Coco - A RMNT Review

Coco is the latest film from Pixar Animation Studios directed by Lee Unkrich, who previously worked on other films including Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc. and Finding Nemo before making his solo directing debut with Toy Story 3 (which I consider as one of my favorite films and one of my favorite sequels as well) and it centers on Mexican culture and deals with the themes of family, pursuing your dreams, making difficult sacrifices, and the significance of life and death. When the film was released on November 22, critics and audiences loved it, but the real question is, what did I think of Coco overall? Well, I’ll simply tell you this: I cried. Last time I cried at an animated film was when I first saw Inside Out in theaters, and before that, Toy Story 3. But will Coco surpass my expectation like Toy Story 3 and Inside Out have and will truly capture the authentic feel of Mexico? Let us find out as we celebrate the Day of the Dead-centered film! Vamonos!

Now on paper, the premise seems as generic and cliché as it can get since it features the “young boy who wants to pursue his dream, but his family forbids him and wants him to follow their legacy, but then said character gets into situations that then later makes him realize and learn important lessons.” storyline, but if you were to place the premise in Mexican culture, make the characters written as both relatable and understandable, put fresh and interesting twists into the plot, and you have yourself a truly emotional strong story! The main narrative of the story flows amazingly from start to finish, as it well establishes its setting and the characters inhabiting, either in the living world and in the spiritual world.

When it comes to the feel and tone of the film, and for being an animated film made for families to watch, it beautifully handles a complicated theme that other animated films did so in the past, but not as a main centerpiece for storytelling: death, but done with proper respect. Its also, of course, the first Pixar film to ever fully center on culture, especially Mexican culture, which has usually been portrayed stereotypically in the past in film and television mostly for their accents, their expressions and how they’re commonly seen for the sake of entertainment, but what Pixar has done is truly outstanding as everything shown in the film feels genuine, grounded, and most importantly, connected. As for the tone, out of all the films the studio has done, this has to be hands down the most emotional and thematically mature of the bunch, as it not only handles the theme of life and death, but for the first time in a Pixar film, and without spoiling, a scene where a character actually commits murder to another character and the later slowly dying. I was quite genuinely surprised, but at the same time, impressed that it was actually added it and not censor it at all. While the story is full of thematic moments, emotionally touching moments, humor delivered brilliantly through either dialogue from certain characters and other scenes, balances the thematic tone to ensure that the film is fully enjoyable in any aspect.

As for the characters, you truly can’t get enough of them due to how likable, relatable, and well established they all are, whether they’re the main characters, supportive characters or even the minor characters. The main protagonist of the movie, Miguel, wants to be a musician, but his family forbids to what happened to his great, great grandmother when her husband left her and her daughter to pursue his career in music, which caused great pain, but the wife remained strong and moved on by using her shoemaking skills to maintain, and the business has been in the family ever since. While that plot has been tackled time and time again, what makes this one unique is the emotional passion that Miguel is going through and is willing to make risks in order to achieve his dream. Here’s what I love about him: he’s a kid and has made and said things he thought he meant, but realized that there will be sacrifices, whether they’re difficult to accept.

He grows to appreciate that family is everything and to never forget your roots. His family, despite not having a majority of screen time, are well established as they all do their part in taking care of the family, whether its in the shoemaking business or being supportive emotionally. The way his family was shown feels genuine and grounded as the writers and the voice actors did fantastic jobs breathing life into them, despite not appearing much in the film except in the opening act and in the final third act. Miguel looks up to Ernesto de la Cruz, one of the greatest musicians of all time, for inspiration. The best way I can describe Ernesto is that he’s the Mexican Elvis Presley, when you see his first appearance, you’ll get what I mean. I have to give praise to Benjamin Bratt for delivering a charismatic performance as Ernesto, as well as singing his song numbers. As the movie progresses, we learn more about his character and how he made an impact to the people of Mexico, but in the third act, well, its best you see this for yourself… Hector, voiced by Gael Garcia Bael, is probably my favorite character in the film from the wit and charm, to his lively energy and becomes Miguel’s guide in the spirit world as he relies on his help in getting across to the real world. Again, I wish to say more, but the film beautifully reveals more of his backstory that gets you into tears.

I wish I could tell you more, but again, its best you watch the film and see for yourself. As for the other characters that appear in the film, there’s too many to comment, but I will say that they each stand out in unique ways, thanks to the voice cast and the writers for distinguishing each one. Another amazing factor for the characters is that they’re all voiced by a cast of Latin-Americans, making them all sound more believably authentic, especially when they speak in their native tongue.

While not a full-on musical, the film features several musical numbers that are memorable and are actually essential to the film, including the song “Remember Me”, which is both touching and significant. As for the other songs, they’re very catchy and really captures the vibrance of Latino culture really well. And speaking of music, Michael Giacchino returns to compose for Pixar once more and as he brings his energy and dedication into the film to fully deliver that essence of Latino culture and tradition.

As expected from Pixar Animation Studios, the animation is simply a beautiful work of art! The settings of the living vibrance of Mexico and the colorfully and creative world of the spirits are amazing unique contrasts as they’re both large in scope and makes you wish to explore all corners. The realistic detailing of the human character designs are truly Pixar’s finest after over 25 years of animating human characters, the standout character animation for the speed of the fluidity, the natural look on the facial reactions and movements that captures the essence of the characters through and through. Believe me when I say that this film is proof as to why Pixar remains as the best in delivering quality computer animation.

After a barrage of forgettably average animated films, Pixar has made the year with delivering its latest addition to its growing legacy as Coco is a film with a emotionally-engaging story, beautiful computer animation, memorable cast of characters performed with top-notch voice acting, truly catchy songs essential to the story, all while revolving on the themes of family, sacrifice, pursuing your dreams, and the importance of both life and death.

Story: 5 / 5

Characters: 5 / 5

Visuals: 5 / 5

Animation: 5 / 5

Final Rating: 5 / 5