One of the most heartfelt and charming stories in Pixar's film library to date

Rating: 9/10 (27 December 2017)

Coco is an animated fantasy film by Disney Pixar. Directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), it is a touching story about the importance of family and tradition passed on from generations past.
In a small Mexican town, a young boy named Miguel aspires to become a famous musician like the popular actor/singer Ernesto de la Cruz. However, due to a long-running ban on music enforced throughout his family, Miguel keeps his dream a secret from his relatives. On the night before the Day of the Dead festival, Miguel accidentally finds himself transported into the Land of the Dead, where he decides to seek out his great-great grandfather to help him return to the Land of the Living.
While not quite as clever and humorous as other works from Pixar, Coco is certainly one of the most heartfelt and charming stories in their film library to date. The film does a fine job of showcasing some intriguing aspects of Mexican culture and family tradition in a quirky but respectful manner. There were several moments that felt highly reminiscent of the Studio Ghibli classic Spirited Away, with its fascinating depiction of the afterlife and the beings who make their home there. The animation, as to be expected, is visually gorgeous to look at and the Land of the Dead felt so vibrant and alive, rather ironically. The voice acting is solid, especially from newcomer Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel, but Benjamin Bratt also shines. These are the types of films Pixar should continue making for audiences and not sequels for the sake of merchandising and money, like the Cars series.
I rate it 8.5/10