Turning Red Is the Horniest Pixar Movie

 

That title may sound strange, but it's true. Disney Pixar just released their latest film simultaneously on Disney + and theaters and it's... different. This is still a kid's movie, but the premise of the story involves some subjects that might create some uncomfortable conversations for parents. Turning Red stars Meilin Lee, a thirteen year-old girl who finds herself dealing with some new emotions that lead to a physical change. When she finds herself one day built up with a particularly strong emotion she turns into a giant red panda. I don't want to give too much away as I personally went into this knowing absolutely nothing, but Mei is learning to cope with this change while going through everyday life.

Now, for adults it's obvious what this red panda is an allegory for. Mei is experiencing puberty and her raging hormones are taking over. Turning Red even covers tampons and periods. It doesn't do these things in a vulgar or distasteful manner, but it is surprising coming from Pixar. Mei's parents', well really just her mother do the typical movie/tv thing where she's overbearingly protective of her daughter embarrassing her in public and such. While Turning Red doesn't do anything unique with the trope it excels in making the journey entertaining with antics, good animation, and fun characters.

Mei's mother being appalled at her daughter's journal.

Mei herself is a good character. She's energetic, awkward, and a bit hot tempered. Mei's friends are also a fun bunch and they too fit some friend clichés. Mei's mom may seem one dimensional, but she reveals herself to be multilayered which reminds me a bit of Enancto and I get some A Goofy Movie vibes as well.. This is also a diverse film as Mei and her family are Chinese and one of her friends is South Asian. I small thing I like about this movie is that it's set in the early 2000s. You have Tamagotchis, candy bar phones, flip phones, and boy bands. Outside of movies from that decade it's not often we see movies set in that period. 

The only complaint I have with this film is the third act. I'm usually not one to complain about third acts, but while it wasn't bad I felt they were going for more spectacle than substance. Still, it was minor and didn't detract from the overall film. It's been a while since I've watched a Pixar film and I quite enjoyed this one. I recommend this for adults and families alike, just be forewarned parents about some of underlying hormonal topics in this one.