If you haven't seen Pixar's Coco, I recommend watching it at least once - though maybe not in public if you're an emotional butterfly like me!
When I first watched Coco, I went to the theater with my sisters. When the movie ended, we literally had to sit there and wait for the credits to finish rolling because it made all of us cry. We weren't alone, either - looking around the theater, plenty of people were taking their sweet time getting up, and everybody knew why.
| Coco Score Card | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Animated Family / Musical |
| Star of the Show | Miguel Rivera |
| Vibe Comparison | The Book of Life (2014) |
| Final Rating | 4.5 out of 5 Stars |
The crazy thing is, just based on how old Mama Coco is at the beginning of the film, you pretty much know what's coming at the end. But even knowing it was bound to happen, the storytelling was an absolute A+. Pixar built such a deep, relatable connection to these characters that you can't help but feel every single moment right along with them.
Masterful Details & Embracing Culture
Visually, Coco is overflowing with unbelievable detail. The Rivera family's shoemaking workshop looks like a real-life store that has been passed down through generations, and the bustling outdoor market Miguel runs through is packed with life.
One of my favorite things about the movie is how Pixar handled the Easter eggs and cultural details. Instead of getting upset about the counterfeit Disney character piñatas you often see in Mexican markets, the creators actually embraced it as a real-world detail of the culture. While Disney's track record isn't always spotless, they made the right decision here. It shows how much deep research went into honoring Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) traditions, helping audiences around the world learn about and appreciate the rich history behind the holiday.
On top of that, I loved that we were introduced to a completely new cast of original characters. Plus, even though the story literally revolves around celebrating relatives who have passed on, the filmmakers kept a warm, vibrant, family-friendly energy throughout. It could have easily skewed creepier like The Nightmare Before Christmas, so I'm really glad they took a brighter, celebratory direction.
Final Thoughts: Why It Missed the Perfect 5th Star
So why 4.5 stars instead of a full 5?
Honestly, it comes down to just how heavily it hits emotionally. I lost all four of my grandparents years ago, and watching Coco was genuinely hard. It's an extraordinary, beautiful film with top-tier animation and world-class storytelling - it's just a heavy emotional ride to take every time.
Whether you're in it for the hidden details, the stunning visuals, or the incredible music, Coco is an incredible achievement that stays with you long after the screen goes dark. Just make sure you keep a box of tissues nearby!
My Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars
Did Coco leave you reaching for the tissues too? Let me know in the comments below, and until next time, share a smile - they're contagious! Must-watch!