Coco Movie Review

Coco (2017)

Watch the trailer
Written by: Lee Unkrich & Jason Katz & Matthew Aldrich & Adrian Molina (original story by), Adrian Molina & Matthew Aldrich (screenplay by)
Directed by:  Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina (co-director)
Starring:  Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
Rated: PG

Plot
Stymied by his family's ancestral ban on music, aspiring musician Miguel ends up in the Land of the Dead, searching for a way out and a means to play music.

Verdict
An incredible movie that's packs an emotional punch with a well crafted story that explores fame, family, and ambition. Pixar is a master at imbuing scenes with feeling and emotion, that and making a movie that entertains adults and children simultaneously. Miguel is chasing his dreams inspired by a celebrity, but he discovers the celebrity unscrupulously got to the top. It's a story that kept me engrossed, but this has enough humor and impact to entertain everyone.
Watch it.

Review
Miguel wants to be a musician but per his great great grandmothers wishes music and muscians are not allowed. Determined to seize his dream, he ends up in the land of the dead on El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). I love this created world. It's vibrant, fun and incredibly detailed. The first glimpse is amazing.

Miguel goes on a wild ride hoping one of the greatest singers, Ernesto de la Cruz, is his great great grandfather. He meets con artist Hector along the way as he tries to escape the world. Hector just wants to be remembered. This is a world where if your family forgets you, you no longer exist. Ernesto lives in a grand palace because his living fans remember him so vividly. It's crucial families remember their loved ones. Part of the holiday is that the dead come back for gifts. That concept is how Miguel ends up in the land of the dead. It's a simple premise, but surprisingly effective.

We see that Miguel had a desire for music, but I wondered if he had the ability. He certainly does, that is not the twist in this movie, and I don't intend to spoil it. Miguel's journey makes him appreciate his family more. While he considered the altars to the dead boring, after meeting Hector and seeing the consequences of forgetting your family, he realizes the importance.

This movie is full of touching moments and none more so than some of the final scenes. I love that it delves into a culture I'm unfamiliar with. It's not just a white executive's take on it either. Everything about the Day of the Dead integrates into this story. Día de Muertos is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the dead by building private altars called ofrendas.

The expository introduction felt a bit like Up (2009) as we got some history and emotionally manipulative moments. Pixar can't get us an expository opening and expect us not to recall Up. It's a fine opening, but it makes me recall when it was done better.

The dog Dante seemed dumb just for easy jokes despite being frequently prescient. There's no real reason for such a goofy character. Making the dog average canine intelligence would still fulfill the plot. Even in a wild story like this, the dog's ability to wrap its tongue around its head seemed off.

This is a great movie with an impressive story. It ranks right up there with Pixar's best.