Film Review: 'Coco'

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A scene from 'Coco'. Credit: Pixar/Disney    

Director: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina

Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, Gael García Bernal, Renee Victor

Age Restriction: PG

Genre: Animation

Runtime: 1hr 41min

Release Date:24 November 2017

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Following a not-so spectacular year with the underwhelming Cars 3, Pixar is ready for redemption with Coco – their second animated feature of 2017.

The multiple Oscar-winning animation studio's latest effort explores the Mexican Holiday Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), as it follows 12-year old Miguel Rivera (Anthony Gonzalez) who dreams of becoming a musician.

Unfortunately for Miguel, the art of music is banned within his family after his great-great grandfather abandoned the family to pursue a musical career.

After finding evidence that his musical idol Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt) has some sort of relation to his family, Miguel accidently ends up in the Land of the Dead during the Día de Muertos celebrations and teams up with the scheming Hector (Gael García Bernal) to help solve his family mystery.

Like many Pixar films, Coco will have audiences bawling their eyes out due to its emotional resonance and thought-provoking themes, which include the importance of family and loyalty.

The three-dimensional characters and superlative storytelling make for an excellent character-driven and memorable film that will keep audiences engaged throughout.

What makes Coco really work is how well the above-mentioned elements balance each other out, and help establish yet another glorified Pixar blockbuster – and one of this year's best films.

The animation studio successfully transports viewers to the Land of the Dead, with inventive visuals that will enthral and delight.

Verdict: Coco is yet another triumph for Pixar, as the animation studio delivers one of this year's best films.