Where Do the Dead Go When They Die

Where do the dead go when they die? This is a question posed in the new movie Coco, and although the film has no answer, it does have the answer to the most important things in life.

The picture is about Miguel, a young, Mexican boy, who has music in his soul, which would be a good thing on any given Sunday except that his whole family hates music. Believe it or not, they have their reasons.

So, Miguel is not allowed to follow his dream of singing and playing his guitar. Of course, he does what any kid would do. He rebels.

Rebellion gets him into a lot of trouble during the Día de los Muertos celebration that's going on in his town, and he winds up on the other side with his dead relatives.

They don't like music either.

Now he's got to get back to the living before he's turned into one of the dead himself.

The film is a cornucopia of color, and celebrates Mexico's obsession with the brightest ones in the spectrum. It also teaches a lesson on the true meaning of Día de los Muertos, a wonderful holiday that has less to do with skeletons and more to do with remembering our families through the generations. It's a respectful occasion and based on love. Having seen the movie, I think I'll start observing it at my house.

Love and family are what ground us in life, and Coco delivers that message in story and song (and with a great twist!). It's a delightful, heartfelt film that anyone would enjoy. I encourage you to go see it.

Also, you'll come to realize that love songs sound best when sung in Spanish. Stay for the English/Spanish mix of "Remember Me" at the end of the show, and you'll see what I mean.