Pixar goes Disney

Rating: 8/10 (13 January 2018)

Maybe it's just me, but Pixar seemed to do no wrong for a long time a produced a string of movies that were simply wonderful. That run seemed to come to an end when they made Cars 2 and they have been pumping out some pretty average movies ever since.
What made Pixar great was the marriage of stellar animation, peerless storytelling and emotional manipulation. Up still gets me every time. What was missing was originality and emotion because, let's face it, everyone else has caught up animation wise. Coco sees Pixar back in form if not on top form.
The animation is gorgeous (as you would expect) but it is the emotional connection of the family that makes it work (Pixar is back!) and the songs are truly super (Disney showing their input). It bears an uncanny resemblance to The Book of Life (2014) - which is also a great movie - but Coco does the whole voyage and return with real verve and the journey carries you along without any pause to draw breath and my daughter was in tears many time and even I got a little grit in my eye now and again.
Great to see Pixar back in the zone and I hope that they can push on and get back to their best.