Growing up is hard to do

Rating: 8/10 (12 November 2005)

Kids like it, and it's literature, for the adults - a rare and precious thing in the land of animation. It's a lovely and detailed allegory of growing up (that's not a spoiler, 'cause you already knew everyone grows up.) How it feels, what choices await you, and some good advice on finding creative answers to those grown-up dilemmas when they come - all presented symbolically, so a lot of what's best in the movie may go right over the heads of adults who aren't paying close attention.
You also get Bangra music. If you don't like pop music from any other place in the world than wherever you come from, say Iowa, that may be a bad thing. For the rest of us, it's a very good thing. Thank you, Punjab.
The animation is great, and it's fine literature - but the plot of our lives isn't that intricate so if you want a really convoluted plot, try Mulholland Drive or Memento (and good luck keeping the kids interested in those). This plot is allegorical, ultimately about ordinary lives and decisions; and therefore, it doesn't have dozens of twists and turns. Okay by me.
One last note: If you really hate the thought of growing up and are convinced that maturity sucks, and refuse to grow up under any circumstances at all, skip this one: back to Dumb and Dumber for you.