Melinda Palacio
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| Miguel and his guitar in the movie Coco, photo from Google Images. |
Pixar's new blockbuster Coco may
also have added benefits to your coco, cabeza, and brain. That is if the film
inspires folks to take up the guitar. I saw the film on Monday with my friend
Lora who was still crying as we exited the theatre. We both enjoyed the meticulous
animation, hilarious dialogue, and themes surrounding Día de Los Muertos,
family, and honoring your antepasados. The film has a beautiful story, even
though (SPOILER ALERT) Coco dies. The movie will warm the heart of any who
might cry cultural appropriation without bothering to see the film.
True, many who never grew up with
the tradition of honoring loved ones of the Day of the Dead might have already
made a tradition of skeleton face painting, donning lots of marigolds, skeleton
garb, and Frida Kahlo dresses during Halloween, or anytime during October. I
must admit I had been skeptical about any kind of animated film about the
tradition of Día de los Muertos, ever since learning about the controversy from
cartoonist and satirist Lalo Alcaraz, who blasted Disney in 2013 for wanting to
trademark the phrase Día de los Muertos in anticipation of the upcoming movie's
merchandise. But in a genius move, Pixar brought in Lalo as part of a team of
consultants in an effort to get Coco and all the film's details right.
I haven't seen all the current
movie related merchandise, but I did notice that the Coco guitars are front and
center at many places that sell musical instruments, especially guitars. Over
the past two months, I've renewed my interest in learning how to play the
guitar. In September, I dusted off one of Steve's old guitars and started
practicing. My diligence paid off and for my birthday Steve took me guitar
shopping. As pretty as they are, I didn't fall for the Coco guitars Disney and
the Guitar Center were pushing. The guitar that found me was at a local music
shop, Jensen's in Santa Barbara. I am the ecstatic owner of a gorgeous Martin Road
Series guitar. It's probably the best birthday present anyone has ever given
me. I will have to practice much more to become worthy of such a gift.
One of the more interesting things
I've read about playing a musical instrument is that it serves as a total body
workout for your brain. Read the article or watch the Ted Talk (thanks to
fellow bloguera Olga for calling my attention to this piece). No other creative outlet works both
sides of the brain the way playing a musical instrument does.
In the film, Coco, the main
character, a boy named Miguel, must choose between his passion for music and
his family. (LAST SPOILER ALERT) The film's heart-warming ending is a win-win
with Miguel gaining his family's blessing to play the guitar. I truly do hope
the movie inspires children of all ages to pick up the guitar. I can attest
that it is loads of fun and a great hobby. I feel smarter already. The Coco
guitar is one marketing gimmick I can get behind. Pixar did a good thing by
bringing in Lalo Alcaraz, and their team of Latino consultants. Anyone who
loves animated films, musicals, or a good story will not be disappointed. If guitar
isn't your jam, pick up another instrument, your brain will thank you.
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| Me with my new guitar |
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| Martin Road Series, hecho en Mexico and Pennsylvania |
