Turning Red

Pixar has gone through some changes in recent years. They've dropped their favored premise, they're trying out different styles, and they've gone from blockbuster kings to streaming bait. Turning Red is another good example of this shift, it's a shame the film itself is pretty flawed.

Meilin is a young girl who does everything to appease her overbearing mother. She finds herself in a constant struggle, as she also loves hanging out with her friends. When the stress gets the best of her, she turns into a giant red panda. It's a family trait that nobody told her about.

The usual Asian-American themes (overbearing families, the friction between modern and traditional values) and the typical coming-of-age elements feel generic, what really got to me though was Meilin's extremely annoying presence. She is loud and obnoxious, made worse by hyperactive animation and her interest in some or other horrible boy band. Ugh.