By Paul Hall
Family — we all have it. The relatives we love and the relatives we avoid. Families can be small or big, natural or adoptive, and may include a plethora of different dynamics. Your family is a road map to your past, present and future. And family is at the center of the new film Coco from the Disney and Pixar team.
Miguel (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez) has rhythm in his heart. His family, whom he loves dearly, has barred music from their house. He struggles to see how he fits in to this unit where he can’t follow his passion, especially when he finds out some of his inspiration may have originated with former music star Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt), a man who Miguel believes just might be his great-great-grandfather.
As they prepare to celebrate the Day of the Dead, the family displays pictures of their deceased relatives to invite them to cross to the living and be with them for this special day. Miguel wants to perform during his small town’s celebration, but when his abuelita (Renee Victor) destroys his secret instrument, he sets out to find a guitar to play in the square, never expecting his search would lead him to the Land of the Dead.
There, he meets the relatives whose pictures were displayed back home. But even these relatives, now skeletons, won’t let him return home unless he gives up music. Miguel can think of only one person who might help him return home and express his musical talents: his great-great-grandfather. To help him navigate this new world, Miguel enlists Héctor (Gael García Bernal), a stranger who is dying to have his picture put up at home so he can cross over one last time to see the love of his life. Can Miguel and Héctor find the legendary Ernesto de la Cruz, and will Miguel get home?
Visually, this is one of the most stunning animated offerings I have seen. From start to finish, I found myself captivated by the detail displayed in all the characters — both living and dead. This is a magnificently animated film.
The story, focusing on Miguel and his family, is heartwarming and poignant. Adults can relate to the familial relationships onscreen. We cheer for Miguel but understand something must be driving the attitudes of his family, and we long for a positive resolution that will satisfy everyone.
But — and you knew there was a “but” coming — where Coco falls a bit short is in its suitability for younger viewers. I don’t believe this film possesses the same magic of other Pixar offerings. The skeletons might be scary for younger viewers, and the concept of dealing with death is something many parents, rightly or wrongly, try to keep their children from experiencing.
That said, Coco delivers a winner to older kids and adults, an underserved market in animated films. They will get a lot from the message of family that permeates every moment of this film.
I’m glad I didn’t write this review immediately after seeing Coco as my thoughts on the film have turned warmer during my rumination. Coco has allowed me to reminisce about my own family members who have passed from this life. I am blessed to have known them. I won’t forget them, and I will make sure others won’t either. No matter the circumstance, family will see you through. Thanks Coco, for that reminder.
Paul’s Grade: B+
Coco
Rated PG
Voices of: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
Directors: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
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