A celebration of life that is set in the colourful Land of the Dead, Disney/Pixar’s animated Coco is a joyous musical adventure that should charm adults just as much as the kids it is aimed at.
Young Miguel (Gonzalez) loves playing the guitar but has to keep his passion a secret from his family, who have a ban on music that goes back generations. He idolizes legendary musician Ernesto de la Cruz (Bratt), but a visit to the dead de la Cruz’s grave has an unexpected result as it magically transports Miguel to the Land of the Dead, a vibrant, extraordinary place populated by those who have passed on, including dearly departed members of Miguel’s own family.
While the movie’s plot contains few surprises for experienced moviegoers, the sheer exuberance and fun of the Mexico-set story draws you in from the very start and is spellbinding until the end credits. The beautifully written characters – especially Miguel and his adorable grandmother – tug at your heartstrings, and combined with the music, including the emotional Remember Me, deliver an emotional double-punch that will have you reaching for the tissues.
A love letter to Mexico, to family, to love and to music (kids will be begging for a guitar after seeing it), Pixar’s most visually stunning movie to date is a feast for the eyes that also skilfully manages to tickle the funny bone and warm the heart. Don’t miss it.
Is Coco suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
This movie is a PG certificate and is aimed at children over the age of 8 who will not be scared by the movie’s setting of the Land of the Dead.
Children under this age may be frightened by the skeleton characters.
One character dies which may upset younger or sensitive viewers, and another is shown dying which is very sad.
There is one chase scene and a scene in which a central character is in danger, but there are no really frightening moments in the movie.
Parents should note that younger children may have questions about the after life and death after seeing the film.
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