An amusing if somewhat unassuming animated film about a teenage girl who discovers that she turns into a giant kraken when she goes in the ocean (or gets riled up?), Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken blew my five-year-old out of the water… and left me wanting a bit more.
The movie’s concept reminded me a lot of Pixar’s underappreciated Turning Red, except it isn’t as funny, clever, or exciting. Even still, Ruby Gillman has plenty to offer and is a perfectly enjoyable animated film.
My daughter eats up anything with female leads, and with monsters and mermaids thrown in for good measure, Ruby Gillman checks most of the boxes. The title character, voiced by Lana Condor, is a likable, neurotic heroine. The story itself may not be anything special, but the screenplay makes the most of its cast of weird characters.
The animation itself is well done as well. Coupled with the screenplay, the little world that co-directors Kirk DeMicco and Faryn Pearl have brought to life feels vibrant and alive, pulsing with energy and creativity.
Though it never really rises the tide, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a pleasurable piece of work. I wish it would have been more, but my kid, and probably your kids, won’t give a damn.
Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.