A look back at “Coco” 3 years after its release. Photo from imbd.com.
Although Disney’s “Coco” was released a little over three years ago, I can easily see this movie going down as one of the classics for audiences.
I recently decided to rewatch the film, and let me be the first to say that I could not have chosen a better way to spend my time. Everything about this movie, from its vibrant soundtrack down to its appearance on screen, was valid. Without a doubt in my mind, “Coco” is still worth our time as audiences.
The most memorable part of the movie for me was the soundtrack. Throughout the entire film, I listened to the sweet, smooth sounds of mariachi, the methodical strums of a guitar, beautiful vocals and not to mention some fan-favorite songs along the way. Out of all the songs in the movie, “Un Poco Loco” and “Remember Me” are undoubtedly my favorites. The juxtaposition of these two songs captures all of the emotions throughout the film.
“Un Poco Loco” has an upbeat nature and talks about how wild it is to be around those you love. During the scene when this song was played, the stakes were high because Miguel needed to win the contest to see Ernesto De La Cruz. In the end, the crowd loved Miguel, and he was eventually able to keep making his way toward his goals. This song helped to create one of the countless “feel good” moments during the film.
Comparatively, “Remember Me,” the winner of the 2018 Academy Award for Best Original Song, is much more mellow and reaches deep into the audience’s emotions. The song, originally written in the film by Hector for his daughter Coco, taps into our sadness and weariness of wanting to say goodbye to a loved one. This song revolves around remembrance and ties in perfectly with the film. Without Hector’s picture on the Rivera family ofrenda, he will be forgotten, which is the opposite of the song’s intention. “Remember Me” brings the film full circle because, by the end of the movie, it is music that keeps the Rivera family whole.
Aside from the soundtrack, “Coco” provided audiences with a culturally and visually rich experience. Deep hues of blue, pink, purple and orange were used to festively portray the holiday Dia De Los Muertos. Throughout the film, marigold flowers and animated skulls are used to further symbolize the historic holiday. Pixar’s attention to detail throughout the film enriches the viewing experience for audiences.
When taking into consideration the visuals of the film, the culture and the soundtrack, “Coco” is a classic family film with a good message. Children are taught to be independent and not afraid to stand up for themselves, demonstrated by protagonist Miguel Rivera. Although his family had been against music for generations, nothing could stop Miguel from becoming the musician he had dreamt of becoming.
The holiday Dia De Los Muertos also reminds audiences to keep their family close. This entire film is centralized around this holiday and the Rivera family is just one of many who celebrate. “Coco” reminds us all to support our family, love them and help guide them through tough times; it’s important to keep the scummy De La Cruz out of our lives.
In my mind, this film will never get old. “Coco” will never cease to make me smile; this is simply one of those Disney films that are worth watching the first, second and ninth time.