Disclosure: I attended an advanced screening of this film.
We’ve come to expect unique and intriguing stories from Disney Pixar. It’s what made us such a dedicated audience over the years. Toys live their own adventures. A tiny square robot saves the planet. An elderly man is introduced to the sky by way of balloons. Coco is unlike anything we’ve seen before. It’s a step ahead in storytelling celebrating a treasured, annual holiday with rich family values. The love in this movie is even more vibrant than the stunning world of color created for it. Little Miguel finds himself on the journey of.. a few lifetimes in a tale filled with twists and surprises. Family, music and passion combine to bring the audience along for something incredible. Coco comes at a much needed time, providing a look into fascinating Mexican culture and appreciating their deep respect for love of family.
Coco has something we haven’t seen in an animated movie quite this way before: a love for the aged. Carl becomes a hero in Up and Geri entertained us way back when in the short Geri’s Game but Coco brings it to a whole new level. The way Miguel treats his great grandmother strikes an emotional chord and sets a beautiful model for children today to love and cherish the family that came way before them.
Now something important you might be wondering. Is Coco too scary for the littles? Let’s weigh it out. If you’re worried about the skeletons you’ve seen advertised, know that in the film their sentiment is that of normal characters. Nothing creepy here, more silly. There are some mature themes and intense moments but in my opinion, if your kids could hang with Inside Out they can definitely see Coco and love it.
Some animated movies are a fun, colorful hourish. Coco is much more. It is so detailed and creative it sits among the best movies and I don’t just mean animated ones. The story truly feels leaps ahead from the already wildly celebrated Pixar lineup. Take your family. Take some tissues.