and likely feel her pain. While the scenes of April puking are hilarious, adults can still empathize with that type of embarrassment or pressure because a lot of people probably feel like throwing up when the spotlight is on them or they're forced to make a pivotal decision. Many adults likely find themselves feeling the same pressure that April does, especially now with greater responsibilities in their lives. 

Adults will also recognize another source of April's pain: Given that years ago there weren't the same conversations around bullying that there are now, more adult viewers likely shared an experience similar to that of April and found themselves the target of bullies at school. So while April's story relates to modern teens, it also carries some unique aspects for adults as well.  

They've never been able to truly interact with humans, but the turtles constantly hope that they can one day live among and be accepted by them. Their biggest wish is that they can even attend high school with other kids their age and begin to explore their own interests. While it's easy to be swept up in the turtles' hopes and dreams, adult viewers might be a little more skeptical of their high school fantasies simply from experience. It's great that the turtles have such relatable and heartfelt aspirations. But — just based on April's experience alone — they should be a little more realistic. 

If movies have taught them anything, it's that high school can be a vicious place where the formation of both crushing self-doubt and cliques can cause kids to feel unwanted. Yes, there are more communities and friend groups to join nowadays thanks to more diverse viewpoints and activities. But high school is still a place where unrelenting hormones, immense pressures, and damaging group mentalities put unwanted stress on teenagers. High school can be an excellent learning experience — both educationally and socially — but the turtles are likely in for a reality check when they walk through those doors, because it's not going to be as easy or pleasant as their innocent fantasies. 

Despite being stuck in the sewers for most of their lives, movies and pop culture are a prevalent part of the turtles' DNA. Throughout the film, they're constantly quoting movie references and even find time to catch "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" one night at an outdoor screening. Yet what will stick for adult viewers through all the winks and pop culture nods is the impact that movies have on us when we're young and how they shape us as people. The coming-of-age genre has always done a great job making audiences of that age think about what they're going through and having moments of self-reflection that make us better. 

Adults that grew up with the films of John Hughes certainly know that feeling well, as films like "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "The Breakfast Club" found ways to capture the voice of that generation. Every generation finds some sort of film, show, or story that opens them up in a way they didn't expect and leaves an impact that people carry with them. For the turtles, Ferris Bueller represents the way they want to be perceived by humans and the confidence they want to carry into each day. Even Donnie's love for anime is a part of who he is and a key way that he stands out among the group. Movies really do have meaning, and older viewers will see that with "Mutant Mayhem." 

With "Mutant Mayhem" featuring so many different references and Easter eggs connected to modern pop culture, adult viewers will quickly see the film as a kind of litmus test for how well they know that culture. As the turtles crack jokes about the internet or make references to iconic cartoon characters or musicians, you're either along for the ride or completely lost. For adult viewers, if you find yourself in the second camp, the crushing reality of realizing how old you are might set in and it'll be a tough pill to swallow. There's a specific moment during the van chase escape where a song plays that ties to the He-Man meme, which will especially establish your age and knowledge of the modern internet. 

"Mutant Mayhem" is honestly such a perfect and simple pop culture test that it would be kind of fun to bring the whole family along and see which references stump people. The reality is, however, that some might not want to know the results. Adult viewers will likely come out of "Mutant Mayhem" either feeling younger or older than ever before.  

When the turtles are ready to take on all the crime bosses connected to Superfly, they engage in a big fight sequence that's clearly inspired by an iconic action scene from 20 years earlier. With it being filmed from the side and edited as one ongoing battle, there's no doubt that this scene is paying homage to the hallway fight scene in "Oldboy." With "Oldboy" still being culturally impactful and recognized, it's not shocking to see "Mutant Mayhem" tip its hat to an all-time classic. However, it's a reference that might go over a lot of younger viewers' heads. But it's another more adult-centric reference that older viewers could easily recognize and love. 

Given that "Oldboy" came out back in 2003 and has some subject matter that isn't kid-friendly, it's not like a lot of younger viewers would even know of the film's existence. So, this great homage to "Oldboy" in "Mutant Mayhem" is purely for adults and another strong reference that'll make older viewers feel seen. 

Along with its depictions of toxic news coverage, adults will also notice how cruel and even violent people can be toward something they don't understand. Sure, if any of us walked outside right now and mutated versions of animals were walking around or trying to talk to us, we would be understandably shocked, afraid, and concerned. But that doesn't mean that we should want to see them dead or chase after them until they are wiped out of existence. Even when Splinter talks about that one person who chased him into an alley with a baseball bat, it's hard to wrap our heads around what made that person so hateful and vicious towards the wise mutant rat.

Adult viewers will really come away from "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" thinking about how we need to learn to react toward people and ideas we don't know with a little understanding and genuine care. Otherwise, we'll just turn into violent savages who spew hate at everything we don't initially understand. It's a lesson that's more important than ever for all ages to appreciate, but might be something that adult viewers connect with on a deeper level.