Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023)
Synopsis:
Ruby Gillman is a sweet and awkward high school student who discovers she's a direct descendant of the warrior kraken queens, ancient protectors of the ocean. As she navigates typical teenage challenges, Ruby learns that the kraken are sworn to protect the world's oceans against the vain, power-hungry mermaids who threaten their realm. Destined to inherit the throne from her commanding grandmother, Ruby must quickly learn to harness her newfound powers and embrace her extraordinary heritage. This animated adventure follows Ruby as she balances her everyday life with her royal responsibilities, ultimately using her abilities to protect those she loves most while discovering the hero within herself beneath the surface.
Where To Watch: Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Parental Feedback
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken delivers a brightly animated adventure that balances lighthearted comedy with themes of self-acceptance and family legacy. The pacing is energetic and kid-friendly, with DreamWorks Animation's signature humor woven throughout the story of a teenage girl discovering her mythical heritage. Parents can expect a fantasy narrative that explores identity, belonging, and the tension between fitting in at high school and embracing one's true nature, all wrapped in a colorful underwater world with kraken warriors and mermaids.
Why Kids Should Watch Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
This animated feature offers several positive elements that make it appealing for family viewing.
The story centers on themes of self-discovery and embracing what makes you different, as Ruby learns to accept her kraken heritage rather than hide from it. This message of authenticity resonates with young viewers navigating their own identities.
The film showcases strong family bonds, particularly the relationship between Ruby and her commanding grandmother who represents her destined legacy. These multi-generational connections provide positive models of family support and guidance.
Ruby's journey emphasizes using newfound abilities to protect loved ones rather than for selfish gain, teaching children about responsibility and caring for others. The kraken's sworn duty to protect the oceans also introduces environmental stewardship themes.
The voice cast, including Lana Condor, Toni Collette, and Colman Domingo, brings warmth and humor to the characters, making the fantasy world accessible and engaging for younger audiences.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Parents may want to consider a few aspects before viewing with sensitive children.
The conflict between warrior kraken queens and power-hungry mermaids involves fantasy battles that, while animated, may be intense for very young or easily frightened viewers. The sworn protection of oceans against adversaries suggests action sequences throughout.
The film's focus on high school social dynamics and fitting in may introduce anxieties about peer acceptance that younger elementary-aged children aren't yet ready to process. Ruby's awkwardness and desire to belong could resonate too strongly with vulnerable kids.
The theme of discovering a hidden, powerful identity and inheriting a throne carries weighty expectations that might feel overwhelming, particularly the pressure Ruby faces from her commanding grandmother about her destiny.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken earns approval as a colorful, message-driven animated adventure suitable for families with children who can handle fantasy action and themes of identity.
What Parents Should Know About Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Ruby demonstrates protecting loved ones, accepting her true self, and fulfilling responsibilities even when they feel daunting. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film includes moments of self-doubt and the pressure of living up to family legacy that may resonate emotionally with older children navigating expectations. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the vain and power-hungry mermaids serve as antagonists whose selfish motivations contrast with the kraken's protective duty. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The story emphasizes using powers to protect others and working within family structures, though the focus is more on individual destiny than collaborative teamwork. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the central message encourages embracing your true identity and heritage rather than hiding who you are to fit in. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken as a visually appealing animated feature with positive messages about self-acceptance and family. Many note that the film successfully balances humor with meaningful themes, making it entertaining for both children and adults watching together. Some parents mention that the fantasy action is mild enough for most elementary-aged viewers, though a few caution that very young children might find the kraken-mermaid conflict slightly intense. The film's focus on a teenage protagonist dealing with high school pressures while discovering her mythical heritage resonates particularly well with pre-teen audiences. Overall, families value the representation of strong female characters across generations and the environmental protection themes woven into the ocean-based narrative.
Official Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken Trailer
Why Kids Love Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Ruby transforms into a giant glowing kraken with tentacles that can smash through anything, giving her incredible underwater superpowers that let her zoom through the ocean at lightning speed. She battles power-hungry mermaids in epic showdowns beneath the waves, using her newfound kraken strength to protect everyone she cares about. The bright, colorful underwater world bursts with fast-paced action as Ruby learns to control her massive tentacles and warrior abilities.
Ruby's awkward high school moments turn hilarious when her secret kraken identity threatens to burst out at the worst possible times. She's clumsy on land but becomes a confident hero underwater, creating funny contrasts that keep the energy high. Her grandmother commands the kraken throne and trains Ruby in spectacular battle moves, leading to action-packed sequences where Ruby proves she can be a true warrior queen.
The movie delivers non-stop excitement as Ruby faces off against Chelsea and the scheming mermaids who want to steal ocean power for themselves. Ruby's family—including her protective mom Agatha and supportive dad Arthur—join the chaos, creating wild escape scenes and tentacle-filled rescues. Uncle Brill adds to the fun with his own kraken abilities, helping Ruby master her powers just in time for the biggest underwater battle of her life.