Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a new animated film by DreamWorks that tells the story of Ruby Gillman, a nerdy high school teenager who has a big secret – she’s actually a kraken. Ruby lives a double life, hiding her true identity from her friends and the rest of the world. Her parents moved to Oceanside, a small village, to live peacefully among humans, using their Canadian roots as an explanation for their physical differences.
The film revolves around Ruby’s struggle to fit in and her desire to go to prom, which is being held on a boat this year. However, her mother’s strict rule of no-water poses a challenge for Ruby. In an attempt to go to prom, Ruby breaks her mother’s rule and jumps into the ocean. This unleashes her dormant powers as a kraken and she grows exponentially in size. Not only does her newfound size alarm the residents of Oceanside, but it also leads to her mother revealing the truth: Ruby comes from a line of warrior krakens who have protected the sea for centuries.
Now, Ruby is faced with a choice – embrace her destiny as the next queen of the krakens or continue living a normal life away from the dangers of the ocean. This revelation causes tension between Ruby and her mother, and she embarks on a journey to seek answers about her family legacy. Along the way, she forms an unlikely bond with Chelsea Van Der Zee, a new resident of Oceanside, and faces battles and challenges that test her strength and determination. Eventually, bonds are broken and restored, leading to a satisfying conclusion.
Directed by Kirk DeMicco and co-directed by Faryn Pearl, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken charms with its delightful animation and talented voice cast, including Lana Condor, Toni Collette, Annie Murphy, Sam Richardson, and Liza Koshy. The film’s screenplay touches on the quirks of modern life and includes some humorous moments, but fails to fully delve into the complex relationship between Ruby, her mother, and her grandmother, leaving some emotional turns feeling underdeveloped.
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Despite this, the film maintains a steady pace and hits the familiar beats of its conventional plot. The animation showcases imaginative renderings of aquatic life, particularly in a majestic battle scene towards the end of the film. The chemistry among the voice cast brings the characters to life and adds to the overall enjoyment of the movie.
While Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken may not reach impressive heights, it still offers a charming and entertaining experience. Its themes of self-discovery, intergenerational conflict, and finding one’s voice resonate with audiences. At 90 minutes in length, the film is a pleasant and enjoyable watch for both young audiences and those young at heart.
In conclusion, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a delightful animated film that tells the story of a teenager navigating the challenges of high school while hiding her true identity as a kraken. With its charming animation, talented voice cast, and themes of self-discovery and intergenerational conflict, the film offers an entertaining and enjoyable experience. While it may not break new ground, it delivers a satisfying narrative that will appeal to audiences of all ages.
