Pixar’s “Luca” takes audiences on a magical journey to the sun-drenched Italian Riviera, where a young sea monster named Luca Paguro yearns to experience the human world above the waves. This heartwarming coming-of-age story is filled with adventure, laughter, and the power of friendship, making it a must-watch for viewers of all ages.
Synopsis: Luca, a curious and adventurous sea monster, dreams of life on land. When he ventures to the surface, he transforms into a human and befriends Alberto, a free-spirited sea monster who’s been living on land for years. Together, they embark on an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta, Vespa rides, and endless mischief. But their secret hangs in the balance as contact with water reverts them back to their sea monster forms.
Cast:
- Jacob Tremblay as Luca Paguro
- Jack Dylan Grazer as Alberto Scorfano
- Emma Berman as Giulia Marcovaldo
- Marco Barricelli as Daniela Paguro, Luca’s mother
- Maya Rudolph as Signora Gabriella, Giulia’s mother
- Jim Gaffigan as Uncle Ugo, Luca’s father
Crew:
- Director: Enrico Casarosa
- Screenwriters: Jesse Andrews, Mike Jones
- Story by: Enrico Casarosa, Jesse Andrews, Simon Stephenson
- Music: Dan Romer
- Produced by: Andrea Warren
Release Date: June 18, 2021
Story: At its core, “Luca” is a story about friendship, courage, and embracing who you are. Luca and Alberto’s bond is heartwarming and inspiring, as they support each other through thick and thin. The film also celebrates the beauty of the Italian Riviera, with its charming seaside towns and vibrant culture. But beneath the surface, “Luca” tackles deeper themes of acceptance, overcoming fear, and the importance of following your dreams.
Cara’s Review: Disney once again recycles one of its own stories. This time it is shrouded in the trappings of Pixar. A young soul who originates from a home in the sea yearns to explore a world out of his/her reach by taking the form of a human. During his/her time above the surface, the sea creature falls for a kind human and seeks out a meaningful relationship. That parallels go on… That’s not the only similarity between Luca and Ariel. They both lose their voice. The sun appears to have strong symbolism in this Pixar copy. Luca struggles with his identity. He becomes hesitates to be himself because of an intolerant world that would do him harm if he let his true self shine. He becomes voiceless. Only honesty will set him free. Step into the light. Be yourself.
Critical Response:
- “Luca” holds a 91% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 8.2/10.
- The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
- The New York Times called “Luca” “a sun-kissed coming-of-age story that leaves you with a warm glow.”
- The Washington Post said, “‘Luca’ is a delightful summer treat, as refreshing as a scoop of gelato on a hot day.”
Three Life Lessons from “Luca”
- Embrace who you are: Luca’s journey is about accepting himself for who he is, both as a sea monster and a human. This teaches us to celebrate our unique qualities and not be afraid to be ourselves.
- The power of friendship: Luca and Alberto’s friendship is at the heart of the film. It shows us how true friends can help us overcome challenges and achieve our dreams.
- Never stop dreaming: Luca’s unwavering desire to experience the human world inspires us to pursue our own dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.
Conclusion: “Luca” is a delightful and heartwarming film that will leave you with a smile on your face. It’s a perfect summer movie for families and anyone who wants to escape to a world of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery.
Where to Stream: “Luca” is available to stream on Disney+.
