This film is about a 13 year old Chinese-Canadian girl named Meilin who turns into a red panda anytime she is overwhelmed with emotion. And the panda is freaking adorable and this is a really cool idea because who wasn't getting really overwhelmed at that age! However, the characters in this film are so obnoxious! Whether it is the teenage girls whose entire identities center around their love for a fictional boy band or Meilin's mom who is so over the top embarrassing that it's impossible to believe, there really aren't any characters who are easy to identify with or are fun to watch. Finally, what is the metaphor of the panda in the film? Is it puberty? Is it individuality and forgoing tradition? Is it embracing your emotions and insecurities? Well, it could be all and none of these things, as the director isn't very direct with the plot. So, overall this is a fine movie but it really could have been a great one.
Review of Turning Red
