Is Coco safe for kids? Is Coco OK for kids? Should your kids see the newest Disney•Pixar’s animated film? Check out this Coco Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parent review guide of the new animated Disney movie. No spoilers! #PixarCoco
Coco Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide #PixarCoco
I hesitated as I sat in the theater with my kids, my 9-year old on my left and a very timid 4-year old on my right. Skeletons did not appeal to my daughter’s interest. I don’t blame her. I never told her otherwise. My son seemed confused – was this a scary film or not scary film? And I went in with very little expectations – Dia de los Muertos wasn’t high on my list of must-watch movie plots.
In this Coco Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m talking visuals, the story, a full PG rating breakdown, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested for this “heavy” Disney Pixar film. Does Disney•Pixar’s latest cultural venture astound or confuse families? What about that PG rating? And will those skeletons be haunting my preschooler’s dreams? Find out in this spoiler free parent review of Coco.
Grab your easy Coco dessert recipe! And grab your FREE Coco coloring sheets!
The Visuals
From the brightly colored vivid imagery to the smallest details on Miguel’s eyelashes, only Disney can make the land of the dead visually inviting. Disney•Pixar continues to amaze audiences with movies that astound families with visual feast for the eyes.
I took a quick peek at my kids as they watched, both in awe when they saw all of the amazing colors that celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Just the visuals alone had me wanting my family to join in on these ancient Mexican traditions.
The Story
Family. How poignant that Disney chose Thanksgiving as the premiere date for this family-centered film, that you would think would come out around Halloween (aka the Day of the Dead). Legacy, traditions, culture, ancestry, foundations, roots, love – these are all prominent and heart-touching themes that are constantly at the center of this film.
But let’s give Disney even more credit – not only did Disney have a difficult challenge in telling a beautiful and slightly-unexpected twisting story, but they also had to weave in explanations for every single tradition surrounding Dia de los Muertos for people like me – with no understanding of why marigolds, ofrendas or even skeletons are important to the culture of Mexico while being 100% culturally sensitive to the people they are portraying. That is a job I wouldn’t want to take on.
The story is very dialogue heavy – so be prepared to listen in the whole time. But the way the story weaves in with music, visuals and a sweet coming of age story – it is definitely a movie to be applauded on many, many fronts as a multicultural success.
That PG Rating
Is Disney Pixar’s Coco movie safe for kids? So in case you didn’t know, this movie has skeletons – lots of them. And if your family is like mine, you’ve probably introduced your children to skeletons in the sense that they are scary – used during Halloween to terrify kids. Is Pixar’s Coco ok for kids to see?
Why is Coco rated PG? Disney Pixar’s Coco is rated PG for “thematic events.” Well, that doesn’t explain a whole lot. Let’s breakdown that PG age rating for parents in this Coco Parents Guide.
Language. As always, I’m so appreciative when Pixar is held to a higher Disney standard. No offensive language or swear words to report.
Violence and Suspense. It was difficult to explain to my 4-year old that these were “nice skeletons,” finding her at times terrified when the skeletons would make jerky quick movements or unexpected jumps. Add that along with some intimidating alebrijes (animal spirit creatures) and suspenseful animated action – she plopped herself in my lap about mid-movie.
Adult themes. This film is also very dialogue heavy – I mean Disney has a BIG job in telling a story that will make you cry (yes, another one of THOSE movies) and explaining deep rooted Mexican cultural traditions. So those with wiggly-worm kids may find themselves bored in between action scenes. I would recommend this movie for kids ages 5+ and very “chill” younger kids. Those prone to being spooked easily and afraid of skeletons may have trouble adjusting.
What Coco Age Rating is Recommended for Kids to Watch?
Is Coco kid friendly? If your child can appreciate a little sense of colorful culture, they will absolutely LOVE Coco. At 1 hour and 49 minutes run time, this animated film is full of action, sing-along songs, family and heart, even for little kids. The music is enchanting, the visuals are stunning, and the overall family theme will have your family appreciating traditions, roots and a desire to create even more memories with your own family.
What age is recommended to watch Coco? I would recommend kids at least 5-years old and up to watch Coco, again keeping in mind that they will not have nightmares from seeing multiple skeletons on screen. My 9-year old son was absolutely enchanted – laughing, asking appropriate cultural questions and really enjoying the celebration surrounding the Day of the Dead. I couldn’t have asked for more for him.
The Overall
I went into this film with very small interest and even smaller expectations. I went home blown away. As a multicultural family, I really appreciate being able to show my kids another interpretation of family traditions and how different cultures celebrate and embrace family in ways that I could never explain. This movie not only brings our family closer together (we’re already talking more stories about grandparents and great grandparents to our kids), but encourages conversation about acceptance, diversity and change.
Disney•Pixar has done it again with Coco, a wonderful adaptation of cultural diversity at a level that every family can appreciate.
- Like COCO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarCoco
- Follow COCO on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pixarcoco
- Follow COCO on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixarcoco/
- Visit the official COCO website here: https://movies.disney.com/coco
Disney•Pixar’s Coco is in theaters November 22, 2017. Don’t forget to grab your FREE Coco Coloring Sheets + Kids Activities!
Will you be taking your family to see Disney Pixar’s Coco in theaters this Thanksgiving?
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Dandi D says
This looks like such a fun movie and I can’t wait to see it!
Janet W. says
This movie looks so adorable! I can’t wait to see it with my grandsons!
Marie says
My 8 yr old daughter cried and had nightmares. Use extreme caution.
Kara says
Thank you so much for your review, Christie. We live in CA and are familiar some of the customs of Dia de Los Muertos; however, we’re not Mexican and don’t really have a full understanding of the entire idea of the day. I have a 5 yr old and 9 yr old; therefore, I frequently check the Common Sense Media website for not only their review, but what other parents are saying. How central to the plot was the poisoning theme? Also, I’ve heard that some questionable language (stupid, jerks, etc) is present. We parent our kids rather conservatively; therefore, I’m obviously concerned about it. Thank you for any further insights that you care to offer.
christie says
The poisoning theme is a key element in the plot twist. I do remember stupid and jerks being used as well.