Wonderful Heartfelt Adventure

Rating: 8/10 (26 November 2017)

It's no surprise Pixar has another big hit on their hands with Coco, but I'm just happy it's with a subject matter and setting that they have yet to tackle yet. Dozens of films in, and they are beginning to expand their geographical reach with storytelling. That's a long time sure, but it's most certainly better late than never. Luckily, Coco isn't just an exploration into a new territory for Pixar, it's also a brilliantly charming and original film that delves into deep themes without forgetting what makes kids films entertaining and special in their own right.
It's not that Pixar or Disney Animation hasn't given us several movies that encourage children to reach for their goals (but to also remember family), but I love the way Coco uses the power of music into those genre clichés. One of my favorite films of all time is Almost Famous, and that's also a film that nails the power of music in an endearing way. Coco does this while also telling a beautiful story of family (a big one that is) in a visually stunning way. Just as Moana, Inside Out, and Finding Dory did for Disney Animation and Pixar in the last few years, Coco once again progresses the world of animation to an entirely new level. There's one particular shot in Coco, as Miguel first enters and gazes upon the world of the dead, that is among the most impresses shots visually that I have seen in quite some time.
Of course, Coco isn't just a technical darling, it's also a heartfelt story of a family with tradition, and sometimes there's nothing more likable than that. It isn't easy to truly care about a group of dead family members to the lead character, Miguel, but somehow this film manages to do just that. Probably due to the charisma of young Miguel, the witty dialogue, and poignant direction from Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina.
With a few twists and turns, well-developed characters, dazzling visuals, and one epic journey, Coco is yet another solid entry into Disney/Pixar's long list of animated adventures. It was a little long in the tooth (as was the excruciating Olaf "short" in front of it) but it didn't take away from the importance and impact that Coco will have an audience's of all shapes and sizes.
8.6/10