Heartfelt, Moving, and Glorious

Rating: 9/10 (25 November 2017)

Last week I didn't get a chance to write about 'Justice League' but it didn't matter because the movie didn't evoke any strong feelings. This week after watching Disney and Pixar's latest outing I feel compelled to say a few words. 'Coco' is one of the better films I've seen this year and a home run for a studio that's delivered some gems in the past. Last year's 'Moana' didn't quite work for meas you might already know if you've been following this blog long enough but Coco, which is more Pixar than Disney, makes up for anything that was lacking in that movie.
Young Miguel is an aspiring musician in Mexico whose family has banned everything related to music because of an incident that tore them apart generations ago. Rebellious, passionate, and determined Miguel is ready to take on the world and his strict grandmother for his dream only to find himself dealing with ghosts from the pastquite literally. A journey to the land of the dead opens his eyes and heart to family and forgiveness. It's a deeply touching tale that surprises you at every turn. What's meant to be a children's movie turns out to be a tearjerker and spirit- lifter for anyone with a soul (the puns are unintended but so fitting). If you've ever felt loss in your life this film will welcome you with open arms.
Perhaps I shouldn't call them children's movies because Pixar has produced stories recently (Inside Out and Zootopia come to mind) that a child might not fully comprehend but a knowing adult would be greatly affected by. Coco follows a similar journey of complexity and emotion. The graphics and art are spellbinding and wonderfully mounted. It's hard to look away from everything going on. It's a towering achievement in animation, no doubt. While the look is refined the heart is where the the movie really scores because believe me, you won't leave the theatre with dry eyes.
Anthony Gonzalez, the young actor behind the voice of Miguel, delivers a genuinely heartfelt performance as do the older actors who enact their parts with aplomb. Directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina have shown Mexico with extreme care. It's an ode to a glorious and rich culture. Everything from the dialogues to the set pieces and characters feel real and close to life. Art isn't bound by one race or location and this movie is a shining example of that.
Well made movies will speak to you no matter what language they're made in or what genre they fit it. The story deals with death but it's uplifting in its approach. Watch it. You'll be delighted, thrilled, moved, and ready to embrace your loved ones. That's what this movie felt like- a warm hug from your grandmother. The tears will come and so will the smiles. It's a winner all the way.
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