Pixar Announces ‘Coco’ Sequel

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In my latest cinematic journey, I’m thrilled to share that as a movie reviewer, I’ve got some exciting news straight from Disney’s annual shareholders meeting: We’re heading back to the Land of the Dead! That’s right, folks, Pixar has officially kicked off the production of “Coco 2,” a sequel to the enchanting 2017 film that took us on an emotional journey with a young boy named Miguel who ventured into the afterlife and reconnected with his great-great-grandfather’s spirit. Get ready for more magic, music, and heartfelt moments in this much-anticipated sequel!

Excitedly sharing my thoughts here, I recently learned that Pixar and Disney have officially confirmed the sequel to the enchanting movie “Coco,” titled simply as “Coco 2.” Can’t wait for this magical journey to continue!

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Initially, the film “Coco,” directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, and boasting the vocal talents of Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, and Edward James Olmos, generated over $810 million globally. Earlier confirmations from Disney indicated they were developing a live stage adaptation based on the original movie, and last summer they also disclosed their intentions to incorporate a “Coco” attraction in their Disney California Adventure theme park. Usually, Disney doesn’t make such plans unless they view a movie as having enduring potential as a franchise.

Pixar usually mixes new ideas with follow-ups to their hit movies. Last year saw the release of Inside Out 2, setting a record as Pixar’s highest-grossing film. Prior to that, it had been five years since they produced a sequel – 2019’s Toy Story 4. Upcoming this summer is an original production titled Elio, followed by Hoppers in 2026, also an original idea. However, they are planning to release Toy Story 5, Incredibles 3, and now Coco 2.

The follow-up to the movie “Coco” is planned for release in the year 2029, marking a wait of four more years. Given that animated films require considerable production time, this delay is not surprising.

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28. The Good Dinosaur (2015)

In several Pixar productions, revisions were significant during production; however, “The Good Dinosaur” stands out as if multiple films had been sewn together. Initially, Pixar spent years on one version of the film, only to discard most of it and start anew with a nearly new team. The final product showcases some of the most breathtaking and authentic nature animation ever made, yet the dinosaurs are quite cartoonish – a blend that is as peculiar as it is inappropriate. The lifelike backdrops suit a story about the perils and splendor of the wilderness, but they seem out of place for a Western featuring a dinosaur with awkward knees and his cuddly, dog-like human companion. The film’s unexpectedly dark tone, dealing with themes like death, sorrow, and rage, also adds to this oddity. “The Good Dinosaur” is not just Pixar’s weakest, but also its most peculiar creation. And in a universe where “Cars 2” exists, that’s quite an accomplishment.

27. Cars 2 (2011)

In a nutshell, “Cars 2” is an ordinary children’s movie set in a world identical to ours, except it’s inhabited solely by cars. These vehicles are involved in global espionage and have their own versions of toilets, bidets, food, and even sleeping gas (which seems strange as it suggests cars breathe). The question arises, where do they have lungs? Or perhaps, they consume food too, which brings up a multitude of questions concerning digestion and the source of this food.

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In this animated universe, the character Mater, a dim-witted truck voiced by Larry Thecableguy, plays a significant role in the spy plot. Though the storyline may seem peculiar, it does provide ample room for contemplation about the truly puzzling aspects of the Cars world.

26. Elemental

In the realm of contemporary filmmaking, Pixar has been renowned for crafting captivating worlds, such as those inhabited by sentient toys, emotions, or monsters. Their cities, like the one powered by children’s screams, are a testament to their creativity. However, the city in “Elemental” didn’t quite gel together as expected, and much of the movie, which is essentially a kid-friendly romantic comedy about a fire elemental and a water elemental yearning for steamy connections, seems to delve into exploring this strange and underdeveloped environment. Unfortunately, “Elemental” marks an uncommon disappointment in Pixar’s catalog, appearing to miss the mark from the very start.

25. Brave (2012)

In a departure from their usual excellence, Pixar’s first princess film, “Brave,” fails to shine as brightly; even the renowned character design and animation appear somewhat dull in this instance. Kelly Macdonald portrays Princess Merida, a fiery character who rebels against her parents’ efforts to arrange her marriage by turning her mother, played by Emma Thompson, into a bear. The resolution of the conflict between mother and daughter is as enchanting as the transformation itself; a single fishing montage seems to heal decades of animosity and bitterness — a stark contrast to Pixar’s typically intricate and complex climaxes. In summary, “Brave” is endearing but lacks substance and the courageous spirit usually associated with Pixar productions.

24. Finding Dory (2016)

As a movie critic, I must confess that I’ve seen my fair share of sequels from the brilliant minds at Pixar. But let me tell you, “Finding Dory” is not one of those risky ventures that often characterize their follow-ups. Instead, it’s more like a warm and familiar remake of the beloved “Finding Nemo,” with Ellen DeGeneres’ charmingly forgetful Dory finding herself lost instead of Marlin (Albert Brooks) searching for his son.

There are certainly some delightful moments in this film—as expected from Pixar, they never fail to impress. In particular, Ed O’Neill’s cantankerous “septopus” Hank steals the show with his clever disguises and agile movements. However, it’s challenging to deny that this isn’t peak Pixar. The true test will be when they announce a sequel titled “Finding Marlin.” Only then will we truly know if Pixar has lost its magic touch.

23. Monsters University (2013)

In the prequel to Monsters Inc., titled Monsters University, Mike and Sulley, previously known for their role in scaring children, meet as rivals within an outsider fraternity reminiscent of Revenge of the Nerds. Despite Pixar’s usual high-quality animation and voice acting, this film falls short compared to other Pixar productions, even approaching forgettable territory. The monstrous design elements in this production are intricate, but a touch more depth or tension would have made it even more engaging.

22. Luca (2021)

Enrico Casarosa, a senior creative member of Pixar, made his directorial debut with the enchanting, uncomplicated tale of a young sea monster named Luca, voiced by Jacob Tremblay. Set in an idyllic Italian coastal town and its surrounding waters inhabited by friendly sea creatures, this story follows Luca’s dream to explore the world above. Unlike other sea monsters, Luca doesn’t require an octopus witch to give him legs; simply leaving the ocean transforms his colorful scales into human skin and hair. After meeting Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer), a brash and bold sea monster, Luca is inspired to pursue his dreams and venture to the surface world with Alberto’s encouragement. The film, much like its title character, has a simple charm about it. While it delivers a heartfelt message, beautiful animation, and little else.

21. Cars (2006)

Before its following movie tarnished its reputation, the original Cars film was a subtle homage to Route 66 and small-town America, presented within a child-friendly story about an arrogant race car who learns the importance of taking time to appreciate the simple things in life (though there are no roses in Cars Land as it’s mostly devoid of crops or any organic life. In this case, you might stop and smell the White Rose Motor Oil or something). The first Cars also boasted one of Pixar’s most talented voice casts, featuring Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, George Carlin, Cheech Marin, Michael Keaton, and the late Paul Newman as Doc Hudson. Here comes a surprising opinion: Larry the Cable Guy’s Mater can be quite amusing.

20. Cars 3 (2017)

In my opinion, “Cars 3” stands out among the “Cars” franchise as the finest installment. Initially, the series was not very appealing to adults due to its brightly colored car characters and straightforward storylines that mainly captivated children, leaving their parents indifferent. However, “Cars 3” introduced an unexpected depth and maturity, as its main character, Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), confronts the realization that his racing days may be numbered. The film’s director, Brian Fee, subtly conveys messages about self-acceptance and tolerance, although these themes might seem somewhat incongruous in a world where cars have gained sentience and eradicated humans. Still, like many great Pixar films, “Cars 3” is a heartwarming journey along the road of friendship.

19. Toy Story 4 (2019)

In my opinion, the gloom that has been gradually enveloping the Toy Story universe draws near its heart in this fourth installment. It commences with a toy on the brink of self-destruction and plunges deeper into despair as events unfold. While I appreciate the additional time spent with beloved characters like Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), and the valiant Bo Peep (Annie Potts) in Toy Story 3, it served as a fitting conclusion for them all. However, this movie’s narrative, at times, feels less natural and fulfilling compared to its predecessors, until the climax triggers the inevitable emotional outpouring.

18. Onward (2020)

In a career spanning over two decades, Pixar’s groundbreaking inventions have evolved into a recognizable pattern they’ve mastered in numerous ways. The latest addition to their collection, “Onward”, is a road trip comedy featuring two siblings, Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley (Chris Pratt), who embark on a journey to bring their deceased father back for a day. Although Pixar’s films may not seem as original as they used to, the years of perfection and learning from their mistakes have cultivated a remarkable group of filmmakers capable of breathing new life into familiar themes, such as this touching story.

17. Lightyear

As a movie reviewer, I found myself pleasantly surprised by this latest Pixar production, which has been somewhat maligned due to its casting choice for Buzz Lightyear, different from the traditional Tim Allen. In this film, Chris Evans takes on the role of the authentic Buzz, portraying an arrogant space ranger who prides himself on self-sufficiency. However, his overconfidence leads him to create a problem he can’t solve, setting off a thrilling journey where Buzz must confront his ego and flaws, as well as delve into the complexities of time itself.

The narrative does lean towards predictability in its conclusion, but the middle sections, particularly when Buzz is racing against the clock to perfect a new rocket engine, are simply enchanting – a testament to Pixar’s continued ability to captivate audiences with their animation and storytelling.

16. Inside Out 2

Instead of matching the genius of “Inside Out”, this sequel maintains its originality and thoughtfulness by shifting the central conflict from Joy versus Sadness to Joy against Anxiety, a fresh emotion that aspires to command the now-adolescent Riley. This new character seeks to secure her future happiness, potentially at the cost of her current emotional health. Essentially, it’s a highly relatable depiction of being an anxious teenager, wrapped up in another delightful Pixar journey filled with vibrant colors, meaningful life lessons, and plenty of quirky, witty humor.

15. Incredibles 2 (2018)

14 years after the initial release of “The Incredibles”, Brad Bird crafted “Incredibles 2” amidst a cinematic environment where superheroes have become commonplace, rather than exceptional. Unlike its predecessor, this sequel primarily focuses on the everyday struggles of the Parr family to maintain their bond, rather than their superhero escapades. In the story, Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) takes up a new assignment, leaving Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) as a stay-at-home parent. As he navigates his role, he learns that even superpowers are useless when facing a genuine supervillain – an overactive baby. This film carries a powerful message about parenthood, portraying it as the continuous and worthy battle that everyone can relate to.

14. A Bug’s Life (1998)

Pixar never experienced a sophomore slump; instead, their sequel to the original Toy Story was an incredibly entertaining bug-themed remake of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai. The samurai have been replaced with circus bugs in desperate need of work, who are then recruited by an unskilled ant inventor (Dave Foley, known for his excellent voice and humor in animated films). Although the visuals might seem primitive compared to today’s standards, particularly in the “Ant Island” landscapes that lack detail, Pixar was already mastering its unique blend of comedic adventure filled with emotional depth. Additionally, Randy Newman’s score is impressive!

13. Coco (2017)

This children’s movie, titled “Coco“, from Pixar, a studio known for creating adult-oriented content disguised as children’s entertainment, delves deeply into mature themes such as death, murder, loss, grief, dementia, and absent fathers. Even by Pixar’s standards, this film is exceptionally grown-up in its approach to subjects like mortality and mourning. The movie also showcases one of the studio’s most creatively designed worlds, particularly in its vibrant Land of the Dead. However, a minor criticism lies in its key song, “Remember Me”, which some viewers might find slightly repetitive. If you were moved to tears during the film’s climax, remembering the song likely won’t require much persuasion.

“Coco“, a Pixar movie, tackles heavy themes like death, loss, and grief, which are often found in adult-oriented content. Despite being a children’s film, it is one of the studio’s most mature productions. The imaginative design, especially the colorful Land of the Dead, stands out. However, the key song “Remember Me” might be considered repetitive by some viewers. If you cried during the movie’s climax, remembering the song probably won’t be a challenge.

12. Toy Story 3 (2010)

No one can make it through that heart-wrenching finale without shedding tears. It’s worth noting that Pixar has consistently faced the reality they established in the initial Toy Story movie: A toy’s life is essentially a continuous cycle of sorrow interspersed with brief moments of intense happiness. Essentially, a toy’s life parallels a human’s. However, Toy Story 3 doesn’t quite reach the peaks of either of the first two movies, and it does reuse some of the emotional cues from the second film. Like a well-worn toy given new power with fresh batteries, it still functions, but it lacks the excitement it once had.

11. Ratatouille (2007)

In the past, I often pondered over how Remy the Rat (Patton Oswalt) controlled Linguini (Lou Romano) in the movie “Ratatouille”. Was Linguini a mutant or could anyone be controlled by pulling on their hair in specific ways? This question troubled me for years. However, upon rewatching the film with my daughter, I understood that it’s not important to focus on that aspect; if you can accept that a rat can not only cook but also speak human language, then controlling a busboy by tugging on his hair seems less implausible. And once I let go of that concern, “Ratatouille” becomes one of Pixar’s most heartfelt homages to unconventional artists and the incredible art they produce when given the freedom to pursue their passions.

10. Soul (2020)

In a challenging year like 2020, Pixar offered a balm for the blues. Director Pete Docter crafted a magical story about a determined jazz pianist (portrayed by Jamie Foxx) who unintentionally tumbles into a manhole and embarks on an adventure through “The Great Beyond.” The movie delivers a straightforward message: Cherish the positive aspects of life, even in hardships, and never overlook them. Although Soul maintains many of Pixar’s signature narrative elements – it’s another comedy featuring unlikely companions embarking on self-exploration journeys – it also introduces some unexpected turns, along with exceptional vocal performances, particularly from the cast that populates the movie’s afterlife realm, including Rachel House, Fortune Feimster, Richard Ayoade, Wes Studi, and Alice Braga.

9. Toy Story (1995)

The first Pixar movie, which left everyone in awe back in 1995, isn’t quite as visually stunning today when compared to Toy Story 4. Yet, watching them side by side showcases the incredible advancements in digital animation over the years. Despite this, nothing beats the charm of the early days with Woody and Buzz, or Randy Newman’s timeless music, or those genuinely spooky scenes featuring Sid’s Frankenstein-like toy inventions.

8. Monsters Inc. (2001)

As a true cinephile, I can’t help but express my strong admiration for the underappreciated gem that is “Monsters Inc.” Among all the fantastic creations from Pixar, this movie often gets overshadowed in discussions about their best works. Its character designs are some of the most imaginative, its alternate world, while clever and logically consistent, is one of their finest creations. The ending, with its heart-pounding door chase sequence and the emotional satisfaction of “Kitty,” truly sets it apart. It’s possible that its so-so sequel has unjustly tarnished its reputation. However, let me make it clear: the original “Monsters Inc.” stands shoulder to shoulder with the very best Pixar has to offer.

7. The Incredibles (2004)

16 years on, Brad Bird’s Pixar debut, “The Incredibles,” remains captivating. The movie, which centers around a family of superheroes concealing their powers, stirred debate due to its exploration of the perils in a world where everyone is super, implying that no one is. Some spectators appear to overlook, however, that the character advocating for such a world is the villain. Moreover, when the protagonist laments his children’s constraints and inability to utilize their talents, he is actually reflecting his own insecurities and dissatisfactions onto them, amidst an unexpectedly candid depiction of a superhero grappling with a midlife crisis.

6. WALL-E (2008)

Speaking fondly about Pixar’s golden era or discussing their daring approach often refers to “WALL-E”, a film that begins with a 30-minute sequence without many words. This unique blend of desolate sci-fi and Chaplin-esque slapstick humor features no human characters, instead focusing on a lovable robot named WALL-E. Set in the post-apocalyptic Earth, WALL-E’s role is to compact trash, a task he was designed for centuries ago. The narrative becomes more conventional when WALL-E finds himself aboard a spacecraft inhabited by the remnants of humanity, but it’s important to note that even in its most predictable moments, the film offers a harsh critique of our modern society’s excessive and harmful screen addiction, such as the one you’re currently using.

5. Toy Story 2 (1999)

Nowadays, Pixar often produces numerous sequels that can make one forget their remarkable past. One sequence in particular stands out as one of the most heartrending in film history from a time when Pixar was still young and innovative – the scene revealing Jessie’s tragic backstory in “Toy Story 2”. Many find it equally as moving as the tear-jerking opening of “Up”. This pivotal moment marked a significant turning point for the company, as they transformed an initially planned direct-to-video sequel into a high-quality theatrical follow-up. Moreover, this was also Pixar’s initial exploration into creating such emotionally profound drama.

4. Up (2009)

Everyone seems to adore the heart-wrenching opening montage in the movie ‘Up’, which swiftly captures the joy and sorrow of a long marriage between a couple. However, they often underestimate the rest of the film where grumpy widower Carl Fredricksen (played by Ed Asner) keeps his late wife Ellie’s promise to travel their home to South America. Along this journey, he befriends an eccentric bird, a chatty dog named Dug, and a young scout named Russell (Jordan Nagai) who secretly joined the trip. The film is filled with hilarity, affection, and magical moments. A fun game you can play while watching it is trying not to tear up as Michael Giacchino’s music begins during the opening credits.

3. Turning Red (2022)

Although Pixar’s popularity might have decreased lately due to their recent films being released directly on Disney+ instead of theaters, their productions seem to be better than ever. “Turning Red” is a remarkable work from the company; an amusing and emotionally resonant tale about growing up and learning to appreciate yourself for who you truly are rather than trying to conform to others’ expectations. The voice acting is exceptional, the artwork inspired by anime is captivating, and the ending will leave you in tears. In essence: Another masterpiece from Pixar.

2. Finding Nemo (2003)

Despite not being Pixar’s top film, “Finding Nemo” embodies the spirit of Pixar most effectively. It features an unlikely duo on an underwater journey, suspenseful twists, and a heart-wrenching tale of a father’s quest to rescue his son. The supporting characters, like the fish in the dentist’s tank, are so well developed they could carry their own movies.

1. Inside Out (2015)

Prior to his role as Pixar’s chief creative officer, Pete Docter was known for his exceptional talent within the company. He contributed as a writer on ‘Toy Story’, ‘Toy Story 2’, and ‘WALL-E’, and directed three of the studio’s top films: ‘Monsters, Inc.’, ‘Up’, and ‘Inside Out’. The latter is a thoughtfully crafted tale that delves into the inner life of an 11-year-old girl named Riley. When Riley and her family move from Minnesota to San Francisco, she experiences turmoil, leading to a struggle between her personified emotions. The design of Riley’s brainscape is continually innovative, offering intrigue in every frame of every scene. Above all, ‘Inside Out’ stands as one of the most insightful films ever produced on the significance of sadness and loss in our lives. It serves as a testament to Docter’s remarkable career.

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2025-03-20 21:56