“On the Italian Riviera, an unlikely but strong friendship grows between a human being and a sea monster disguised as a human.” -IMDB
At this point when I see a Pixar trailer, I feel equally excited and anxious. Let me clarify…
Pixar knows how to take our emotions and throw them into the blender on high. I have cried harder at Pixar movies than at a majority of events in my life. Even the shorts get me! So, while I was excited for Luca, it’s colorful animation, and it’s unique, Italian storyline, I was fearful of what was to come.
Luckily, I think Pixar is starting to learn that you can’t have an Up opening montage for every movie or else people will be too emotionally drained to stay engaged. Luca starts off as many other Disney films do, a kid looking for adventure in a forbidden part of the world. Luca is a sea “monster” who lives with his parents and grandmother, as a type of shepherd of the sea. However, he is compelled to find out what is happening in the world above the surface of the water.
Soon enough, he finds a friend named Alberto who spends most of his time on land and who encourages Luca to do the same. Through some sort of magic, all sea monsters who leave the water are able to transform into humans or “land monsters.” Soon enough, the two are sharing their passions and building a shared dream of wanting to see the world on a Vespa. The two eventually go into the local town, meet young and determined Giulia, and decide to complete in a local race that they believe will help fund their Vespa adventures.
Of course, it’s a Pixar movie so we learn about acceptance and unconditional love. Luckily it was only the last five to ten minutes that made me well up. Actually, the hardest I cried was at a footnote at the end of the credits that said “This film is dedicated to…all the friends who pulled us out of the water and helped us find our way.” And that is the ultimately the message of Luca.
Overall, this was one of the lighter Pixar movies I’ve watched in a while which made it a bit more fun to watch, if a bit more forgettable afterward. I definitely recommend a watch, but beware, after a year and a half of covid, you will want to book your plane ticket to Italy after watching.
Rating: 8 out of 10 Claire Bears
🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻
If you like this movie, you should also watch: Any Pixar movie that makes you cry…so…any Pixar movie!
Streaming: Disney+
With: Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman
Directed By: Enrico Casarosa
Let Me Clarify 