When Pixar is at it's best it does something that no one else does. They have been responsible for some of the most unique and original stories put to screen. Unlike most animation studios who produce formulaic movies, a Pixar movie, most of the time, is a story that takes you somewhere you've never imagined and can't predict (Inside Out, Monsters Inc., Wall-E, Ratatouille). Pixar's been on a sequel theme lately which I haven't responded well to (Finding Dory, Cars 3, Monsters University) and even their most recent original film, The Good Dinosaur, was their weakest yet. I was ready for Pixar to return to form.
And Coco is just that. It reminded me of the best Pixar films. Boldly spectacular, wholly original, surprisingly unpredictable. It is all the things one would hope for and expect from this studio.
The journey Miguel goes on is complex, emotional, and gorgeous. Coco doesn't speak down to it's audience but yet neither speaks over our heads. Once has to pay attention to follow what's going on yet as the story unfolds it makes such sense that one can't help but tag along. Coco speaks to something truly personal, truly meaningful.
It's hard to imagine not enjoying this beautiful story (both beautiful to look at and beautiful to experience) regardless of age, culture, or perspective. Welcome back Pixar. We've missed you.
Coco
Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Renee Victor, Anthony Gonzalez, Edward James Olmos
Director: Lee Unkrich
Writers: Adrian Molina, Matthew Aldrich
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