Movie Review: Turning Red

 

Note: This film is only available on Disney +

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A good Pixar movie, even if not one of their best.  

The basic storyline is very good. Like many Pixar films it discusses mature themes in a way that perfectly blends into the fantasy-based story. These themes are discussed in a way that is intelligent and thought-provoking but never preachy. The main character is quite likable. While in some ways she is a bit of a stereotype, she is a quite likable one. Though I can't say I can relate to her (I have never gone through any of the situations she did), I can feel for her and there is certainly not a scene that I don't want to see the best for her. Her relationship with her mother is well handled. You can fully see and understand where all the friction comes from. However, the relationship at the same time does not feel cold or distant. You can see that these two really do care for each other underneath it all. This makes us understand why she wants so badly to please her mother, while still live her own life. This creates a dichotomy that would be truly difficult for anyone. With this in mind, where this movie really works is the emotional moments. These moments truly pull on your heartstrings and I would be lying if I said I wasn't moved by some of these scenes. How effective these scenes are, makes all the more sense when you realize what a personal film this was for director Domee Shi (though she has worked on previous Pixar features as a storyboard artist this is her first time directing a feature film, though she did direct the Pixar short, Bao (2018)). Much of this film was based off of her own childhood and experiences growing up. The storytelling also moves at fast pace without ever feeling rushed.

The animation as expected of Pixar is excellent. Though it looks different from other Pixar movies, it still captures the feel of the film perfectly and much of the character animation really makes the characters come to life. 

Where this movie really doesn't work is the humor. There is not one single real laugh here. Instead, every joke falls completely flat. This wouldn't be as much of a problem if the humor did not come off as so loud and obnoxious. This is another film that feels that the louder it is the funnier it is. However, this is not in any way true. Another fault is the main character's friends. These characters have little to no personality outside of what is necessary to tell the story.

Overall while this may not be on the same level as Pixar's best, it is still quite a good movie.