LIFE

Editor: William L.G. Stephens viewpoints.artsentertainment@gmail.com LIFE

April 1, 2022 3

‘Turning Red’ understands the pre-teen experience

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAY

VIANNEY MORALES STAFF REPORTER

Pixar’s latest animated film “Turning Red” is the frst Pixar flm that explores the topic of puberty.

What’s even more intriguing is it’s the studio’s frst flm to be entirely written, produced, and directed by women. The authenticity of the writers’ experiences from their adolescence shines bright in the newest animated fick.

“If you honor your parents too much, you might forget to honor yourself,” is a line from the opening monologue, delivered by the protagonist, that encapsulates the flm’s message.

The flm takes place in Toronto, Canada in 2002. It follows the story of Mei Lee (Rosalie Chiang) beginning her path to womanhood. Unfortunately for Mei, she deals with the intense moments of puberty by turning into a fuffy red panda whenever she experiences extreme emotions.

Mei is born into a proud, but rigid, family that she assists by operating one of the oldest running temples in Toronto. Mei’s mother, Ming (Sandra Oh), expects Mei to prioritize excelling in her academics and contributions to the family. Unfortunately, this leaves little room for Mei to pursue her individual interests outside of the collective’s.

Up until Mei begins puberty, she doesn’t mind this arrangement.

Naturally, the onset of puberty is tumultuous for Mei Lee. Her group of supportive friends helps her navigate her concurrent transitions when her mother fails to address her emotional needs.

Mei’s newfound appreciation for friendship guides her desire to break away from the cut-throat mold that her mother has created. We see Mei wanting to establish her identity and embrace her interests.

She begins to understand the value of her friendships and, inadvertently, how much she overvalued her mother’s happiness instead of her own.

Not only does the film have a meaningful message for those that have similar experiences to Mei Lee, but it also nails the early 2000s nostalgia and overall preteen experience.

From the boy band craze to Tamagotchis and an embarrassingly ravenous interest in boys, “Turning Red” hilariously addresses the many pitfalls of the pre-teen experience. The flm is heartfelt and comedic, complete with music from the fctitious boy band 4*TOWN. Despite the lack of theatrical release, “Turning Red” has just as much heart as its Pixar predecessors. Jesse Monstera, stands in front of his Succs 2 B You plant pop stand with his boombox planter, which blends his hip hop and Chicano culture with his love of plants, at pop-up event held at the Jurupa Valley Spectrum on March 18. Blue-collar worker with a green thumb

Incense is placed in one of the plants in the Succs 2 B You plant pop-up, to provide customers with a soothing aromatic experience as they shop for their next plant, at the pop-up event hosted by Jurupa Valley Spectrum on March 18.

PLANTS from page 1

to plant stores with him. Jesus began bringing plants home and the family agreed it made everything feel homier. Susie said the impact plants had on Jesus made him seem “more alive.”

He would work on little succulent arrangements and it helped him relax. The more he did it, the more he wanted to learn. He began to share what he learned about plants with his family.

Monstera began spending more time with his wife, Susie Alemán, and bonding with his daughter, Genevieve Alemán.

“We got into this and it brought us closer as a family,” Susie said.

Jesus knew that he had to leave the concrete industry even though he was comfortable there.

“I was afraid,” Jesus said. “During the pandemic, people were getting sick and I was afraid I would die doing concrete. I had dreams.”

So Jesus quit his job and began his own plant business.

At first, he worked with succulents and made custom arrangements. Now, he offers various plants and selections from a record collection.

In December 2020, Genevieve began posting about her dad on TikTok. The feedback Monstera got motivated him to keep pursuing his dream.

“A lot of times, things are scary,” Genevieve said. “(Like) posting videos, doing these popups — but just do it. Without opening the door, you’ll never walk through.”

The Alemán family is very passionate about their plant business.

“We’re not in it for the money anymore,” Susie said. “We’d rather see the smiles on people’s faces.” Eventually, Monstera wants to have an art gallery with all of his arrangements as well as a shop.

“Plants softened my heart, I’m so much happier,” he said. “When people come to our plants it’s a blessing, we get to share our happiness and encourage them to shine.”

“Plants softened my heart, ”I’m so much happier. - Jesus Alemán

PHOTOS BY DANIEL HERNANDEZ

A huge crowd gathers at the Mad Hatter’s Castle stage to enjoy a DJ’s mix of dubstep and bass house on night one of Beyond Wonderland on March 25. Down the rabbit hole

Beyond Wonderland returns to its regularly scheduled time slot

A giant caterpillar, held up by performers, walks around the festival grounds and greets festival goers. Tokyo machine plays his first in-person festival since 2019 at night one of Beyond Wonderland. His set included songs that were featured in the video game Rocket League.

ABOVE: A totem pole with the words ‘WHEN THE BASS DROPS’ fies above the crowd.