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| Edited By: Rucha Sharma |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Nov 23, 2017, 03:41 PM IST
Film - Coco
Cast - Anthony Gonzalez, Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renee Victor
Director - Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
Miguel's (Anthony Gonzalez) family doesn't want him to be around music at all. Once upon a time, his great-great-grandfather abandoned his family to pursue his love for music. Raising their child singlehandedly, Mama Imelda (Alanna Ubach) forbids all kinds of music which always brought her nothing but pain. Generations kept the tradition alive until Miguel came along. The runt of the family desires to become like his idol, the great musician of all time, Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt).
On the day of Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead, when you invite your dead ancestors to your home) Miguel finally rebels and tries to steal a guitar from Ernesto's mausoleum to showcase his talent to the world. Instead, the boy gets sent to the land of the dead where he meets his other family, Ernesto, trickster Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal) who go on an adventure to send Miguel back to the land of the living.
The animation is the strongest suit of Coco. Pixar is known for their craft as they are known for telling strong stories. With Coco, the land of the dead steals the show. The detailing in creating a crowded Latino neighbourhood is breathtaking. Whenever the panorama shots come on screen, one cannot help but see the riot of colours. Just like the balloons from their 2009 film UP (this time dialled to 11). There are a few more scenes and characters like neon-coloured spirit animals that remind you of movie Moana and its villain, Tamatoa.
On the surface, it seems all macabre, but the rounded characters and the message about familial bonds make it an emotional journey.
Situational comedy and the jokes about Frida Kahlo are also the show stealers. The shock and awe moments keep you engaged. Debutant Anthony Gonzalez is a voiceover gem in the making. His timely pauses add more depth to the cheers and innocence of 12-year-old Miguel. It's a delight to hear Gael Garcia Bernal voice Hector. His goofy Hector is more earnest than Ernesto (Couldn't resist the pun here). Alanna Ubach's stern voice will remind you of your grandmother too. It is a delight to see the traditions of other culture brought to life. Wish Pixar will upgrade Indian culture from short like Sanjay's Super Team to a full feature.
Two songs, 'The World Es Mia Familia' and 'Un Poco Loco' are worth humming.
Jason Katz and Matthew Aldrich have been credited, along with Unkrich and Molina, for writing the story. But even four writers couldn't stop the narrative from dragging in the middle. It's a story about music, but the songs themselves will not be able to leave a mark.
It's a fun family entertainer not worth missing.
***1/2
