Gracias Pixar! You did a good job, once again! Your brush with death, made for one vibrant entertaining movie!

Rating: 9/10 (4 December 2017)

'Coco' is an affecting, coming of age story of a young boy, Miguel Rivera (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez), whom desire to become a musician despite his family's wishes. Hoping to win, the local talent show, he steals a guitar off a dead man, and find himself accidentally transported to the land of the dead, where he must seeks the help of his instrumentalist great, great grandfather to return him to his family among the living. Without spoiling the movie, too much, while, it seems like similar film, 20th Century Fox, 2014's computer animation film 'the Book of Life' has shown everything special about the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to families, around the world. In contrast, Pixar & Disney Studios, with their own unique visuals style, not only show the holiday, mostly culturally sensitive right with their use colorful, beautifully computer animated of holiday decorations, but also the history of Mexican art culture, accuracy as well. We see that, with their homage to real life deceased Mexican celebrities, including Frida Kahlo, Mario Moreno, El Santo, Jorge Negrete, & Pedro Infante, through muralism art, music, lucha libre mask & fictional cameos. Nevertheless, not all the visuals from 'Coco' work. Some of the Easter Eggs, Pixar used, was a bit jarring. Although, it was pretty cool to see cameos items from other Pixar films. It just doesn't work with the world, Lee Unkrich & his crew, are trying to build. It was also a bit jolting to see Alebrije in the afterlife; when in truth, both really have barely anything to do with each other. Still, like the Pixar cameos; seeing the xoloitzcuintli, become one in the end is only a small nitpick. After all, it was also a nice smart nod to the famous author of 'The Divine Comedy', even if the book technically, not from Mexican culture. As for the writing, I thought, 'Coco' told a more focus and accuracy version of life & death with unique twist and turns, a little better than the other movie, even if bits of 'Coco's foreshadowing is a little shallow & predictable. While, the afterlife sequences still contains some potentially disturbing imagery, most kids will probably get used to all, quickly. However, a few others tension might be, a little rough such as the out of nowhere, murder subplot. It's been days, I'm still shock, on how the villain manage not being caught for his crimes for so long, even after he admits to poisoning on film. Nor do I understand, why he would do that, in story. Does, he have that huge of an ego!? Also, is it just me, or does it seem odd, that, the character can't write music, but he's somehow able to write scripts. It's bizarre; just like how dead people have jobs in the afterlife, even, when there is no such thing as money. Nevertheless, while both movies has huge gaps of logic. These two parallel works couldn't be more different with the direction. After all, Día de los Muertos was never, truly about one man stuck between the battles between two supernatural beings for the rights to own the dead. It was, about the rights of the dead to visit, their love ones; which 'Coco' really did capitalize on, better. Because of this, I found 'Coco' to be a little more emotional well rounded for the viewers than the far out there, epic fantasy 'Book of Life' ever could be. Despite being a little clichés & over familiar; powerful themes of perseverance, teamwork, and appreciate your their family, while following your dreams will make audience love this movie, even a little more. Trust me, when I say this, there were a lot of moments, throughout 'Coco', where the audience will indeed shed a tear or two. It will be especially moving for anyone who's had to separate from their family, whether because of death or another reasons. There is also smart commentary on the immigration complications that it's happening, in today's world. Even if we're not from that culture, deep inside us, we can all relate to the story of their struggles. This rare musical story from Pixars really get you to felt something, regardless. While, the screen writing was mostly alright; the songs in the film, such as "Remember Me," an original song from Robert and Kristen Lopez and other songs written and produced by a team of Mexican songwriters and consultants, including award winning composer Michael Giacchino score, will make you cry, cheer and laugh with its five different musical versions (Ranchero, Lullaby, Reminiscing, Power Ballard, and Pop Version). Not only that, but "Coco" original soundtrack felt more of authentic with its Latin Mariachi sounding songs, than the other movie's generic bubble gum homage covers of popular US billboard track music. Because of that, I felt that 'Coco's music will be a little more memorable, over time. Another thing that help this movie separate itself from the other movie is that all the voice actors were, in fact, Latinos. It's nice to see that; since, providing Latin American's cultures through speech is really hard to pull, if you're not from there. All of the voice performers in 'Coco' did a great job, singing and acting, both in Spanish & English. However, the Spanish version does have some problems. One is the title. Not only does 'Coco' mean supernatural connections, but sadly, it's also means, the name, the native people of Mexico gave to smallpox. Nevertheless, that wasn't the only problem with Disney & Latin American relationship. Trademarking 'Dia de los Muertos' for merchandising applications, also cause controversial. Other marketing blunder, Disney did, was attached this film with badly receive, critical failure 2017's short film, 'Olaf's Frozen Adventure'. Replaying 'Dante's lunch' (2017) would mesh better. Despite that, overall: I have to say, heavily idealistic, emotional, and touching. 'Coco' is a must watch. Viva Mexico!