Since Disney purchased Pixar in 2006, Pixar films have played it safe by focusing on sequels rather than creating original stories. Remember, the films Ratatouille, Wall-E, and Up were in development before Pixar’s acquisition. This is not to say that there haven’t been excellent, original Pixar stories like Inside Out, but otherwise, Pixar’s filmography has been filled with sequels and average original stories like The Good Dinosaur. Famed animator and one of Pixar’s decorated leaders, John Lasseter, took a recent six-month leave of absence due to sexual assault accusations. Some Mexican people were upset that Disney had tried to trademark their revered cultural holiday Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), in order to sell merchandise and others still were upset that the film seemed to rip off The Book of Life. The stage was set for Coco to fail spectacularly, but the film succeeds with its vibrant visuals, strong emotional core, and fantastical adventure to the Land of the Dead.

Coco’s plot is predictable and I guessed the twist early in the film, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t enjoyable or original. Coco’s story revolves around a young boy named Miguel, who dreams of playing music and becoming a big star like his hero, the most famous musician in Mexican history, Ernesto de la Cruz. During Dia de Los Muertos, Miguel is transported to the Land of the Dead and must find his way back to the living before he is trapped in the underworld forever. The film’s visuals are predictably gorgeous as Pixar imbues realistic life and emotion into Miguel and his family. The film really hits its stride once Miguel ventures to the Land of the Dead, letting the animation department cut loose and ironically design an afterlife that’s vivacious and teeming with energy.