By George Haerle

For The Daily World

Disney’s Pixar Animation Studio doesn’t always strike golden critical acclaim like they used to; just go watch any of the “Cars” sequels, “Finding Dory” or “The Good Dinosaur.” All of these, while superior to three-quarters of the animated films put out by competing studios, are mostly forgettable as time goes on.

Once in a while, though, they still manage to put out something as classic as their older movies. “Coco” is one of those.

As aspiring musician and guitarist, Miguel (voiced excellently by the young Anthony Gonzalez) grows up secretly harboring an incredible talent for music from his family of shoemakers — who all hate music, for reasons that go back several generations. As Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) approaches in his little town in Mexico, and more and more music fills the air, Miguel’s desire to chase what he loves accidentally leads him into the Land of the Dead — which is a lot more colorful and cheerful than you’d think.

The great premise and the incredible visuals are the hook for the first 30 or 40 minutes. This is easily Pixar’s most visually appealing film to date, and the amount of detail — not only in the towering sprawl of the Land of the Dead, but also in the character models — may make you blink and squint to observe the finely rendered details, even on the clothing.

But “Coco” shines brightest in its third act, where the tugging at the heartstrings become a hard pull, and the catalyst for the plot reaches a heartwarming and tearful conclusion.

The themes of family and the cost of following dreams are fleshed out and explored as artfully as in any other major motion picture. Miguel pursues his idol, the famous musician Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt), in a journey that starts from his unwavering desire to embrace the music he loves so much.

As with any hero’s quest, there are lessons to be learned and truths to be found, but what is so interesting about “Coco” is its exploration of an artist’s journey — something familiar to any of us who pursue filmmaking, music, illustration, animation, writing or any art form. The movie explores the passion for art that drives many of us, and how we pursue it.

“Coco” places value on embracing art for the reasons artists should pursue it: for the happiness and fulfillment of themselves and those around them. Fame, fortune and being remembered are completely possible with great talent and devotion, but prices be paid for such things — and when it comes down to it, such things are trivial to anyone who loves what they do.

There are a few familiar tropes and storytelling clichés, but none of them lacks heart or creativity.

You’d have to be soulless not to enjoy this movie. It’s a lighthearted and colorful story with plenty of rewatch value for every Halloween or holiday season. For a film that deals heavily with death and the afterlife, it makes the concept fun and easily palatable by all audiences. It embraces, respects and authentically portrays Dia de los Muertos — and the beliefs surrounding it — in all of their joyful and colorful glory.

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“Coco” is currently playing at the Riverside Cinemas, 1017 S. Boone St. in Aberdeen.

George Haerle holds a bachelor’s degree in creative writing for media and lives in Cosmopolis.