Groovy Movies
Director
Lee Unkrich (2017)
The film begins with the past, discussing the sad history of the Rivera family. Imelda, a mother of one, is left by her Mariachi husband who goes seeking fame and fortune. Instead of remarrying, Imelda shows true maternal strength and literally pulls herself up by her bootstraps. She becomes a cobbler or shoe maker and curses music for how it took away her irresponsible husband. The Rivera family carries on from generation to generation making shoes and avoiding music at all costs. Four generations later we meet Miguel Rivera, a rebellious 12 year old boy who aspires to be a musician despite his parents wishes. His idol being Ernesto de la Cruz, a famous mariachi loved by many for his sweet songs. However, his family discovers his secret and try to destroy his dream only to ignite his rebellious spirit into a roaring inferno. Miguel runs away on De las Muertos or the day of the dead and finds his way into Ernesto de le Cruz’s crypt. There he finds his guitar, and giving into his temptations, strums a chord only to be transported to the spirit world. There he meets some of his ancestors including his great-great-grandmother who started it all, Imelda Rivera. Miguel learns that he must leave the spirit world by sunrise or he too will be dead and that only a family members blessing will do it. Imelda agrees to give him her blessing on the condition that he gives up music. Determined, Miguel decides to seek out his great-great-grandfather who will surely give him their blessing while letting him follow his dream.
Overall this movie is about how family can get in the way of our greatest aspirations despite their love, how dreams can never die when they live in our hearts and minds, and about carrying the memory of those you love for generations. I score this movie 5 stars for its deep emotional impact and its colorful cast of characters.
Coco
5/5 stars
Review by Lucas Green
Coco is an animated film directed by Lee Unkrich, a director who has lead the production of other successful animated films such as Toy Story 3, Monsters Inc., and Finding Nemo. The producers are the two main powerhouses of the CG film industry: Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures, so this movie already has big expectations to amount to.
The Cast has three main actors: Miguel played by Anthony Gonzalez, Ernesto de la Cruz played by Benjamin Bratt, and Héctor played by Gael García Bernal. The most recognized actor is by far Benjamin Bratt who played as Manny in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 1 & 2, and Despicable Me 2 as El Macho. This is Anthony Gonzales’ first role while Gael García Bernal has played in many B movies.