Movie Review: Luca - Pixar is Back!

Image from IMDB.com

Below is my review of Disney and Pixar’s Luca. 
There may be some small spoilers, so please be aware before reading.

Disney and Pixar’s Luca was released on Disney+ on June 16th so of course we had to watch it this weekend.  To be very honest with you, I did not remember the trailer or what the movie was about, but if it’s Pixar and/or Disney, I’m all about it, so I figured who cares!

When the movie first started, I got some pretty strong Little Mermaid vibes.  I know Pixar likes to put a lot of easter eggs of past Pixar and Disney movies, so this wasn’t too surprising, but there were a few minutes where I almost wondered if we were getting a reimagined version of one my favorites, and I wasn’t 100% going to be ok with that - but don’t worry - that is not what happened! At the end, I also felt some Harry Potter vibes going on, so I’m thinking maybe a millennial helped make this movie and threw in some of their favorite things growing up, and not going to lie, I was fine with it all!

This movie takes place in Italy which was pretty fun and beautiful, as all Pixar movies are, and the characters were truly lovable. The last few Pixar movies haven’t been as good as Pixar movies usually are.  I don’t know if it is because Lasseter is gone, but I am guessing that is a big part of it.  However, this movie redeems Pixar and brings back all the feels that Pixar generally gives. There were definitely a few tears shed at the end - something that hasn’t happened with the last few Pixar movies.

I loved the dynamic of the main characters in this film.  I laughed so many times, it was really so cute. I’m also pretty sure the creators took fans' love of the short film, Luna, in creating some of the storyline and characters in Luca, and I was all for that.
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Diversity
I know Pixar is trying hard to be more inclusive of female voices in their movies now (aiming for 50/50), but I still felt there was a bit of a lack in female voices. However, I do feel like there was a real lack of diversity in the character’s races. Often with Pixar movies, the characters aren’t human, so they cannot portray race as much, but this was their chance, and I don’t feel like they did the best job with it. Although, I felt the message at the end was sort of about race, but maybe that was just what I got from it.  

Rating/Conclusion
All in all, I would rate this movie a 9/10 - really great job.  I think it is definitely for kids and adults. Super cute, funny, a great story, beautiful, and has a good message.  I think Pixar is finally starting to get back to what they were before the exodus of Lasseter and I hope they keep on this path.  

Disney Parks
What I wonder now is if they will do some theming or a future ride in the Italy Pavilion of EPCOT if this movie gets really popular.  I guess we will see!  

Did you see the movie? What were your thoughts? Did you love it - hate it? Let me know in the comments!

All reviews and opinions are my own - no one paid me to write my review.