Chelsea Van Der Zee (Annie Murphy) and Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor) in DreamWorks Animation’s "Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken"directed by Kirk DeMicco. OSV News classification, A-III -- adults. (OSV News photo/DreamWorks Animations)

By OSV News

A major feminist and minor gay agenda underlie this animated adventure, helmed by Kirk DeMicco and co-director Faryn Pearl.

Together with her caring parents (voices of Toni Collette and Colman Domingo) and energetic little brother (voice of Blue Chapman), the titular sea creature (voice of Lana Condor) has long passed for human and has been raised to fear any contact with the ocean. But to save the fellow high school student (voice of Jaboukie Young-White) she would like to make her boyfriend from drowning in an accident, she takes the plunge, discovering the world beneath the waves and coming under the guidance of her estranged grandmother (voice of Jane Fonda).

While plot developments, including the heroine’s eventual friendship with a mermaid (voice of Annie Murphy), send mixed signals about whether kids should trust their parents, the fact that female krakens are gigantic, gleaming and powerful while their male counterparts are puny and impotent is unambiguous. Additionally, the protagonist’s circle of closest pals includes a lesbian (voice of Liza Koshy) who takes a girl to the prom and sports a rainbow-flag bowtie.

Unsuitable for the youngsters at whom it’s aimed, the occasionally funny and visually vivid film will, overall, likely bore their elders.

Stylized cartoon combat, a benign view of homosexual relationships, mature references. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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