Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
“Wonder what Bollywood movie they saw before making this one!”
My 19-year-old younger cousin laughed and exclaimed, a few minutes after the first song in the 2023 animated film “Lady Bug and Cat Noir: Awakening”. The two leads meet for the first time in a textbook library scene, each standing on opposite sides of a book rack, their eyes locking in a typical “meet cute” moment.
Yeah, the romance element is heavy in this children’s film and would be more suitable for ages 12 and above, or basically kids who do care about first crushes and cute classmates. That’s not to say the romance is inappropriate, it’s rather cute, but not something that will keep a very young audience thrilled.
Directed by Jeremy Sag, the story follows teenagers Marinette and Adrian, who are chosen to save Paris from monsters unleashed by a villain. They transform into masked heroes, Lady Bug and Cat Noir, without knowing each other’s true identities. This standalone movie provides a quick introduction to the legend of Lady Bug and Cat Noir, and viewers don’t need to have seen the series to follow the plot.
Both protagonists are adorable characters, Marinette is clumsy, she is always falling and causing chaos everywhere she goes, even though she has a heart of gold. She would risk her own life to save someone else, even if they are a stranger running recklessly on a busy road. She has no confidence or interest in being a superhero called Ladybug but rises to the occasion when things get out of hand. Adrian on the other hand has a fun dual personality, while he is down to earth, caring and sweet in his regular form, but gets sassy and catty when he dons the Cat Noir suit.
The animation is bright and glossy, bringing Paris to life in the most flattering way, with homely bakeries and gorgeous historical buildings. As villains wreak havoc across the city, damaging architectural wonders, including the prized Louvre, you’ll feel the destruction affecting you. Some parts of the animation may be a little too bright and blinding, but overall, the animation is quite delightful. A few of the character designs were a mash of people you’ve already seen on screen or comics. For example, the primary antagonist Hawkmoth seemed out of a spider-man comic, while two minor villains/monsters were inspired versions of Joker and Harley Quinn from Batman.
Being a musical, some of the songs are good, pushing the story forward as characters vocalize their fears, insecurities, and hopes in a “Let it Go” fashion. However, at least two songs could’ve been cut. The makers should’ve ideally gone for a PG13 rating, making it a more teen superhero romance rather than the awkward blend of a child-friendly tale they ended up serving.
It’s a 6 on 10 from me. Stream “Lady Bug and Cat Noir” on Netflix.