'Coco' promised to be one of Pixar's finest productions in recent years, and I can happily announce that it definitely ignited those Pixar feels. Prior to watching, I'd done my fair share of research on the long-awaited film and had already heard from various critics about how 'Coco' owed its success to its reliance on emotion. Despite what I'd read however, I still went into the cinema with a clear mind, ready for anything Pixar were to throw at me. Here's what I thought:
From the get go, can I just mention how 'Coco' totally didn't play out as I expected it to, in my head, Miguel was your typically rebellious child, who'd eventually wind up convincing his family to see his point of view (think 'The Little Mermaid'). But the fact that 'Coco' was completely different is a good thing, because in the end, the film portrayed a bigger message than to just follow your heart or "seize your moment". It taught that "family is forever".
At it's heart, 'Coco' is most definitely a children's film, something you can't deny when you take into account the light hearted jokes and funny quips that will keep younger children entertained. Aside from that, 'Coco' totally reeks Disney with its various musical numbers combined with very inspiring, yet simplistic lyrics. Whilst first and foremost, 'Coco' is a children's production, it touches on a dark theme: murder. Spoiler alert: Ernesto de la Cruz isn't the impeccably perfect individual he's made himself out to be. (I should have seen that coming when it was revealed very early on that he suffered a death by giant bell - Disney villains never get nice deaths. ('Lion King's' Scar anyone?).
Dark themes aside, 'Coco' is very emotional for a Pixar production. Perhaps the film's emotive side only touches the adults, whilst younger audiences will take time to understand the themes beyond the narrative (what it means to re-unite in the afterlife or die a final death).
Just what we need in this day and age
Pixar's decision to play on a Mexican tradition that goes back generations has not gone unappreciated. In a world where not everyone is so welcoming of diversity, an inclusive film like 'Coco' with a culturally enriched storyline and the occasional Spanish phrase, is just the thing we need. You can see what director Lee Unkrich had to say about the film here.
The year isn't over for Pixar however, with 'The Incredibles 2' coming in July, as well as Disney productions 'A Wrinkle in Time' in March and 'Mary Poppins Returns' in December. 'Coco' hits UK cinemas this Friday 19th January!
