Disney Pixar’s Coco – Movie Review

Disney Pixar’s newest film, Coco is such a fun a creative story. Before previewing the film earlier this week I didn’t know too much about the story line other than it celebrated Mexican culture and family. It looked like a movie I would like and knowing the kind of films Pixar produces I had high expectations. I was not disappointed.

Coco tells the story of a young boy and his family. Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

This movie is fabulous. It was heart-felt, warm and funny as well as visually stimulating. I was a little concerned that a story line about death might be dark and scary but it was so heart-warming and cheery. In the same way Disney’s Up shared some of the heart ache of death Coco dives in a bit deeper.

I was absolutely blown away by the animation. Not only was there so much attention to detail, like the light, water, skin and hair but the expressions of the characters were so accurate. It’s hard to explain but there were a few moments when a character would make a movement or expression that was very representative of their culture. It wasn’t anything stereotypical but just little head tilts or the way they moved their mouth when talking that was so spot on. It wasn’t just animation of moving a mouth up and down like a puppet but the exact movements the entire body makes while speaking certain words, in a certain language with a certain accent. Fabulous.

Additionally, I love Gael García Bernal as the voice of Hector. I think he was probably my favorite character. His story line is so strong and fascinating. Most kids movies are pretty predictable but I was genuinely surprised with the twists of the story. It was such a compeling story I think children and adults will be both entertained. Also, be forewarned there may be some tear, because you can’t make a movie about death without sadness.

I will say that because the film is focused around the theme of family death parents might want to be prepared to answer some questions about death and afterlife. Otherwise, I don’t think it was dark or scary or had any moments that would be inappropriate for younger children. They mention murder, which might be a difficult topic but there wasn’t anything visually violent or scary. I actually, really liked how well they deal with such a heavy issue. I think this could be a great tool for parents that can use, in the same way Inside Out was a great film that dealt with emotions.

Coco is now playing in theaters across the county.