Synopsis:
Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, Alberto (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer), but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.
Overcoming obstacles is something that we all deal with on a daily basis. Depending on the task or situation there’s a little voice in your head reminding you of how difficult things are going to be and that you can’t do it. You may be able to silence that voice of doubt on your own but sometimes it takes the help of another to mute the negative thoughts. It may be a parent, teacher, or someone you admire that aids you on your journey. It could also be a complete stranger with the perfect advice or mantra that eventually leads to a beautiful friendship. So, whether by yourself or with the help of others, you can vanquish doubt. It just takes time.
“Silenzio, Bruno!”
Disney and Pixar traded in their ice cream cone for three scoops of gelato with their newest feature, Luca. The film is a refreshing arrival to a more playful Pixar. It’s spirited, adventurous, genuine, and is still able to deliver a multilayered message without going the overly emotional route. With its themes of family, discovery, acceptance, and the overarching theme of friendship, this film is immensely enjoyable for the whole family. The characters and imagery are vibrant, the story is innocent, and above all it allows kids to just be kids. It was great to see an honest friendship blossom in an organic way. I think its best quality is being able to convey and elaborate on concepts such as being yourself, perseverance, loyalty, and otherness without the death and gloom we often get in other Pixar films. While the film does deal with loss in some capacity, it chooses not to linger on it too long. Rather, the story focuses on being in the moment and how the present is what you can control. In a search to feel free and be the being that you are, this story is very relatable.
If you’ve ever felt different, or like an outcast, if you have to code-switch, this story is for you. Living in a world that isn’t exactly great for everyone, Luca drives home the message that it is okay to be the you that you hide every day and you don’t need the acceptance of everyone. The only people who matter are the ones who love you for you and who you are. Moreover, don’t be afraid to show people, especially the ones who care for you, who you truly are. It’s exhausting to have to disguise yourself every day and it’s better to live your truth than to live a lie. The film is a fun and easy watch. The music is fantastic and coupled with the atmosphere as well as the food, you truly will feel transported to Italy. It’s well written, fantastically acted and I guarantee by the end of the film you and/or your children will constantly be chanting, Silenzio, Bruno!, I know I still am (bad Italian accent and all). I highly recommend Luca it’s such a good time. You’re going to laugh, you may cry, and you are definitely going to enjoy yourself. Its rewatchability is high.
Pacing
This film keeps a lively and energetic pace throughout most of the runtime. There’s not a single thing to take you out of it, in fact, you’ll find yourself more engaged and invested as the story progresses. I almost wish the film was longer.
Characters & Chemistry
The cast was amazing, especially since most of the voice recording was done from their homes due to The Rona. There is so much life in these characters and that’s a testament to not only the actors but the writers as well. Luca (Jacob Tremblay) and Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer) being on a spy-like adventure is fun and hilarious since everything on land is foreign to them. Then when you add in the spunky and outgoing, Giulia (Emma Berman), everything gets more exciting. They are a great trio. Daniela (Maya Rudolph) and Lorenzo (Jim Gaffigan) embody the concern and protectiveness of every parent but they have lessons to learn as well.
Luca premieres on Disney+ on June 18, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.
Director: Enrico Casarosa
Writers: Jesse Andrews and Mike Jones
Producer: Andrea Warren
Executive Producers: Pete Docter, Peter Sohn, and Kiri Hart
Music: Dan Romer
Rated: PG
Runtime: 1h 35m
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
