Now available on digital, and coming soon (May 3, 2022) on Blu-ray, 4K and DVD is Disney and Pixar’s smash hit film, Turning Red.
Turning Red features the voice talents of Rosalie Chiang, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Sandra Oh, Addie Chandler, James Hong, Ava Morse and Wai Ching Ho.
Mei Lee (Chaing) is a teenage girl (13 years old) who is negotiating her way through the teenage years when it comes to friends, school work, boys and her relationship with her mother, Ming (Oh).
Ming can be too overbearing at times. She wants Mei Lee to stick to her studies, and spend more time at home with her and the family. She especially does not want Mei Lee to have anything to do with boys.
After an especially embarrassing incident between a boy Mei Lee knows and her mother, Mei Lee’s emotions get the best of her “poof,” she turns into a giant red panda.
Mei Lee is mortified by this sudden change, which goes away when she calms down. What will her friends think? What will the kids at school think? Worst of all, what will her mother think?
As if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren’t enough, now she has to worry about “poofing” into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS).
Is there a cure for what is happening to Mei Lee, or is she cursed to deal with living the life a red panda? To find out, check out Turning Red. Look for it exclusively on Disney+.
I knew I was going to enjoy this film the very first thing I saw a teaser for it. It piqued my interest. I also happen to like Red Pandas. I think they are adorable! They are one of my favorite animals to see when my family and I go to the zoo.
In the day and age when movie studios seem to take the same story, sprinkle in an extra character or two, and tweak it a bit to be “different,” it’s refreshing to see an original story line.
The relationship between Mei Lee and her mom is comical. At the same time, I think many people can relate to similar relationships with their own mothers (just not to the same extreme as Ming).
I also think that teenagers (and ‘tweens) can relate to Mei Lee trying to navigate her life. Being a teenager is never easy for anyone. Add in the fact that she turns into a giant (yet adorable) red panda every time her emotions get the best of her, that only adds to the teenage “angst.”
Crushing on boys, and wanting to see their favorite band in concert, are other things teens and ‘tweens can relate to.
There are some parts of this movie that I don’t think are ideal for younger children. For example, Ming things Mei Lee has her period, so there is talk about that and maxi pads. There are also a few instances of name calling which I thought wasn’t appropriate for younger children. Only parents will know their child best and whether or not they are okay with that with their child.
Is is just me, or does Mei Lee and Mirabel from Encanto look a lot alike? Mirabel is on the top, and Mei Lee is on the bottom. That’s what I thought when I was watching Turning Red.
The animation in this film is amazing. It’s so realistic! It blew my mind as to how true to life the settings were in this film.
All the characters in this film are very likeable too.
Look for Turning Red on digital platforms, and where ever you purchase Blu-rays, DVDs and 4K’s on May 3, 2022.
Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free digital copy of this film in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.