5 Legendary Kids' Films Starring Latino Actors, Before ‘Coco’ Became a Favorite
The 2017 Pixar animated movie, "Coco," was, according to movie reviewers, was created "to be a love letter to Mexico." The film, featuring Latino cast, is filled with Mexican music, folklore, and culture, which include some of the Mexican traditions on the Day of the Dead.
Additionally, "Coco" had its premiere in Mexico, where it became the No.1 movie for all seasons. Not long after, the US audiences also got to see it.
This movie that made it a constant favorite, not just of the Latino audience but of many moviegoers in different parts of the world, is a story of Miguel Rivera, a 12-year-old boy yearning to become a great and well-admired musician. Nevertheless, this ambition was hidden from his family of shoemakers for a while, who disapprove of his being a music lover.
5 Popular Films Before 'Coco'
Remembering family is "Coco's" recurring theme. It is the reason for Miguel's adventure in the movie. And up until now, its songs in the film have marked and became a hit in almost the whole world. What many people don't know though is that long before "Coco" came to fame, there are countless Latino films kids used to love.
In this time of the pandemic, when everyone is urged to stay home, kids are bored that they don't know what to do anymore. Certainly too, they've watched all the videos on YouTube, not to mention, chatted with all their friends on social media.
Here are five of the many Latino films kids can still watch in the middle of all these lockdown and quarantine. When it comes to the representation of the Latinos on screen, the opportunities the young kids are getting to see stories, actors, and characters are "like them, are far and few between."
Here's a look at five great films that were made for children in mind, and are produced and starred by, and all about Latinos:
Zootopia
Starring Shakira, who played the voice of Gazelle, this 2016 film is a story of a rabbit police officer and an artist (who happens to be a red fox). In this film, Shakira is portraying the role of a famous pop star.
Thumbelina
Shown in 1994, this American Animation is a musical fantasy flick starring Charo as Mrs. Toad. If you're familiar with the book (of the same title), you'll discover that this film is indeed, an adaptation of that good read written by Hans Christian Andersen.
Puss in Boots
This film's story occurs before Puss, played by Antonio Banderas, encountered Shrek and Donkey, while he was an adventurous hero, protecting an innocent. Indeed, Banderas's role in this "Shrek spinoff," along with the other actors, is a talking cat who us running away from the law.
Spy Kids
This is yet another film featuring Antonio Banderas back in 2001. This American spy escapade comedy, which Robert Rodriguez produced, also features Daryl Sabara and Alexa Vega. The said actors played the role of a family that's fighting together against an evil mastermind.
Ice Age
This 2002 film features John Leguizamo. It tells a story of animals moving to the south to escape the winter season. For his role, Leguizamo plays the giant ground sloth called Sid.
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