Cocojoins the pantheon of Pixar greats likeInside OutandUp, sure to make anyone with even half a heart cry.
CertainlyDisney, who owns Pixar, has been accused oflacking diversity, or makingculturally insensitive gaffsin the past.
Fortunately,Cocoexceeded expectations and really made no culturally insensitive blunders, or relied on stereotypes.
Much of that can be attributed to the attention and nuance of co-director Adrian Molina.
As a kid you might not notice how much attention the filmmakers paid to ensuring proper representation.
But as an adult, it’s really amazing to see Mexican culture so well depicted on screen.
Apparently the chain is international.
Most of the Easter eggs fly by super quickly, but discerning adults can spot them.
Instead, denizens in the land of the dead rely on walkie-talkies for quick, local communication.
A nod to Wall-E?
Hidden objects likepinatasand the luxo ball are not the only shout-outs to other Pixar films you’ll find inCoco.
Often, some actual scenes seem to also be nods to older films from the animation powerhouse.
The animation inCocowas especially stunning, featuring the bright, bold colors associated withDia de Muertos.
Plus, the filmmakers mademultiple tripsto Mexico to ensure that their depictions were as authentic as possible.
But sometimes even Pixar takes creative liberties with reality.
But that doesn’t account for the bootylicious rear end that the talent show emcee flaunts.
What’s also really impressive is how they made a skeleton withnoclothing on look sexy.
Miguel gasps and runs away.
There’s more to know about Dante that’s not obvious to kids in the movie.
So it makes sense that this seemingly-silly pup is really Miguel’s protector.
Additionally, Dante’s name could very well be a nod to Italian poet Dante Alighieri.
Dante penned the famousDivine Comedy, which includes theInferno.
In theInferno, Dante journeys through hell, the underworld in Christian theology.
Little ones definitely won’t pick up on that detail.
Heralebrijeis a monkey, for example, and she calls Dante “the mighty Xolodog.”
We see those fertile metaphors with the cactus and papaya!
Obviously, these are both metaphors for female anatomy.
Adult viewers notice this right away, as do the characters in the film.
“Is it too obvious?”
Frida asks Miguel in reference to the performance.
Miguel responds with, “I think it’s just the right amount of obvious?”
breaking the fourth wall.
Well played, Pixar.
