Coco: Film Review

I love everything Disney Pixar make and I had no doubt that Coco would be incredible, especially given its recent Golden Globe win and BAFTA nomination (and very probable Oscar nomination), and I was correct – it did not disappoint.

The movie stars Miguel Rivera (Anthony Gonzalez), a 12-year-old boy who aspires to be a musician – only problem is that music has been banned in his family as his great-great grandfather was a musician who abandoned his family for his career. Miguel becomes convinced he is the late legendary singer Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt) but when he takes Ernesto’s guitar from his shrine, he ends up in the Land of the Dead and he must find his way back with the help of Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal).

It is fun, entertaining and has some excellent comedy moments, but it also deals with serious themes like murder, memory loss, life, death and being forgotten. The story took turns that I did not expect and there were revelations about characters that were pretty dark. I don’t know how much of this the young viewers would understand but they can enjoy the visuals and the comedy while the adults can appreciate the depth. I don’t want to ruin anything (and it’s best going in like that, so don’t go near the Wiki page) because the twists are surprising, mature and interesting.

That being said, I was expecting more songs considering it is a musical and the numbers we did see weren’t all that memorable – I can’t remember any of them. Even though it is absolutely delightful, I did think the story went on a bit too long and there were a few too many obstacles getting in the way of Miguel’s mission to get back home, but it did come to a wonderfully, emotionally resonant conclusion that will bring a tear to anyone’s eyes.

Of course, as with every Disney animation, the visuals were absolutely stunning. The landscape of the Land of the Dead was breathtaking and gorgeous. I cannot adequately describe how beautiful it all looked. I loved that they set it in Mexico, hired an all-Latino cast and will expose children to Mexican culture, some Spanish and the Day of the Dead.

It is amazing and I recommend you all see it. It is beautiful, so enjoyable and really hits you in the feels.

In cinemas Friday 19th January