Sometimes Pixar pops out a forgettable sequel or a beautiful but boring film. Then there's most of their catalog, clever ideas brought to life with incredible animation and heartwarming stories with deep messages. I am happy to announce that Coco is one of the good ones.
Coco follows a boy named Miguel that lives with his big family in Mexico. Despite being in a very musical town, Miguel's family bans music due to an event from the family's past. Wanting nothing more than to be a musician, Miguel breaks into the tomb of his music idol, Ernesto de la Cruz, and plays his famous guitar, transporting him to the land of the dead. While trying to get back home, Miguel learns important lessons on the importance of family and following your dreams.
This movie is absolutely gorgeous. While it might not be as photo-realistic as The Good Dinosaur, the visuals of this film perfectly bring to life the world that Miguel is a part of. Both Mexico and the land of the dead are brought to life in an array of lights and bright colours that are amazing to look at. The characters are also very well brought to life. The human characters are similar in style to the humans in Inside Out, and each one has something making them unique. In the land of the dead is where the character designs become a lot of fun. Each person in the land of the dead is simply a skeleton of their human self, and the way their characteristics are transferred from flesh to bone is really well done. The film shows us pictures of when most of the skeletons were alive, giving the audience a chance to see how the character was transformed, which is a joy to watch.
The voice cast in this film is pretty much perfect. Anthony Gonzalez brings Miguel to life, and while he has the typical Disney/Pixar kid voice, it fits the film very well. If we're being honest at times he sounded a bit like Dora the Explorer, but everyone loves Dora so I have no complaints. Miguel's character is also one that shows a great arc throughout his journey. which is always great to see. The other stand out character to me in this film is Hector, played by Gael Garcia Bernal. Hector is a man Miguel meets in the land of the dead that helps him through his journey. He is at risk of being forgotten by his living ancestors, which would make his spirit fade away forever which leads to some very deep emotional moments. There's also a new adorable Pixar animal sidekick in Dante, Miguel's dog pal.
This film overall is an emotional ride. I had heard that a lot of people cried during this movie and I really didn't think I would, but the story and moments within it are so deeply emotional it is impossible to not at least tear up at some point. This is the classic Pixar make you laugh, then rip your heart out and show it to you approach to storytelling.
If I had to point out a flaw, I'd say at times the film is a slight bit too bright and fluffy. It also follows a lot of common Pixar movie tropes. But the film is an absolute joy and easily my favourite animated film of the year, so I would highly recommend people go see it.
Rating: 4.5/5
Written by Matt McKenzie
Coco follows a boy named Miguel that lives with his big family in Mexico. Despite being in a very musical town, Miguel's family bans music due to an event from the family's past. Wanting nothing more than to be a musician, Miguel breaks into the tomb of his music idol, Ernesto de la Cruz, and plays his famous guitar, transporting him to the land of the dead. While trying to get back home, Miguel learns important lessons on the importance of family and following your dreams.
This movie is absolutely gorgeous. While it might not be as photo-realistic as The Good Dinosaur, the visuals of this film perfectly bring to life the world that Miguel is a part of. Both Mexico and the land of the dead are brought to life in an array of lights and bright colours that are amazing to look at. The characters are also very well brought to life. The human characters are similar in style to the humans in Inside Out, and each one has something making them unique. In the land of the dead is where the character designs become a lot of fun. Each person in the land of the dead is simply a skeleton of their human self, and the way their characteristics are transferred from flesh to bone is really well done. The film shows us pictures of when most of the skeletons were alive, giving the audience a chance to see how the character was transformed, which is a joy to watch.
The voice cast in this film is pretty much perfect. Anthony Gonzalez brings Miguel to life, and while he has the typical Disney/Pixar kid voice, it fits the film very well. If we're being honest at times he sounded a bit like Dora the Explorer, but everyone loves Dora so I have no complaints. Miguel's character is also one that shows a great arc throughout his journey. which is always great to see. The other stand out character to me in this film is Hector, played by Gael Garcia Bernal. Hector is a man Miguel meets in the land of the dead that helps him through his journey. He is at risk of being forgotten by his living ancestors, which would make his spirit fade away forever which leads to some very deep emotional moments. There's also a new adorable Pixar animal sidekick in Dante, Miguel's dog pal.
This film overall is an emotional ride. I had heard that a lot of people cried during this movie and I really didn't think I would, but the story and moments within it are so deeply emotional it is impossible to not at least tear up at some point. This is the classic Pixar make you laugh, then rip your heart out and show it to you approach to storytelling.
If I had to point out a flaw, I'd say at times the film is a slight bit too bright and fluffy. It also follows a lot of common Pixar movie tropes. But the film is an absolute joy and easily my favourite animated film of the year, so I would highly recommend people go see it.
Rating: 4.5/5
Written by Matt McKenzie
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