Coco: A New Pixar Classic?

Before I start I just want to say, if you're worried about running late for this movie, don't be. The reason I say this is because before the actual movie starts there is a 22-minute Frozen short film. For some reason, Disney decided to replace an original Pixar short film with this. You're not missing much if you're late.

Back in June when I was writing my review for Cars 3, I said that Pixar is the king of animated films. Well, if you don't believe me, then go watch Coco and you'll be running back to me with an apology. It's fair to say, in a year with lackluster animated films, that the king has returned.

Coco is directed by Lee Unkrich and stars Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, and Alanna Ubach. Even with his family's ban on music, aspiring musician Miguel (Gonzalez) dreams of being like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (Bratt). Following a mysterious chain of events, Miguel is transported to the Land of the Dead, where he encounters Hector (Bernal) and the two of them set off on an unforgettable journey. With all of that out of way, it's time to dive into Coco.

I'm not going to sugarcoat it, Coco is an amazing film. I usually try to find a way to segue into my points, but it couldn't be done here. This film is phenomenal on every level. Let me start with the cast. The director wanted to make this movie with respect to the Spanish culture. It's very common in Hollywood nowadays for roles who are of different backgrounds to be whitewashed. That doesn't happen in this film. You could tell that the director, Lee Unkrich, did his research. The cast in this movie is amazing and really immerses you into the world. Not only is the cast incredible, but the visuals are absolutely gorgeous. When Miguel first entered the Land of the Dead, my jaw dropped. Everything was incredibly detailed. All of the buildings, water, and people,er, skeletons. I was completely blown away. It seems that with every film, Pixar finds a way to outdo themselves. The music is also spectacular in the movie. I guarantee you will be tapping your foot or bobbing your head while the movie is playing. Lee Unkrich directed Toy Story 3 and everyone who watched that film cried like a baby. If you didn't, you need to go to the doctor immediately. Well, Mr. Unkrich does it again in this movie. The ending of Cocohas one of the most beautiful conclusions I have ever seen in a movie, be it animated or live-action. Don't worry though, the entire movie isn't a crying session. There are several moments of humor throughout. This movie isn't afraid to get a little dark, either. At one point, I thought to myself, Oh, they're going there. It's not scary though. It's just a little mature for some audiences and might not be for very young children. This next section is going to be kind of tough to write.

Even though this movie is a gem, there are a few tiny issues. At certain points in the film, things become a little predictable. That's not a terrible thing, though. Many films I love have predictable moments. There are also some characters that I felt were a little unnecessary. When they appeared on the screen I didn't really know who they were. Again, these are very, very, small complaints for an otherwise magnificent film.

To some everything up, Coco is looking to be another Pixar classic, up there with Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Up, and many others in the library of films the studio has created. This movie is beautiful to look at, has an amazing cast. beautiful music, and a lot of feels. Sometimes the movie can get a little predictable and there are some characters that aren't needed, but other than that, the movie is near-perfect. Go see this movie, please. You will not be disappointed. If I were to rate it, I'd give Coco a 10/10. It's that good.