Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in Turning Red
Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in Turning Red
Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in Pixar Movies
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in Turning Red. For this list, we’ll be looking at jokes, references, and themes that adults watching “Turning Red” will appreciate, but the younger crowd might miss. This is one Pixar film that earns its PG rating, and we truly respect it for that. What did you think of “Turning Red?” Let us know in the comments.
#10: The Movie’s Title
Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in Clueless
The meaning behind the title, “Turning Red,” can be interpreted in a few different ways, some more suggestive than others. The most literal meaning is that Mei turns into a red panda, something that kids and adults can understand. The title can also refer to the emotions that might turn your face red, such as anger, embarrassment, stress, and excitement, all of which Mei experiences. However, only adults will connect the word “red” to what happens when a young lady starts menstruating. It’s on the nose, yet somehow subtle simultaneously. We imagine that when a lot of kids take sex ed or have “the talk” with their parents, they’ll look back at this movie’s title and say, “Oh… now I get it!”
#9: The 2000s & 90s References
Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in The Little Mermaid
While the central themes, characters, and story are timeless, only those born before 2002 will be familiar with the retro references. It was a simpler time when kids passed hand-written notes in class rather than text. Some kids had phones, but they flipped open and didn’t have touch screens. Instead of being glued to tablets, Tamagotchis were our best friends. We didn’t listen to music on our phones either. Mixed CDs and radios were the way to go. Speaking of music, boy bands may still be popular now, but nothing tops the peak of Backstreet and NSYNC mania. Oh, and you couldn’t attend a party or dance without hearing “Cha Cha Slide.”
#8: The Red Wedding Night
Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in Kids' Movies
Ming is very strict and cautious when it comes to the popular media that her daughter absorbs. Ironically, though, we’re not sure if the soap opera Ming watches with Mei is age appropriate. Getting ready for dinner, the family watches a Hong Kong drama where a “two-faced” woman plots to marry a royal and take the throne. Ming casually tells Mei that the character will likely stab her groom on their wedding night. Manipulation, usurping power, and murder don’t translate to kid-friendly material. Yet, Ming doesn’t see the show as a bad influence. This actually mirrors some parents who turn a blind eye to violence in media, but if something is even remotely sexual, they shield their children’s fragile eyes.
#7: Making Money Off Mei’s Panda
Top 10 Movies That Are Only Good For Making You Cry
Upon realizing that the other kids adore the panda, Mei and her friends see a golden opportunity. To afford 4*Town tickets, they start producing panda merchandise and charge the kids to see Mei’s panda. To kids, this seems innocent enough. For adults, there are definitely some lines to read between. The image of Abby as a bouncer isn’t something anyone below the drinking age would be familiar with. There’s also a level of business-savvy well beyond the years of four kids in Grade 8 should have. We certainly didn’t. At the film’s end, the little joke that the Lee family is helping finance the rebuilding of the Toronto SkyDome by using Mei’s panda for publicity is probably something only the taxpaying audience might nod at.
#6: Mei’s Desire to Rebel
Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in Teen Movies
It’s only natural for children to idolize their parents. As we grow older, though, the desire to rebel inevitably kicks in. At the same time, you don’t want to disappoint your parents. Like the characters in “Encanto,” Mei suppresses her feelings at first, but this only builds pressure. “Turning Red” traverses these complex emotions as Mei forms her own identity while trying to maintain the bond with her mother. Little kids might not comprehend every layer of Mei’s journey. However, they can still relate to Mei and learn from her experiences. This is the kind of film that helps kids understand emotions without them even realizing it. Then when they revisit “Turning Red” as adults, they’ll recognize the true impact that the film had.
#5: The Premise Is Kind of Like “Big Mouth”
Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in DreamWorks Movies
“Turning Red” might be a little more grown-up than some parents anticipated, but it’s nothing compared to another coming-of-age animated property. While not nearly as graphic or foul-mouthed as Netflix’s “Big Mouth,” there are several parallels. Both center on middle schoolers dealing with puberty, acceptance, and awkward moments. In both cases, a hairy beast helps the kids understand their changing bodies and emotions. With “Big Mouth,” the kids receive regular visits from their hormone monsters and monstresses. Although these shoulder angels don’t always give the best advice, they ultimately teach the kids that these urges are normal. Instead of getting advice from a hormone monstress, Mei turns into one, setting her on a journey of self-discovery. Plus, the kids here also have pretty big mouths.
#4: What’s Wrong with Stripper Music?
Top 10 Things That Only Adults Notice in the Ice Age Movies
Like NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys, there’s nothing especially offensive about 4*Town’s songs. With every generational gap, though, there’s always going to be a disagreement about music. Ming refuses to let Mei attend the 4*Town concert, writing the band off as lewd degenerates. Abby’s mom shares the same mentality, describing 4*Town as “stripper music.” We actually had to rewind to make sure we didn’t mishear Abby, but it’s official! Disney allowed Pixar to use the word “stripper.” The moment flies by so fast that most kids probably won’t think to ask what a stripper is… unless their parents gasp or giggle in response. The fact that Abby is holding onto two dodgeballs and bites into another only makes the moment more suggestive.
#3: Gyrating
Upon arriving at the concert in her giant red panda form, Ming is appalled to find so many underdressed hooligans. We love that even when she’s furious with her daughter, Ming still takes the time to parent others. Ming may be bigger, but Mei is ready to fight for her panda, her individuality, and her right to gyrate. “What’s gyrating?,” some kids might wonder. Mei gives us a demonstration when she starts twerking to distract her mother. This includes slapping her butt and putting her head between her legs, much to Ming’s horror. Honestly, it’s not as risque as it sounds, but it’s still kind of mindblowing to see this in a Disney release. Then again, Disney also gave us Miley Cyrus, the Twerk Queen.
#2: Mei’s Drawings
Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice In Encanto
You’re never too old to doodle in your notebook. Between kindergarten and middle school, though, you might find yourself sketching more tantalizing things. You’ll also find that merpeople are surprisingly hot. Speaking of heat, you’re going to be sweating more than usual. In what’s easily among the film’s most uncomfortable moments, Ming stumbles upon Mei’s lustful drawings of Devon. The overprotective mother jumps to conclusions about the seventeen-year-old clerk and her thirteen-year-old daughter. She confronts Devon in public, accusing him of taking advantage of Mei… and doing drugs. If you thought the drawings were suggestive, we’re given a window into Mei’s merman fantasies later on. Remember kids, it’s part of growing up, but maybe do a better job at hiding the drawings from your parents. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Other Puberty Connections Getting Hairier & Smellier Are Also Parts of Growing Up My Panda, My Choice A Spin on “My Body, My Choice” What Happens to Mei’s Clothes? Wouldn’t They Rip When She Transforms or Is That Part of Magic? Naughty Words “Perv,” “Sexy,” “Narc,” & “Crap,” All Brought to You By The Mouse! Awooga! It’s Like “Red Hot Riding Hood,” But With the Roles Reversed
#1: The Red Peony
Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in Back to the Outback
Although “period” is never said out loud in “Turning Red,” Ming paints a vivid portrait with her description of a delicate flower. Well, vivid for adults, at least. The reference may fly over childrens’ heads. They also might be left wondering what pads are. Whether or not parents take this opportunity to talk to their kids about puberty, we applaud the reference to a common part of growing up. If anything, seeing menstrual products represented in a family-friendly film helps normalize the subject at a young age. So, when the red peony does bloom, they’re less inclined to feel ashamed, scared, or alone. It also shatters the stigma against discussing pads, although Ming admittedly could’ve been more discrete in front of Mei’s class.
