Coco is Pixar’s most emotionally affecting movie since 2009’s Up. From its very opening, Pixar sets the tone with a beautifully-orchestrated mariachi version of “When You Wish Upon a Star,” accompanying the familiar vista of the Cinderella castle. Colorful papel picado banners flutter across the frame, and the tissue paper images spell out the story of a family that’s established a generations-long ban on music, as well as the young boy, Miguel, who wants nothing more than to play guitar. Miguel takes a journey through the incandescent Art Deco-saturated Land of the Dead to learn the truth about his family’s past. Coco doesn’t avoid the problems raised by a family divided, but renders a touching portrait of a family genuinely grappling with its differences.
More favorite films from the year:
- Lady Bird
- Blade Runner 2049
- The Big Sick
- Darkest Hour
This “best of 2017” review originally appeared in the Austin School of Film’s recommendations blog, MIX/VHS. Check out the full post here!