Is Shredder in this one?

Based on the ending of the first film, Shredder is the major looming threat. Expect him to be much more menacing than the mutants in the first movie, potentially raising the 'scare' factor slightly.

Do I need to see the first movie to understand this?

It’s highly recommended. The first film establishes why they are allowed on the surface and their relationship with April. Without it, their sudden 'hero' status in NYC might feel confusing.

How 'scary' are the new mutants?

The character designs in this series are intentionally grotesque and 'lumpy.' If your kid is sensitive to body-horror-lite or weird-looking creatures, maybe watch the trailer together first.

Is there a lot of 'teen' attitude/disrespect?

The Turtles definitely bicker and occasionally ignore Splinter, but it's framed as normal growing pains rather than toxic rebellion. They always come back to the 'family first' rule.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2023Animation, Comedy

88%

WISE Score

The world's most relatable mutant brothers return in that gorgeous sketchbook style to navigate high school and save New York again.

7.2

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2

movie

2023, Animation, Comedy

88%

WISE Score

The world's most relatable mutant brothers return in that gorgeous sketchbook style to navigate high school and save New York again.

7.2

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7.2

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Screenwise Verdict

The first Mutant Mayhem was a breath of fresh air for a franchise that often takes itself way too seriously. This sequel is set to double down on the 'Teenage' part of the title, which is exactly where the magic is. It’s funny, it’s visually stunning, and it actually has something to say about the social anxiety of growing up.

If you're tired of the polished, plastic look of modern blockbusters, this is the antidote. It’s messy in the best way possible. While it’s technically a superhero movie, it feels more like a coming-of-age comedy that happens to have katanas and pizza.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7 and up. It’s sophisticated enough for teens and adults to love the craft, but the brotherly banter keeps it grounded for younger kids who can handle cartoon ninjutsu.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The core of this franchise is the genuine, messy bond between four brothers. It avoids the 'lone wolf' trope in favor of actual teamwork and family loyalty.

Imaginative

The 'scribbly' sketchbook animation style is a masterclass in creative risk-taking, making every frame feel like a teenager's notebook come to life.

Safe

Expect kinetic cartoon violence and stylized action. It stays in the PG lane but isn't afraid of some gross-out mutant textures or mild 'teen' language.

Enriching

It handles the desire for acceptance and the 'outsider' experience with more nuance than your average superhero flick.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Visual storytelling that breaks the mold of generic 3D animation by looking like a hand-drawn high school notebook.
Actual teen voice actors make the dialogue feel authentic and chaotic rather than middle-aged writers guessing how kids talk.
A killer soundtrack that leans into classic hip-hop and Trent Reznor's industrial synth vibes.
Explores themes of belonging and the universal struggle of wanting to fit in when you literally live in a sewer.

⚠

What to Watch For

The animation is high-energy and kinetic, which might be a bit much for kids with sensory sensitivities.
Expect some gross-out humor and mutant character designs that lean into 'ugly-cute' or just plain weird territory.
Dialogue includes mild teen slang and 'edgy' humor consistent with a Seth Rogen production, though it stays within PG bounds.

Conversation Starters

"Which Turtle do you think handles being an 'outsider' the best, and why?"
"If you had to hide a secret about yourself to fit in at school, would you do it?"
"What do you think of the art style—does it make the action feel more or less real than other movies?"
"April O'Neil wants to be a journalist; what's a cause you'd want to report on if you had her skills?"

Deep Dive

The 'Spider-Verse' Effect Done Right

When the first Mutant Mayhem dropped in 2023, it was clear that the producers (Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg) weren't interested in just another toy commercial. They took the visual risks pioneered by Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and applied them to the TMNT world with a lo-fi, punk-rock aesthetic. The sequel is expected to push this even further, likely introducing iconic villains like Shredder while keeping the focus on the Turtles' desire to live a 'normal' human life.

What makes this iteration work is the chemistry. By recording the four lead voice actors in the same room—allowing them to talk over each other and riff—the movie captures the authentic energy of siblings. It’s a far cry from the stiff, over-rehearsed delivery in most big-budget animation.

Why Parents Should Lean In

This isn't just a 'sit them in front of the TV' movie. The soundtrack alone—featuring 90s East Coast hip-hop—is a bridge for parents who grew up with the original 1987 cartoon or the 1990 live-action film. It’s one of those rare cases where the 'reboot' actually respects the source material while making it feel entirely new for a generation that lives on TikTok and Discord.

Keep an eye on how the film handles April O'Neil. Moving her away from the 'damsel in distress' or 'perfect reporter' trope and making her a teenager with her own anxieties and ambitions provides a much better model for kids. It’s about being brave even when you’re awkward, which is a lesson most kids (and adults) can use.