Coco

Pixar's new fantasy faithfully depicts Mexican culture and celebrates the customs/folklore of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), while also acknowledging cultural icons such as Frida Kahlo and El Santo. In the tiny town of Santa Cecilia, the Rivera family has been making shoes for several generations, and 12-year-old Miguel Rivera (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez) is expected to continue the family tradition. Years ago, Miguel's great-great grandfather musician deserted the family, leaving his beloved great-great grandmother Coco alone. Ever since, the Riveras have had an aversion to music. But Miguel loves music and has taught himself to play the guitar, studying the work of local singing legend, Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt). On the holiday known as Dia de los Muertos, which joyously honors the memory of ancestors, Miguel is determined to perform at the talent show in mariachi plaza. When his angry abuelita (grandmother) smashes his guitar, rebellious Miguel sneaks into Ernesto de la Cruz's mausoleum and steals his idol's prized instrument, unleashing a curse that catapults him to the Land of the Dead, where he must seek a family member's blessing to return home. This land is a brightly-colored netherworld of whimsically clattering skeletons, luminescent winged spirits, sparkling marigold petals, and long-buried family secrets. Here, Miguel meets forlorn Hector (Gael García Bernal), who claims to have known Ernesto de la Cruz—who Miguel believes was his great-great grandfather. Co-directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, Coco is a winning film with dazzling visuals. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Lee Unkrich, co-director Adrian Molina, and producer Darla Anderson, deleted scenes (33 min.), “A Thousand Pictures a Day” behind-the-scenes featurette (20 min.), the production segments “The Music” (13 min.), “Paths to Pixar” (12 min.), “Mi Familia” (10 min.), “Fashion Through the Ages” (9 min.), “Land of Our Ancestors” (6 min.), “Dante” (6 min.), “How to Draw a Skeleton” (3 min.), “The Real Guitar” (3 min.), “How to Make Papel Picado” (2 min.), and “You Got the Part!” with costar Anthony Gonzalez (2 min.), and the short “Welcome to the Fiesta” (2 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for this Oscar-nominated family film.] (S. Granger)