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Set in a small town in 1950s Italy, Luca follows the titular character (Jacob Tremblay), a sea creature, who meets Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer), a fellow sea creature who lives alone. After discovering that he changes to human form when he's on land, the two set out to enjoy the summer, which will include exploring the nearby town of Portorosso. It is there that they meet Giulia (Emma Berman) and end up as the "underdogs" in a triathlon competition with the local bully.
This was a watch with the kids. I think they had seen it before, but it was a first-time watch for me, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. There is a charming simplicity to its story of friendship and acceptance that I enjoyed. The relationship between the three friends, especially Luca and Alberto, is well built, and it's fun to see them as "underdogs" looking out for each other. I think that aspect is the most important of the film.
The filmmakers also nailed the whole design and persona of the bully, which made it easier for us to root for the lead kids. I also enjoyed that there were some underlying layers to some of the characters; for example, Giulia's father and his relationship with Alberto. And obviously, there's the coming of age aspect of Luca, as he tries to find his place in the world, along with his "underdog" friends.
Aside from that, the animation was very colorful and vibrant. There were certainly some liberties taken with the logistics of how the kids changed back and forth from sea monsters to boys, but I understand why it's done. Overall, Luca doesn't really offer a lot of new things, but it does offer a fun and endearing look at what it means to have friends looking out for each other, right?
Grade:
LUCA
(2021, Casarosa)
(2021, Casarosa)
"You know, we underdogs have to look out for each other, right?"
Set in a small town in 1950s Italy, Luca follows the titular character (Jacob Tremblay), a sea creature, who meets Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer), a fellow sea creature who lives alone. After discovering that he changes to human form when he's on land, the two set out to enjoy the summer, which will include exploring the nearby town of Portorosso. It is there that they meet Giulia (Emma Berman) and end up as the "underdogs" in a triathlon competition with the local bully.
This was a watch with the kids. I think they had seen it before, but it was a first-time watch for me, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. There is a charming simplicity to its story of friendship and acceptance that I enjoyed. The relationship between the three friends, especially Luca and Alberto, is well built, and it's fun to see them as "underdogs" looking out for each other. I think that aspect is the most important of the film.
The filmmakers also nailed the whole design and persona of the bully, which made it easier for us to root for the lead kids. I also enjoyed that there were some underlying layers to some of the characters; for example, Giulia's father and his relationship with Alberto. And obviously, there's the coming of age aspect of Luca, as he tries to find his place in the world, along with his "underdog" friends.
Aside from that, the animation was very colorful and vibrant. There were certainly some liberties taken with the logistics of how the kids changed back and forth from sea monsters to boys, but I understand why it's done. Overall, Luca doesn't really offer a lot of new things, but it does offer a fun and endearing look at what it means to have friends looking out for each other, right?
Grade: