TV & Movies/Reviews

Name: Luca
Where: Disney+
What: Movie, 96 min
When: June 18
Genre: Animation
Why you should watch: Disney’s Luca is a genuinely heartwarming coming-of-age adventure brought to life by an all-star cast, and packs a meaningful message to boot. However, the film’s crowning jewel is its visuals: Pixar’s world-class animation is put to full use crafting underwater worlds, eye-popping Italian scenery, and food so delectable you’ll want to lick your screen.

It’s shaping up to be a long, hot, lively summer, and if you’re looking for a movie to get you in the adventuring spirit, Disney’s Luca fits the bill. By following the story of a young sea monster coming of age and striking out on land, the film takes viewers on a visually stunning trip through the Italian Riviera that’s chock-full of breathtaking scenery, mouth-watering food, and endless Vespa rides. Its Italian inspirations make for an enriching cultural experience, as well: The story was based on director Enrico Casarosa’s boyhood experiences in his home country, so the film is true in its depiction, right down to the Italian words and phrases sprinkled throughout.  In Pixar fashion, the film is made for kids but is so artistically beautiful and narratively sophisticated that adults will enjoy it too (regardless of whether there are children in the room).

“I feel like this movie… captures that truly romantic notion of summer being about freedom,” says Luca cast member Jim Gaffigan, during a Zoom press conference with the cast. The comedian plays Luca’s father, an absent-minded sea monster struggling to parent a growing child. “And we, as adults, are always kind of chasing it.”

“During the pandemic, a lot of the things my family would do to get together… were on Disney+, honestly. I know it sounds like an advertisement! But I do think this is the type of movie that works not only for families, but also for anyone that likes a good movie. Pixar just always sticks the landing.”

“I have to be honest, it does feel like a dream come true, to me, too,” says co-star Maya Rudolph, who plays an overzealous Italian mama trying to protect Luca from the outside world. “It feels like you’re part of something bigger, and it’s just such a beautiful movie.  And yeah, my kids are pretty stoked… as the kids say.”

“I don’t know if it’s illegal for Pixar to make bad movies,” Gaffigan adds. “But there’s something just so exciting about them. You’re like, ‘All right, well, I know this is going to be good.’”

Even with a hilarious cast and some of the finest visual work Pixar has ever produced, the best thing about Luca is that it isn’t just a fun, pretty film — it’s elevated by a heartfelt message about the joys and pains of growing up. With universal themes about fighting your doubts, embracing uncertainty, and using the power of friendship as a tool to grow and change, there’s not only something for everyone to relate to; there’s something for everyone to learn from, too.