7 Reasons Why You Will Love Coco

We were invited by Disney to the press junket for Coco.  All opinions shared are 100% my own. 

Culturally rich and beautifully made, Disney-Pixar’s latest film will definitively mesmerize.  Coco is a love letter to Mexico that underscores the importance of family and knowing about our heritage. In a tale of imaginative adventure Coco allows us to explore not only culture but also hard to approach topics. In a magnificent creation that will mesmerize you, get ready for Miguel’s experiences as you are invited to seize your moment with this family film!  Let’s see if you will agree with these 7 Reasons Why You Will Love Coco.

Cool mom tip: get your day of the dead basics here

About Disney- Pixar’s Coco

Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. To read our conversation with the creators and filmmakers of Coco, go here.

Fun fact: The movie is named Coco after Miguel’s great-grandmother, who completes the family’s ofrenda altar.

7 Reasons Why You Will Love Coco

Visually stunning

The land of the living and the land of the dead are art forms on their own.  It is absolutely amazing how the filmmakers managed to offer us two very distinct and extremely detailed worlds that make for spectacular settings for this fabulous story. My favorite world is the land of the dead but both of them are just as striking.

All about family

It is no secret that family is a very important part of Latin culture.  It is not exclusive though, and so this universal concept will ring true to us all as we learn about a beloved Mexican tradition that honors ancestors and brings families together.   The film will speak about the beauty of remembering those who came before us to shape our heritage and bring us together as a family.  To top it all, Miguel’s story revolves around strong family ties that lead the way for the adventure of the film.

Fun fact: a majestic marigold petal bridge makes the conexión between the land of the dead and the land of the living. 

Culturally Enriching:

As you learn everything about the Day of the Dead and enjoy Alebrijes that come to life in Coco, you might find yourself researching or asking more about the Dia de Muertos.  It won’t be surprising if you pencil in the celebration on your calendar for next year.  To me, it is a fantastic reminder of the richness of Mexico.  Oh and listen for the music.  There are different rythms and types of Mexican sounds in the film too!  

Fun fact: Alebrijes are not necessarily part of the Day of the Dead beliefs.  Pepita is a creative license Pixar allowed itself in an effort to bring forth the beauty of this Mexican art form.

Seize your moment:

What is your passion?  Have you gone extra miles for it? Are you working on achieving your goals?  How do you seize your moment will inspire many to pursue their dreams! 

Authentic:

It is fresh, it is relevant and it has its finger right on the money when it comes to telling us how it really is.  The celebration of the day of the dead is clearly and accurately explained while the land of the living gives us a dose of reality that we can easily identify.  Case and point, the chancleta.  The way the grandmother uses her slipper to threaten and set everyone straight is all to familiar to every Latino! Oh and listen for the music.  There are different rythms and types of Mexican sounds in the film too!

Fun fact: putting up photo on the ofrenda altar is part of the act of remembrance.

All Latino Cast:

For director Lee Unkich, this point was non-negotiable as part of their efforts to maintain authenticity.  If you are not familiar with Latin celebrities, it is your chance to get to know big names that have made their mark in the art world.  You are in for a real treat.

Pixar breaks its own rules:

Normally, at Pixar the golden rule is to imitate reality as much as possible.  Bringing skeletons to life proved to require to break their own golden rule and allow for some liberties like making the entire skull one piece.  As they broke their rules they deliver the coolest most amazing skeletons you have ever seen! They are a lovable bunch!  We have the bare bones on animating skeletons in Coco right here

Fun fact: Dante is a Xolo, an almost hairless breed original to Mexico.

Reflect on your legacy

How would you like to be represented in an ofrenda altar?  Invariably, once you have seen Coco you start to think of how those who stay behind will remember you as. Have you been kind enough?  Spend all the time you could with your family?  Reflecting on the legacy you leave your family with will come up, and not a bad thing at all to consider!

Fun fact: Coco shows us there are 3 moments in which we die.

Lasting Coco Impressions

Who doesn’t love a good adventure? Falling into an unknown world with the likes of Hector and Miguel will prove to be one that you will cherish forever!  Coco is a heartfelt non-religious film that invites to ponder and make deep reflections on life. From the apparently simple like, do I spend enough time with my family, to the evidently more complex topic of death.  Bring your tissues to the theater because Coco will make you have all the feels, as you cheer on Miguel when he pursues his passion and discovers so much about his family. 

Cool mom tip: celebrate your ancestry making paper flowers or  DIY Coco inspired photo frames!  

Is there anything you do to honor the memory of your ancestors? Have you celebrated the day of the dead?  Ready to watch Coco in theaters everywhere on November 22nd?

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