By Emilio Frenk
Directors: Lee Unkrich and Adrián Molina
Cast (Voice): Anthony González, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renee Victor, Jaime Camil, Alfonso Arau, Gabriel Iglesias, Herbert Sigüenza, Edward James Olmos, Selene Luna and Cheech Marin.
Rating: Excellent.
Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios bring another animated movie this year with “Coco” and I was very pleased with this film.
The movie tells the story of Miguel (Anthony González) a boy who works with his family in a shoemaking family business who dreams of being a musician.
The problem is that the family doesn´t like music and therefore they forbid Miguel in becoming a musician.
Miguel´s desire of becoming a musician grows and embarks in a journey to the Land of the Dead where he will meet former musician Héctor Rivera (Gael García Bernal).
Both of them will form a unique friendship that will change the course of their lives forever and will answer the questions for Miguel´s in terms of the origins of his family and his ban on music.
One of the things that I enjoyed of “Coco” was the originality of the story. As someone who grew up in Mexico I have to say that the movie is very accurate.
I loved the fact that this if the first time that we see how is the holiday of Day of the Dead in Mexico and it was very true.
I could tell that Adrián Molina and Matthew Aldrich did a lot of research in regards of the theme and it did payoff.
The script that they both wrote was filled with original characters and told us another perspective in regards to a Mexican Holiday.
The message of this film on never giving up in your dreams and the solidarity in regards of family is very powerful is very good.
The animation and the production value of this film is really impressive and I think that thanks to “Coco” people will want to go to visit Mexico specially in a day like Day of the Dead.
I am very happy that Disney and Pixar did a movie about a holiday that is not american and took it to the next level.
Lee Unkrich who directed "Toy Story 3" once again did a remarkable job in directing a fantastic and memorable film that will live in ages and people will be talking about it for a long time.
Anthony González as Miguel is very good, so as Gael García Bernal as Héctor and the rest who gave their voices to characters who you root for them from beggining to end.
The colors of the film, the voiceovers were phenomenal and I did really enjoyed this
I have to admit that I was very hesitant at first but when the movie started it was a totally different story and I was very happy with the result.
This movie already has been nominated for “Critics´s Choice Awards”, “Golden Globe” and most likely is going to receive an Academy Award Nomination and most likely win it.
Disney and Pixar not only are known for bringing to life compelling and original stories, but also in terms of music are masters and here was not the exception. The score of “Coco” was fantastic and I think you will be whistling a tune in one of the songs in this film either in the future or if you haven`t seen it once you leave the theater.
“Coco” is one of the year´s best films and I highly recommend it for it´s story, message and great filmmaking.