5 things to know about Disney-Pixar's 'Coco'
— -- Take a little bit of music, a whole lot of fun and mix in a bit of drama and you’ve got the recipe for the newest Disney/Pixar film, “Coco.”
If you’re planning to take in the animated adventure with family and friends, there are some things you should know before you go.
1. Newcomer Anthony Gonzalez plays Miguel
Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) is the 12-year-old lead of the story. He has a passion to be a musician much like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Miguel sets out to achieve his goal, but along the way he finds himself in a mysterious place, the Land of the Dead.
The young actor, Anthony Gonzalez, is the same age as his character and this is his first leading role. Gonzalez has made television appearances on "Criminal Minds" and "Beyond Borders."
2. The film centers around Dia de los Muertos
The “Coco” storyline is based on the Mexican holiday of Día de Muertos, otherwise known as Day of the Dead. Disney/Pixar has revised the name slightly for the film, calling it Dia de los Muertos. In the real world, the holiday is celebrated on Nov. 1 as a way to honor the dead. It’s a time where people put out altars and other remembrances for family members who have passed on as a way to honor their memories.
3. Benjamin Bratt is the voice of the great Ernesto de la Cruz
Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt) is the most famous musician in the history of all of Mexico, according to the story of "Coco." He was admired by all for his talents, charm and great appeal.
Benjamin Bratt called his character “the Mexican Frank Sinatra."
"This is a guy who is as famous for his singing as he is for his star turns in Mexican cinema. The problem is, he’s dead,” Bratt told ABC News.
4. You won’t forget the song “Remember Me”
“Remember Me” is the signature song of the film. It’s catchy and moving, which may not be a surprise to some because it comes from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the Oscar-winning team behind "Frozen."
You can watch the lyric video clip of “Remember Me” here:
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5. "Coco" is heavy on family and tradition
The film depicts a Latino family and their long-held traditions. It highlights several generations of one family and the town in which they’ve lived for many years. There are some serious topics in the film which may require some explaining to young children.
“Coco” hits theaters everywhere tomorrow.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News.
