Movie Reviews

Scholars at Round Lake will be seeing Coco in theaters tomorrow evening. We asked those who had already seen the movie to give the film a review. Read our post to hear perspectives from two Round Lake Schuler Scholars, Sasha Salguero Gomez and Emily Luna!

First, please introduce yourself to our readers (name, grade, high school).

Hi, I'm Sasha Salguero Gomez and I am a freshman at Round Lake High School.

What is one thing you think Coco did really well? What is the one major compliment you would want to give to the creators? 

I think that Coco was amazing in Spanish. I feel that using Spanish the movie felt more complete. The movie was based off the Mexican holiday so it seems just to use the language but releasing the dubbed version in theaters is a first. That has to be the best thing any creator has done.

What is one area in which Coco fell short for you? Was there something missing? What is one critique you would give the film?

One thing that bothered me was the English soundtrack. Sometimes, some English phrases felt awkward in the song. Another thing is that Dante could have developed better. He could have received more screen time to develop his character.

Would you recommend this movie? Why or why not?

I would recommend this movie to anyone in any language. The overall message and the story is so heart warming. This movie has so many positive vibes emitting from it. I'm literally lost for words. The movie is absolutely breath taking with its stunning scenery.

If yes, who would you recommend this movie to and why?

I strongly recommend this movie to people who are Mexican or have Mexican roots. This movie is overflowing with Mexican culture that one might not see in the US. Kids who haven't experience Dia de Los Muertos can view their roots through this movie. 

First, please introduce yourself to our readers (name, grade, high school).
Hello, I’m Emily Luna, a junior here at Round Lake High School.

What is one thing you think Coco did really well? What is the one major compliment you would want to give to the creators?
Coco brilliantly captured the complexity of individuals and family and how both are defined by Mexican culture. Rather than living up to the stereotypes Mexicans are typically confined to, the movie presents dynamic characters shaped by experiences, like Mamá Imelda who maintained a stern character after the responsibility of maintaining a family was left solely up to her. The film encapsulates the importance of family in Mexican culture, and the role religion plays in several Mexican households. I would like to thank the creators, first of all, for bestowing upon us such a beautiful story. Thanks to Coco, I got to bond with my family and see myself represented in an honest manner, which is what counts.

What is one area in which Coco fell short for you? Was there something missing? What is one critique you would give the film?
I did not feel at any moment that the film fell short for me. So much time, thought, and consultation was put into the making of the film that the result was simply an amazing film.

Would you recommend this movie? Why or why not?
I would definitely recommend this movie. The movie unravels such a beautiful story that explores themes of love and family and opens a window into Mexican culture and celebrations that so many people can identify.

If yes, who would you recommend this movie to and why?

I would recommend this movie to all of my friends, to people of Mexican descent, or to anyone who feels they can identify with the culture or narrative. Anyone can enjoy watching this movie. It’s fun, colorful, and heart-warming, and leaves you feeling some sort of fulfillment.