Turning Red Movie Review: This Cute Little Film About Big Panda Has Got Every Single Pixar Trademark

Those who are aware of PIXAR's formulas for human-friendly, emotionally blended films with fictional ideas of animated characters need no further explanation of what to expect from Turning Red. We all know that these things are not possible in real life, but Pixar has managed to create that connection with viewers like nobody else. The formula is simple. You create fictional characters that are human or sometimes inhuman, like animals, magic worlds, or something, and then mix them with real human emotions to teach audiences something about relationships, bonding, and life. They've done it dozens of times in the last few decades, from Toy Story to UP to Coco, and each time they bring something new to the table.Isn't that too much? It's a humanly impossible job, but they make it possible with animated characters. Hands down. Turning Red adds another heart-tugging chapter in Pixar's glorious book, and everybody who has a good taste for cinema or knows about Pixar's quality work should not miss it.Turning Red is an animated coming-of-age fantasy comedy drama about a 13-year-old girl named Melin, who turns into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited. Eventually, she discovers the reason behind it, the curse, and tries to pass the time until the cure takes place. Within this period, she learns about life and the difference between childhood and adolescent phases. Turning Red has all the Pixar hallmarks, from friendship to a mother-daughter relationship to self-realization. When I say Pixar Trademark, I don't think I need to elaborate any further.Despite the problematic plot, the film stays engaging due to its fun-filled world. It has comedy for all ages. From kids to teenagers to adults, everyone gets their dose of laughter, and you don't need to put your brain into it. Rather, it's quite funky and stylish too. There is music, there is a chill-filled, friendly atmosphere, humour, a family touch, there's drama, there are emotions, and there are good visuals too. The screenplay is tight, right under 90 minutes (excluding credits). Hence, it never looks boring. A couple of musical numbers by Ludwig Göransson will set your mood just right.The voice cast has done a fine job. It was a slightly stressful job because the tenderness of a kid's voice and then converting it into a horrible yet cute furry panda definitely needed more effort. Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse, Hyein Park and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan have done well there. The characters are kid-friendly, but they do relate to adults too. If it weren't for those attractive VFX designs, this fictionally non-fiction world would have looked fake, but I'm glad to say that it is very charming.What uplifts this coming-of-age-drama are those intelligently humourous dialogues. "I am 13! Deal with it." - The girl yells in anger, just like that, but it hits you so hard that as a parent you might feel awkward and humiliated at the same time. Domee Shi has done a commendable job in her debut. Being a girl and then a woman herself, she knows what kind of situations any girl of that age and any mother has to deal with. She puts the heart and soul in the right place and expands Pixar's long list of family-friendly educational dramas. As a whole, Turning Red is unmissable for Pixar fans, teenage girls, and mothers. Wait, who else is left then? Yet another triumph for the brand that never disappoints the audience. Have fun and cry too.