Coco

When it comes to animation, Pixar Animation Studios is probably the best in what they do. Film after film: "Toy Story", "Monster, Inc.", "The Incredibles", "Cars", "Finding Nemo", "Up", "Inside Out", they've done it all. Certainly the sky's the limit with these guys which is why they created "Coco".

Despite his family's baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (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 Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.

Others to round out the cast are Alanna Ubach as Mama Imelda, Renee Victor as Abueita, Jaime Camil as Papa, Alfonso Arau as Papa Julio, Herbert Siguenza as Tio Oscar/Tio Felipe, Gabriel Iglesias as Clerk, Lombardo Boyar as Plaza Mariachi/Gustavo, Ana Ofelia Murguia as Mama Coco and Natalia Cordova as Frida Kahlo.

This was directed by one the core artists of Pixar, Lee Unkrich ("Toy Story 2" (co-dir.) '99, "Monsters, Inc." (co-dir.) '01, "Finding Nemo" (co-dir.) '03, "Toy Story 3" '10) and co-directed by Adrian Molina. The characters in this are probably as colorful and exciting as the production design and lighting, and this is skilled direction. Although Unkrich has the lion's share of the experience, Molina, also a writer definitely had his input as well even though he has no other film to his credit in the director's chair. It is written by Molina ("The Good Dinosaur" '15) and Matthew Aldrich ("Cleaner" '07) based on the original story by Unkrich, Jason Katz, Aldrich and Molina. What is amazing is that these writers aren't seasoned. Surely they have experience, but this was written better than what most seasoned writers could do. The character development was the best ingredient of the writing and with this the characters came alive. Amongst all the creative characters in this, I personally enjoyed that of Dante, Miguel's dog. If I had to akin him to another animated dog character, it would be that of, Santa's Little Helper on "The Simpsons". The dog didn't say a word, but his expressions and body movements spoke volumes. If I had to akin this film to another, it would be that of "The Book of Life" which had a similar feel to it. Matthew Aldrich has another film in post production, "Spinning Man" due for a 2018 release, so it will be interesting to see how he does with that one.

What can I say, as I've said before, these guys at Pixar are amazing. They never produce a bomb because of their writing and character development. I've said it time and again: how do those guys at Pixar do it? Enjoy and pass the popcorn!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                   Rated: PG                                    105mins

Short "Olaf's Frozen Adventure"-- 23mins.