2017 | Dir. Lee Unkrich | 109 Minutes
"Remember me, though I have to say goodbye. Remember me, don't let it make you cry. For even if I'm far away, I hold you in my heart. I sing a secret song to you each night we are apart."
A young boy named Miguel dreams of becoming a musician despite his family's strong objections. On Día de Muertos, Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead and one of his ancestors must give him their blessing before sunrise in order for Miguel to return home. However, his great-great-grandmother's long-standing detestation of music poses a significant obstacle for Miguel, unwilling to bless him unless he gives up his dream. On the run with the help of a desperate soul named Hector, Miguel races against time in search of his long lost great-great-grandfather who generations ago abandoned his family to be a famous musician.
Initially inspired by Día de Muertos folk art, director Lee Unkrich, assisted by a full team of cultural consultants, strived to authentically present Mexican traditions in Coco. The resulting film is brimming with excellent music, dazzling visuals, and concepts rooted in traditional Mexican beliefs presented in truly clever ways. Above all, a strong emotional through-line about the importance of family and remembrance runs through the picture.
Visually, Coco is simply mesmerizing, marking another high watermark in Pixar's extensive history of technical achievements. Stand-out set pieces include the bridge between worlds made of flower petals leading to the massive vibrant city of the Land of the Dead, the elaborate party atop Ernesto de la Cruz's tower, and the stadium concert setting for the film's finale. Absolutely every facet of the film is thoughtfully designed and well-rendered from the eye-catching neon alebrije spirit animals to subtle touches such as Miguel's increasingly translucent skin, marking the progression of his curse, slowly transforming him into a skeleton.
Young Anthony Gonzalez carries the emotional core of the film with humor and genuine energy, natural in his portrayal of the Miguel's headstrong and vulnerable qualities. With expert comedic timing, Gael García Bernal is loveable as the roguish Hector, sharing great chemistry with Anthony Gonzalez's Miguel. Playing Miguel's stubborn and strong-willed great-great-grandmother Mamá Imelda, Alanna Ubach delivers a spirited performance. As music legend Ernesto de la Cruz, Benjamin Bratt is a perfect fit, believably charismatic and charming, and smoothly taking a sinister turn into the film's final act. Natalia Cordova-Buckley is a hilarious scene-stealer, providing the voice for legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, appearing briefly in the film as a vital supporting character.
Coco is a unique and uplifting experience. At its center, the picture examines the compromises a person may make to chase their dreams at the risk of forgetting the importance of family, a deep concept wrapped in an artful and authentic presentation of Mexican culture. Ultimately, Coco is among Pixar's greatest achievements, delivering what the groundbreaking animation studio does best: an emotionally moving cinematic experience with jaw-dropping visuals and plenty of heart.
JOHN RATZENBERGER AS...
- Juan Ortodoncia
A113
- Miguel and his ancestors visit a Bureau of Family Grievances Corrections Officer voiced by comedian Cheech Marin in office A113
PIXAR INTERCONNECTIVITY
- A Pizza Planet delivery truck drives by Miguel's window at the start of the film
- In the Santa Cecilia marketplace, Marlin, Dory, Nemo, and Destiny from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, and Remy from Ratatouille appear as alebrije figurines, as well as stuffed dolls of Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story
- A figurine of Nemo from Finding Nemo sits on the ofrenda in Miguel's home
FRAGMENTS
- Coco was released in Mexico on October 27, 2017 (nearly four full weeks before the film was released in North America), and became the highest-grossing movie in Mexican box office history
- Currently, select theaters in the US are screening the Spanish-language version of the picture
SUPPLEMENTAL STUFF
- Video: Dante's Lunch - A Short Tail
MCU CONNECTIONS
- Benjamin Bratt (Jonathan Pangborn in Doctor Strange)
