Coco celebrates family and honors heritage

Movie Title:  Coco (Theatrical Verision)

Grade:  A

Rating: PG, 1 hour 49 minutes

In a Nutshell:  This extremely vibrant, colorful animation by Pixar has heart, visually stunning effects, and celebrates a wonderfully rich Mexican culture that we rarely get to see in the movies.  

It will have you contemplating what happens to you and your loved ones after we die as an added inspiring bonus.

If you’re not familiar with Mexico’s “Day of the Dead” holiday, you might be a little creeped out by all of the skeletons at the beginning of the movie, but by the end, you’ll wish your country celebrated it too.

My twin sister and I wrote a book together about how to research your family tree and celebrate your heritage.  People from around the world sent us their inspiring stories about how they felt their ancestors from “the other side” helping them to find the missing information they were looking for on their family tree!  If you want to have a spiritual experience, do your genealogy!  Click here to learn more about our book called Climbing Family Trees, Whispers in the Leaves.

 

Uplifting theme: 

• “One cannot deny who one is meant to be.” – Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Pratt)
• “Seize your moment.” – Ernesto de la Cruz
• Helping friends
• “Nothing is more important than family.” – Miguel .  Families ARE forever!
• Life goes on beyond this mortal experience.
• “That’s what family is supposed to do…support you.” – Miguel
• “Never underestimate the power of music.” – Ernesto de la Cruz

Things I liked:

• I adore Jaime Camil.  His character is ridiculous and charming on Jane the Virgin, Season 1 (5 Discs). 
• The colorful, stacked houses in the movie were inspired by Guanajuato in Mexico.
• The music is really engaging.  The actual composer of the movie appears in caricature as the conductor at the end of the movie.
• I thought it was cool how they used the Aztec marigold throughout the movie to connect things together.  It’s used traditionally on the Day of the Dead for the same purpose: to connect the living with the dead.
• If you see this film in the theaters, you’ll get to see an ADORABLE 21 minute musical short of “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” with characters from the movie Frozen (2013)  Apparently, quite a few audiences in Mexico have complained that it’s too long!  Ha ha  I thought it was awesome and the audience I saw with applauded happily at the end of it.  It’s all about families and their traditions during the holidays.  Super cute.
• After the Frozen (2013) short, the directors of the movie COCO also talked for a minute, which is something I rarely see before a movie starts.  Interesting.
• The beginning of the movie was clever how it told Miguel’s ancestry through lacy flags.
• The movement of the animation was AMAZING. The details were so impressive.  I watched an interview with director Lee Unkrich, who explained that they tied GoPro HERO cameras on people playing the guitar in order to get the fingers exactly right as they played.
• I loved the tiny details in each frame.  For example, you could actually see tiny little chin hairs on Great Grandma Coco (Ana Ofelia Murguia).
• Voice talents include Benjamin Bratt, Gael Garcia Bernal, Anthony Gonzalez, Alanna Ubach, Gabriel Iglesias, and Latino legend Edward James Olmos.

Things I didn’t like:

• It reminded me a lot of Book of Life movie, which came out three years ago from Twentieth Century Fox.  I personally liked this one more.

Fun Facts:

• In Brazil, the name of this movie is “Viva”, which means “life”, because the word “coco” sounds too similar to the Portuguese word for "poop."
• This film broke the record for the longest production time, because it started in 2011 and didn’t hit theaters until November 2017.
• Merchandising has really gone big.  Southwest Airlines actually painted one of their Boeing airplanes in Coco design.
• The Santa Cecilia graveyard in the movie is named after the Catholic saint of musicians.
• Dante, the dog, is named after Dante Alighieri, who wrote The Divine Comedy and also went on a journey to the world of the dead.

Interesting lines:

• “You don’t have to forgive him, but you shouldn’t forget him.” – Miguel
• “The music is not just in me.  It IS me.” – Ernesto de la Cruz
• “No one was going to hand me my dream.  I had to reach out and take it.” – Ernesto de la Cruz

Tips for parents: 

• You’ll hear the word “chamaco”, which means “kid.”  In some Latino cultures, it has more of a connotation of “brat.”
• The story might be hard for young children to follow.
• Some of the dead ancestors are a bit spooky and creepy.  There are TONS of skeletons!
• Challenge your kids to spot the Pixar character pinatas hanging along the street in the beginning of the movie (Buzz Lightyear, Wood, Mike Wazowski).  You’ll also see the Pizza Planet delivery truck in another scene.  I love that.
• A lot of Spanish words are spoken with no subtitles.  You’ll still understand the story if you don’t speak Spanish.  Here are a couple that are important to know:  

          Mijo  = Mi hijo = my son
          Ofrendas = offerings

• There are some “spirit guide” animals in the story.  This is a perfect time to talk to your kids about what you believe happens to people and animals after we die.
• People drink alcohol.
• No profanity.

Cars 3 has heart and impressive animation

Movie Title:  Cars 3 (Theatrical)

Grade:  B+

Rating:   G, 109 minutes

In a Nutshell:  This family-friendly flick is the third installment in the Cars franchise.  By the way, the Cars ride at California Adventures next to Disneyland in California is really great.  You’ll need to race over there first thing in the morning to get a Fast Pass. They have done a really good job creating a Cars area too. 

Uplifting theme: 

• “You can’t turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again.” – Mater (Larry the Cable Guy)                 
• “Don’t feel failure.  Be afraid of not having the chance!” – Sally (Bonnie Hunt)
• “Try something new.” – Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson)
• “You can use anything negative as fuel to push through to the positive.” – Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo)
• “The truth is always quicker.” – old car (What’s his name?)
• Believe in yourself.

Things I liked:

• The animation is extremely impressive.
• The training sequences were pretty cute.
• A lot of really beautiful landscapes and environments.
• It earns its Pixar magic in the Third Act.  Very sweet.
• Parents and grandparents might be able to relate to the feeling of aging and being  past their prime, like Lightning McQueen feels.  There is a positive lesson here for all of us old farts.
• It’s great to hear John Ratzenburger’s voice again. Other familiar, favorite voice talents include Cheech Marin, Tony Shalhoub, Bonnie Hunt, Kerry Washington, Nathan Fillion, Bob Costas, and of course, Owen Wilson.

Things I didn’t like:

• The story is very similar to the first movie in that an old driver (Doc Hudson) has-been tries to make a comeback.
• How many kids (which is the target audience) are going to be able to relate to a midlife crisis?
• There is a LOT of time spent racing.  That might lose the interest of some little girls.
• Despite being a racing moving, it's a little slow-moving.  Ironic, eh?
• There isn't as much humor as the first movie.

Trivia:

• Paul Newman was the original voice of Doc Hudson.  They used some of the unused audio clips from the first movie to add his voice to this film after his death.  By the way, did you know Paul Newman was a race car driver for many years?
• Mack drives through Arlo’s family farm, which was shown in Pixar’s movie The Good Dinosaur.
• One of the new racers whose number is 31 is sponsored by Triple Dent Gum, which was the gum commercial that annoyed Anger in the movie Inside Out.
• The only other Pixar film to have a 3^rd movie installment is Toy Story.
• All three Cars movies came out around the same time as Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
• Look closely and you’ll see a Pizza Planet truck from Toy Story during the demolition scene.

Funny lines:

• “Life’s a beach and then you drive.” – Lighning McQueen

Tips for parents: 

• This is very safe for children of all ages.  There is no profanity or anything inappropriate. 
• There are some car crashes.

Want to catch up on the first two movies in this franchise? 
Cars
Cars 2


@trinaboice 

Finding Dory has the "Awwww" factor

Movie Title:        Finding Dory

  

Grade:   A

Rating:     PG, 100 minutes

In a Nutshell:   The feels!  The first line of the movie that you hear comes out of the sweet little mouth of Dory when she was a toddler, causing every female in the audience to gasp, “Awwwww!”  My teenage son leaned over to me and said, “This is going to be a long movie.”  Ha ha   Later, he admitted he really did like the movie, even more than he thought he would.

This heartwarming Pixar sequel is perfect for all ages. It’s risky to feature a supporting character from a previous movie (Finding Nemo), but it works great in this film.  Dory is adorable, lovable. and easily carries her own movie.  

One of the best parts of seeing this movie is watching the ADORABLE animated short before Finding Dory!  The animation is AMAZING!  Sooooo cute!  Awwwww!

Uplifting theme: 

•  “You can do whatever you put your mind to.”  - Jenny (Dory’s mom, played by Diane Keaton!)
• During the final credits, the screen says, “The film is dedicated to all our families – of every kind.  You keep us swimming.”    Families come in all shapes and sizes.
• “The best things happen by chance.” – Dory
• “There’s always a way.” – Dory
• We often don’t know who we are and what our talents are.  Let’s help each other by sharing kind words with one another.
• “Just keep swimming.” – Jenny (Dory’s mother)
• While the title makes you believe someone is trying to find Dory, SHE is the one looking to find someone…her parents.  On her journey, she finds herself.
• Mr. Ray (Bob Peterson) teaches the school children about instinct and describes it as “the song you always know.”  We all have a natural desire to go home.
• Respect for ocean life.

Things I liked:

• Ellen DeGeneres is wonderful as Dory.
• Keep watching during the post credits to see Hank doing silly things.  Then, keep watching until after ALL of the credits for a fun surprise.
• I love the last line of the movie and the song that follows.  Marlin looks out over the drop and sighs, “It really is quite a view.”  Dory agrees, “Yep.  Unforgettable.”  Then, the ridiculously talented Sia sings “Unforgettable.”  Perfect.
• Two of the “dads” from Modern Family voice characters in this film:  Ed O’Neill (Hank) and Ty Burrell (Bailey).
• John Ratzenberger is a Pixar icon.   
• Some of the small roles are voiced by BIG talents such as Eugene Levy, Idris Elba, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney, Willem Dafoe, and two SNL comedians -  Kate McKinnon and Bill Hader.
• You’ll never see sea shells in the ocean the same way again.
• Becky!
• It’s interesting that this film doesn’t really have a classic villain, other than the dangerous situations Dory and the characters find themselves in.  Nevertheless, it works. Very well.
• I love it when Dory talks in her sleep.  This time she says, “Give me the ratchet wrench.  I can fix it.”  It’s another insight into her character that she always wants to fix situations, despite her disability.
• The colors and textures are rich.  The movement under the sea is so realistic that you really feel like you’re in the ocean.

Things I didn’t like:

• I adore Albert Brooks as Marlin and was sad he wasn’t utilized more in the movie.  Still, he has some poignant moments.

· I cried in Finding Nemo.  I’ve seen the movie a bunch of times and still cry when I watch it.  SPOILER ALERT: The reunion moment should have had me bawling, but it ended so quickly that I hardly had a chance to tear up.

·  Did you notice the Coke product placement?  Do those every bug you?

Funny lines:

• "Nobody saw Dory?  That’s a lot of eyeballs doing nothing!” - Hank
• “Suck it Bypeds.” – Hank
• “Everybody does it.  Nothing to be ashamed of.” – Dory, after Hank “inks”
• “Follow me!” – Dory

“You’re in a cup…” – Hank

• “My life’s a rainbow!” – Bailey
• “I don't have a problem with crazy.” – Dory

“You know, I could see that.” – Hank

• “You lost a tentacle?  Then, you’re not an octopus; you’re a septimus. I can count.” – Dory
• “Cuddle party! I’m in!” – Dory
• “Hey dude, if you’re gonna hurl, could you do me a solid and head to the back of the shell and lean out and go for distance?” - Crush
• “We see the undertow and we say…” – Charlie (Dory’s dad)

“Let’s go!” – Dory

• “Righteous!” – Crush (Andrew Stanton, who is also one of the directors and writers of the movie!)

Tips for parents:   

• There is an awkward/funny “when 2 fish love each other” speech Dory begins to give to young children when she thinks she’s supposed to teach “that” class.
• Children (and parents) with any kind of disability will find comfort and inspiration as we watch Dory deal with her short-term “rememory loss.”  The topic is handled very respectfully in the movie.
• Very young children might be frightened by the idea that it’s so easy to get lost from your parents.  Watching the movie can spark an important conversation with your little ones about how to deal with separation, as well as emergencies.
• There is an important lesson for parents to let their children do things for themselves.

The Good Dinosaur is good, not great

Movie:    The Good Dinosaur

Rating:    PG

Grade:   B

In a Nutshell:    This is Pixar’s second release this year after the huge hit “Inside Out”.   It’s not their best film, but it's still very sweet. Don’t get me wrong, though…there are some great things about it.  

It’s pretty tough to top Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Finding Nemo.    What it DOES top is animation genius when it comes to the impressive landscapes and backgrounds that almost look like cinematography.  Truly impressive.  I sat next to my son who is an animation artist for Blizzard Entertainment and we just kept saying “Wow!” with every new scene.

This film asks the question: “What would happen if the meteor that was supposed to hit planet Earth and destroy the dinosaurs, didn’t?”   The result is a movie that feels like an odd western, a coming-of-age movie, as well as a spiritual journey that the kids will love.

Uplifting Theme:

·         “You have to earn your mark by doing something big or something bigger than yourself.” – Poppa

·         “Sometimes you gotta get through your fear to see the beauty on the other side.” – Poppa

·         “You can’t get rid of fear.  It’s like Mother Nature, but you can get through it and find out what you’re made of.” - Poppa

Things I liked:

·         The beach scene at night is very touching and will break your heart.  The circle imagery at the end made me drop a tear or two.

·         Sanjay Patell created a film short before the feature film begins, which is sweet and interesting.

·         The cast includes the voice talents of Academy Award winners Frances McDormand (Momma) and Anna Paquin (Ramsey). 

·         What’s a Pixar movie without the voice of John Ratzenberger?  He voices the character of Earl.

·         Magical fireflies!

·         The story is touching and simple.
      I love the moment when Arlo is "born" and clings to his dinosaur shell with big eyes.  So cute.
      The body movements and facial expressions of all the creatures are absolutely fantastic.
      The dinosaur with the "protectors" made me laugh out loud and the groundhogs made the kids in the audience squeal with laughter.

Things I didn’t like:

·         While the landscape animation is unbelievably gorgeous, the design of the dinosaurs seems too simple in comparison.  In fact, the two elements don’t seem to go well together at all.  Fortunately for Pixar, kids won’t care.

·         This movie was supposed to come out in 2014, but there were so many delays and job losses from this production that it made its late 2015 release.  Somehow, you can feel the unevenness in the final product.

·         Don’t overthink this movie too much.  I mean, we’re supposed to believe that these dinosaurs created devices and tools and built homes, all without fingers.

·         It’s somewhat jolting to see the human in the film acting like an animal, almost like a pet dog.  He is pretty doggone cute though.

·         The “driving the herd” scenes made me think of the adorable movie "City Slickers".   

·         I got tired of hearing so many country hick accents and was surprised that Pixar didn’t create more diversity.

Funny lines:  

·         “Nash, get out of your sister’s bubble.” – Poppa

·         “If you’re pulling my leg, I’m going to eat yours.” - T-Rex


      Sweet line:
      *  "I'm not like you!"  - Arlo
          "You're me and more." - Poppa    His father is very loving and encouraging.

Tips for Parents:

·         This is a charming movie, perfect for family entertainment.

·         There is some adult humor that parents can appreciate.
·         There’s a disgusting, large insect scene that will surprise you.
      No bad language or inappropriate behavior.
      There's a strange hallucinogenic moment you might need to explain to your kids.

Inside Out is one of Pixar's most honest and deep hits

Movie:   Inside Out

PG, 1 hour 34 minutes

Grade:  A

In a Nutshell:   This is Pixar at its finest.  It’s fresh and original and surprisingly deep.  It’s about emotions, so expect to bring tissues.  With a fantastic cast and great writing, this insightful animation will touch the hearts of all ages.  It’s honest, sophisticated, and imaginative and will make you think about your own life and memories in a new way.

Uplifting Theme:

·         Amy Poehler’s character asks in the very beginning of the movie: “Do you ever look at someone and wonder what is going on inside their head?” The film is extremely creative in showing how our emotions work, as well as evolve.

·         “You can’t focus on what’s going wrong.  There’s always a way to turn it around, to find the fun.” – Joy

·         I think everyone can relate to the feeling of sadness and melancholy we feel when remembering the past.  Feeling sadness is OK.  It’s a part of life and learning.

Things I liked:

·         It’s a mature kid’s film.  In other words, there aren’t stupid farting and burping scenes, like in most kid movies.

·         The color is lush and rich and meaningful.  I love how some of the colors glow.

·         Keep watching when the credits start rolling at the end of the movie.  I love it when movies give you more.

·         “Train of thought”….ha ha
-    The funny voice talents include: Amy Poehler (Joy), Bill Hader (Fear), Lewis Black (Anger), Mindy Kaler (Disgust), Phyllis Smith (Sadness), and Richard Kind (Bing Bong).

·         I love how Joy gives herself pep talks and focuses on the good to keep herself happy.  Shouldn’t we all do that more often?  She says, “Joy, you’ll be in charge of the console, keeping Riley happy all day.  And may I add I love your dress?  It’s adorable.  Oh, this old thing?  Thank you so much!  I love the way it twirls!”  A few years ago I wrote a “Things that make me happy” list that I refer to when I’m feeling down.  I’ve been trying to fill each day of my life with more of the things on that list.  It sounds like such an “Oprah” thing to do, but it works and I highly recommend it!

·         There are several poignant moments when someone is feeling down and Sadness reflects the emotion, while carefully listening.   Joy is surprised and learns that Sadness’ response is more helpful and appropriate than simply trying to cheer someone up or change the other person’s attitude.  I’ll never forget when a dear friend’s husband died.  Everyone was at a loss as to what to say.  Most of us weakly grinned and said something like “I'm so sorry. Everything will be OK.”  I watched as someone wrapped her arms around my friend's sorrowing body and simply cried with her.  She later told me that meant more to her than anything else.   

·         I loved the teenage boy’s reaction towards the end of the movie at the hockey game.

·         I remember being 11.  It seemed like it lasted 2 years.

·         I get tired of being slapped and preached at by so many movies nowadays, but this film does none of that.  It’s an intelligent movie that allows you to reflect and dig as deep as you would like.

·         Director Pete Docter successfully manages to make you feel happy and sad at the same time, like he did in Pixar’s brilliant movie “Up”.

Things I didn’t like:

·         Some parts of Joy’s journey seemed super random and willy-nilly.  Then again, some parts of my own journey are that way too.

Funny lines:

·         “I read somewhere that an empty room is an opportunity.” - Joy

“Where did you read that?”  - Anger

“It doesn’t matter. I read it and it’s great.” – Joy

·         “Congratulations, San Francisco.  You’ve ruined pizza!  First, the Hawaiians and now you!” – Anger

·         “Crying helps me slow down and obsess over the weight of life’s problems.” – Sadness

·         “When I’m through, Riley will look so good, the other kids will look at their own outfits and barf.”  - Disgust

·         “Being cool is so exhausting.” – Emo teenager

·         “Wait Joy!  You’ll get lost in there.” – Sadness

“Think positive!” – Joy

“Okay…I’m positive that you’ll get lost in there.”  - Sadness

·         “Maybe it was a bear?” – Fear

“There are no bears in San Francisco.”  - Disgust

“I saw a really hairy guy.  He looked like a bear.” - Anger

Tips for Parents:

·         Watching this film together creates a great opportunity to talk to your kids about life’s experiences and how they’re feeling.  As a society, we’re often told to just have a good attitude and everything will work out.  Well, sometimes things don’t work out.  Kids need to know that their feelings are valid; they’re allowed to feel angry or disappointed or scared.  It’s acting on our feelings that can often get us in trouble.

·         The movie is clean and inoffensive.

·         There is a scary clown scene that might worry wee ones (I just got back from Scotland and so I have to use the word “wee”).

·         Pixar has always been mindful of parents who are paying for the movie tickets and sitting through the film with their kids.  As a mom, I definitely appreciate that.  This movie is different in that parents may actually enjoy this movie more than their kids will, because of the profound truths layered underneath the color and fun. 

This is one you'll want to watch again:

Sure, there will be merchandising.  I don't mind on this one.  It's already out:
  

Planes takes a nose dive for Disney

If Planes was about a bomber, then it would be mission accomplished. The voice talents of Dane Cook, Stacy Keach, John Cleese, Brad Garrett, and Priyanka Chopra are the best things about the movie Planes, a Disney release, but NOT a Pixar production.  It is Prana Animation Studios that put this one together.  Not exactly a household name, but they’re the ones who released Tinker Bell and Secret of the Wings (another Tinker Bell movie) straight to DVD release.   Unfortunately, the quality of this film reveals its history.

Planes was originally created to be a direct-to-DVD release, but when little ones clamor to see a summer flick with a giant tub of buttery movie-theater popcorn, why not squeeze more money out of it and slip it into the theaters first?  Ohhhhh, now this movie makes more sense.

The movie begins with the title “From above the world of Cars” hoping the Disney connection will help this movie to soar to megabucks.  It flops. Cars was somewhat unique and successful, and although Planes has a similar look, it doesn’t quite make it off the runway. Without Pixar’s humorous magic, the audience didn’t laugh for almost 15 minutes.  I don’t know if any parents ever did.  The humor is definitely geared towards younger children, almost at the parents’ expense.  The simplistic underdog story lacks the sophistication to entertain bored parents, yet provides endless stereotypes to offend them.

Dane Cook voices Dusy, a crop-duster who dreams of becoming a racing plane, has a secret fear of heights.  Kinda lame, right?

While most movie critics consider this film to be a soulless cash grab, there are some visually colorful aerial views of landscapes, although older folks may get dizzy in the 3D version.  (I’m showing my age.)  Little ones who love airplanes will be in heaven and the merchandising profits are sure to please Disney. The “believe in yourself” ending is predictable and unoriginal.  I mean, we just finished watching Turbo a couple of weeks ago.

It’s a disappointing movie theater trip, but at least you got your buttery popcorn fix.  Little ones will enjoy it.  Parents will endure it.  Are we going to see “Boats the Movie” next?

Grade = C

Mike and Sully go to lovable Monster's University

I imagined the director and producers of Monster’s Inc sitting around a board room table, trying to come up with a plot for the next installment of the Pixar’s lovable monster flick.  During the brainstorm, someone in the room must have said “Monsters scare you….Scare U” and suddenly the college template was framed for the newly released prequel.

How the one-eyed Mike Guzowski and furry “kitty” giant, James Sullivan (Sully), first met in college is a ragtag underdog story that includes party monsters in frat houses, a rousing alma mater fight song with spunky cheerleaders, jocks, boring Ferris Bueller-esque professors, and inspiring competition between students who want to win the annual Scare Games.  The campus is full of all the clichéd groups you ever saw during your undergrad years, complete with an emo Goth goul and dragon-winged, centipede-bodied dean who is easily the scariest monster in the entire school.  You know you had a dean like that.

Randy Newman’s theme song gets you in the mood for some magical monster animation from beginning to end.  And by the way, be sure to stick around at the end of the rolling credits for the final touch.  I love it when movies reward their diehard fans who want just a little bit more and are willing to stay in their seats until the bitter end.  

The cast includes the exceptional voice talents of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Sean Hayes, Bonnie Hunt, and Jennifer Tilly.  Mike and Sully are fleshed out with back-story details that leave us loving them even more.  Can you say “Merchandising Jackpot!”?

One of my sons is currently an animation student in college, so I always love to hear his opinion on the artistry and CGI in films.  He gave Monster’s University two big thumbs up and bows to Pixar’s talent and creativity.  Fingers crossed my son can get a job with Pixar when he graduates next spring!

The film doesn’t rely on the fans’ love of the first movie; it introduces new characters you’ll fall in love with, as well as new dimensions to the Monsters’ world that are sure to create new areas in theme parks.

It’s an adorable movie that the entire family will enjoy.


Grade:   A-