'Cuco's Big Adventure', aka 'Americano', is another one of those animated films seen as a hopeful remedy after seeing a fair share of badly done animated films out of curiosity as a big lifelong fan.
It is my feeling, after seeing it, that 'Cuco's Big Adventure' is not as refreshing an antidote as the very good 'Mune: Guardian of the Moon', but it was a remedy nonetheless because it for all its faults still to me managed to be colourful and entertaining and actually looked like those involved were trying. It is something that children will most likely love and there are elements that adults will appreciate, there is nothing to be offended by here. Did it live up to full potential? Not quite. Did it do okay for what it set out to do? Yes it did.
The animation is exuberant and vibrant in colour with some lovely rich details and the characters neither looking too blocky or unintentionally creepy (although there is a lack of finesse perhaps in movement in some areas). A big standout in 'Cuco's Big Adventure' is the wonderful toe-tapping soundtrack, making one want to get up and dance and sing along and doing a great job capturing the unique fiery Spanish flavour.
Much of the writing entertains, with some amusing and clever humour, and is most noteworthy for the bilingual element of English and Spanish integrated together. Mostly this was done very cleverly, will bring some nice educational value for children and good for anybody who wants to learn Spanish (it is a lovely language and worth learning). 'Cuco's Big Adventure' has charm and moves along at a lively pace. As for the characters, they carry the film well and have their endearment and entertainment value. The voice acting is very humorous and spirited from the likes of Lisa Kudrow and Paul Rodriguez.
Where 'Cuco's Big Adventure' doesn't fare so well is the story. It's a routine and predictable one, but is hurt much more by too much being crammed in and feeling far too noisy and busy. With so much going on, too many of the ideas and such didn't feel explored enough. It makes the pacing sometimes feel very rushed and the story to have a sprawling all over the map effect.
Really liked the bilingual element on the whole, but there were times where the constant back and forth is a little confusing. As said too there is a lack of finesse in some of the character designs and movements.
Overall, colourful and entertaining but tries to do too much. 6/10 Bethany Cox
