Pixar has a developed a reputation among movie-goers for producing comedic yet emotional pieces that will leave you in tears. Coco, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures, is no exception to this trend.

Coco follows the story of Miguel, a young boy who longs to be a musician despite his family’s generations-old ban on music. Miguel has grown to idolize Ernesto de la Cruz, an accomplished, deceased musician. Miguel’s pursuit of his dreams takes him to the vibrant and stunning Land of the Dead. Here, Miguel meets a trickster, Héctor, and the two embark on a journey to return Miguel to the land of the living and to fill in the missing blanks of Miguel’s family narrative. To return to the land of the living, Miguel must receive the blessing of a member of his family as soon as possible – otherwise he will become one of the dead.

I’ll refrain from describing the film’s plot in excessive detail to allow you to enjoy this wonderful movie yourself. Though the twists and turns, in retrospect, are fairly predictable, they are, nonetheless, emotionally overwhelming. Coco proves that Pixar has mastered the ability to present a comedy film that can cause any audience of children and adults to be on the verge of tears.

Though Coco is not without its flaws, the minor flaws of the movie are easily forgettable when considering its strength as a whole. The directors have built a detailed plot with an addictive soundtrack and the perfect balance between satire and comedy. The visuals further enhance the movie; the animators have outdone themselves with Coco’s vibrant landscapes and individuals. Furthermore, the film is filled to the brim with dramatic action sequences and a constant overload of information that all build towards an emotional ending.

Perhaps the most endearing feature of this movie is its family oriented feel. Despite the drama and eccentricities, at its core, Coco is a film about a boy attempting to find his place within the framework of his family. Miguel is a character everyone can identify with, as he struggles to satisfy his loved ones while remaining true to his dreams.

The film’s homage to Mexican culture is refreshing. The entire film centers around el Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, and the film consistently maintains a Mexican feel. The film reflects a culture and religion distanced from mainstream America, an important step for an entertainment industry consistently shamed for a lack of diverse representation. Pixar’s decision to embrace a Mexican universe has had clear profits financially as well. Coco, which opened in Mexico a month before it opened in the states, is the highest grossing film in Mexico of all time.

While there are a plethora of movies at the box office this weekend, Coco is most definitely a movie worth watching. With its balance of tear-jerking drama, laugh out loud comedy, and beautiful visuals, it is sure to appeal to anyone, despite their age or film preferences.