Turning Red

 Streaming Edition

I initially wasn’t planning on writing a review for this one (feeling lazy) but hours after watching it’s still on my mind, so I figured I need to jot a few things down.

Turning Red is the latest animated coming of age Disney/Pixar film about 13-year-old Meilin who turns into a giant red panda when she gets too excited.  An unexpected trait that proves more than a little inconvenient during puberty.  The trailers looked cute and being an animation fan, I was really excited to see this one on the big screen.  So, I was more than disappointed when Disney pulled it from theaters and decided on a streaming only release.  Nonetheless, I had to check it out.

I admit going the streaming route may have been the right choice for this one, at least for me.  Home viewing meant I was free to spend the hour forty minutes screaming at the television at each “oh $#@!” moment (of which there are quite a few), groaning in horror, and absolutely roaring with laughter without disturbing anyone else. Seriously, this film pulled me in and had me fully invested.

I’m well on the other side of 13, but Turning Red captures all the anguish, mess, and general mayhem of that time in life, especially a girl’s, perfectly.  Emotionally it took me back in the most delightful way imaginable, tears and all.  And that’s really saying something.  

Turning Red is a tad clunky at the beginning, but quickly finds it’s groove and fires on all cylinders after the ten to 15 minutes and never stops.  Depending on your views Turning Red may not be as universal as other Disney/Pixar films as far as appeal.  Younger kids may get bored quickly and depending on their sensitivity level even scared.  There are some rather intense scenes in the film particularly during the finale.  Boys may not really care for this one as much either given the female focus of the film but who’s to say.  The mother/daughter dynamic may also trigger some as well. Ahh, mothers and daughters!

Heartwarming, funny, poignant, beautiful, meaningful and entertaining. Turning Red strikes all the right chords figuratively as well as literally.  Wonderful voice acting, beautiful animation, and strong messaging make this another winner in my book. 

I'll definitely be watching this one again and again.

Turning Red is a 9.5 for me.