TURNING RED Pixar's Newest Release is Really for Kids but Not Silly

Did I like Disney Pixar's newest full-length animated film "Turning Red?" Nope, but that's okay.  Usually, Pixar picks flicks that are universal.  I thought this charming coming of age film a pastiche of themes geared for pre-teens and their parents.  I applaud the likable 13 year old heroine, Meiline Lee (voiced by Rosalie Chang) and her girl squad of unflagging friendships.  I commend the conversation starter of menses for adolescents.  (But, menstral pads?  Really?  Are tampons somehow too much of a ceiling breaker?). Meiline's mother (voiced by Sandra Oh) is a tiger mom which can be construed as derogatory stereootyping of Asian parents. But, before we go woke, wake-up to the unflattering depiction of Asian women as designer, status aspiring consumers.  These constructive critiques aside, there is much for Pixar to take pride in this made for viewing by pre-adolescents in the presence of their parents.  The exuberance of youth and the importance of friendships over family is rightly placed front and center.  So too is the infatuation with popular bands and the first stirrings of attractions outside the bounds of friendship.  However, the movie can't take credit for being original in coping with one's strong emotions.  Disney did it with aplomb in "Inside Out".  Appropriating one's own material is not inappropriate but it's redux not new.  Neither are themes of bullying, popularity and peer pressures new memes.  Still, these potent and universal concerns are handled with intelligence and sensitivity.  The generation divides between youngster's and their parents, and their parents' parents, handled the inherent frustrations and capitulations with humor.  Much credit has to be given to the voice overs done by Chang and Oh alongside Pixar's expert animation.  I didn't care for the picture's cotton candy kaleidoscope color palette.  This was a nod to  a young demographic who still care for Care Bears and unicorns.  The choreography throughout deserves a shout out for its artistry and whimsy.  Even though I was not a big fan of the film "Turning Red" I urge parents of pre-teens to screen this one together for bonding time and for broaching conversations.