Disney and Pixar Animation have once again managed to create a cinematic adventure which will not only appeal to children, but parents and grandparents alike… and, once again they have dealt with a really pertinent topic, namely, diversity with all its accoutrements.
As we have come to expect with movies which have been made specifically for a younger audience (and literature for that matter) there is always a ‘lesson’ or two to be learned. This time around, the main protagonists are actually sea monsters who morph into ‘humans’ when on land. However, as is our norm, preconceptions and myths dominate our responses to anyone who is ‘different’. This is the perfect context for the producers to introduce the subjects of rebellion, fear of the unknown, bullying, jealousy, acceptance, unity in diversity and most of all – friendship, in a way with which viewers can easily identify.
Synopsis
Although Luca (Jacob Tremblay) lives under the water, his life is no different from our own. Daily tasks have to be undertaken… and, of course he has to respect his parents wishes. His gran is just as doting as ours. Being a typical child, Luca’s insatiable appetite for adventure is overwhelming and lands him in plenty of trouble. This is exacerbated the day he meets Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer), but there’s no going back and his life changes forever.
‘Luca’ is not only a delightful, magical adventure but we see life through the eyes of two young boys and a young girl (Giulia – Emma Berman) who have to traverse a multitude of obstacles, both physical and mental in order to survive. It shows how a town dominated by preconceived ideas learns that absolutely nothing should be taken at face value.
I don’t want to give away too much of the tale, suffice to say it’s a fabulous outing for the entire family. It’s an escape from reality into a vibrantly energetic world where adversity is merely a challenge to be overcome. Well worth a visit to the big screen when the cinemas reopen, especially to experience the adventure in 3D. Last, but not least, please sit through the credits so that you don’t miss out on the closing snippet.
Starring the voices of:
Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, Saverio Raimondo, Maya Rudolph, Marco Barricelli, Jim Gaffigan, Sandy Martin, Sacha Baron Cohen
Director: Enrico Casarosa ( Allegedly, the tale is based on his childhood and adventures with his best friend). ‘Luca’ is his feature-length movie directorial debut.
Screenplay: Jesse Andrews and Mike Jones
Producer: Andrea Warren
