Pixar’s ‘Luca’ – Spoiler-Free Film Review

I might regret the introduction to this review, but I don’t typically love Pixar movies. I’ve seen almost all of them, but there is only a handful I will willingly rewatch. With that being said, let me introduce you to my favorites! Onward, Ratatouille, Cars, and now Luca. Please don’t skip out on this review because you hate me for what I said. That’s one of the big reasons why I wanted to review Luca. The other reason is that we finally have another film set in Italy besides Pinocchio.

Plot Summary

This film is a coming-of-age story about two young sea creatures with a desire to travel the world via Vespa. It shares themes with The Little Mermaid, and you’ll see why. Luca Paguro’s (Jacob Tremblay) summer is one for the books. After living in the sea all his life, he dreams of exploring all that the land has to offer. Since the humans above like to hunt these sea creatures, Luca’s family forbids him to go. Like most Disney characters, Luca ignores his parents. On land, he meets Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer), a fellow sea creature, and the two of them travel to the small Italian seaside town of Portorosso. 

Upon their arrival to the quaint little town, Luca and Alberto come across several quintessential Italian delicacies. A small group of men playing Scopa (an Italian card game), a gelateria, kids playing a game of soccer in the piazza, and small fishing boats just waiting to be taken out to sea. They meet a young girl named Giulia (Emma Berman), and the three of them enter the Portorosso Cup. 

Discussion

One of the things that drew me in about Luca was that it wasn’t like other Pixar movies. It still keeps true to the themes of friendship and family but echoes a little bit with Onward. It doesn’t have any insane tear-jerker moments, nor does it rely on a huge plot twist to push the story along. What you see is what you get. The dynamic that Luca and Alberto have is recognizable and feels authentic to the viewer. 

The movie hit close to home for me. My family comes from a seaside town in southern Italy, and it’s one of my favorite places to visit in the summer. I will admit that I wish Luca was given a dual theatrical/Disney+ release. I feel that it would have done well considering the reopening of movie theaters. However, I’m more than willing to watch it multiple times on Disney+. 

The scenery is captivating. A perfect combination of picturesque while looking truly lived in. Colors of the sea contrast impeccably with the vibrant, natural landscape. 

Tremblay and Grazer played off of each other beautifully, and this did distract me from the fact that there were only a sprinkling of Italian actors in the film. Although somewhat predictable, Luca manages to keep the audience engaged with its playful nature. Like a cold gelato on a summer day, Luca is a refreshing treat. 

Luca premieres in June 18th, exclusively on Disney+.