THE latest offering of Disney Pixar, "Coco," appears to have entertained more adults than youngsters.
While animated films are expected to have been created for the younger audience, particularly children, this new project from one of the world's best movie outfits has actually won the hearts of those my age.
What could have been the reason for this? Here are some of them:
"Seriously, I'll never look at November 1 the same ever again my entire life. Starting 2018, I'll start putting up portraits of my deceased grandparents and relatives on a makeshift oferenda at Davao Memorial Park, with marigold petals and platefuls of food of course! What if our beloved dead do fade away if we don't remember them. Also, I loved Mama Imelda so strong and wise. When Mama Coco started singing and talking it was all I could do to fight back the tears. Anything with Gael Garcia Bernal in it, I will watch," my friend Marco Teofilo said. Bernal, by the way, is a Mexican actor who voices Hector.
For journalist and college professor Nef Luczon, there are four things that has made "Coco" stand out.
"1. Just like Moana, the Pinoy feels thanks to colonialist influence; 2. Family - Pinoy values; 3. Ancestry - father side; and 4. Music," he said. Kirsten Carillo, a certified animation fan, also expressed satisfaction after watching it.
"Not just the story but also the animation is superb, plus the supervising animator is Gini Santos (Pixar's first female supervising animator is Pinoy)#soproud," she noted.
Even the public relations officer of SM City Davao, Apol Legario, shared that "Stunning visuals! It was a fun way to peek into Mexican culture which is very close to ours. Plus, you get to practice a little bit of Spanish!"
Personally, I fell in love with "Coco" because of how it presented family values without being preachy. I also liked the twist in revealing about the identity of Miguel's real great grandfather. Admittedly, I even cried when such revelation was made, and yes, that was not the only scene that made my tears roll down my cheeks.
Let me extend my utmost gratitude to SM City Davao for inviting me and my family to the VIP screening of "Coco" last November 17, which was part of their 6th anniversary celebration. Thanks a lot, Apol dear!
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