Luca (2021)

Dear Link,

From all the stories and photos you mom put on social media, it did not take me long to realize you and your younger brother Lenny had a blast during your first ever trip to Disney World.

This, of course, has been a bit of a family tradition going back long before you were even born. It’s been nearly two decades since I was last there: Pirates of the Caribbean was not even a movie yet. It was also brought to my attention that, before you guys left, you and Lenny watched most of the Disney classics to prepare you. Take it from me, that is a lot of movies for two brothers who are only five and four!

There was something else brought up to my attention as well. While you were there, you were told a lot about the newest Disney/Pixar movie, Luca. Your dad mentioned I should not talk to you about it, because you were too afraid to see it. While I am not sure of how you witnessed Luca at Disney World, I can tell you the movie may not be as scary as you think it is.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think what has you most worried is that the main character (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) is not just a young boy. He is actually a sea creature. I can see how that might be kind of scary. Here is the thing though: He is scared too, and he is even a little older than you are! His whole life he has been hearing his mom (Maya Rudolph) and dad (Jim Gaffigan) telling him to never, ever, go to the surface. He is a good boy (or sea creature), and doesn’t want to disobey his parents, but he wonders: what is up there?

One day, he meets another boy named Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer), who takes him up to the surface. When he dries off, Luca discovers he looks just like a human! This literally becomes what is called a “fish out of water” story, as Luca learns how to walk and talk like a human would. He then goes on an adventure with Alberto as they try to accomplish their dream: owning a Vespa (a scooter). They do this through the help of their new friend Giulia (Emma Berman) as they stay at her house with her dad, a one armed fisher men who does not like sea creatures. They try to win the town’s annual cup race, which is always won by a mean bully named Ercole.

Now Link, as in most of the Disney movies you saw, there are plenty of silly moments (including when the mom pushes random kids in the water to find out where her son is), but there are also more serious moments as well. This is standard for Disney movies. From what I heard, you were sparred the scary moments of the aforementioned Disney movie binge you were on (a wise choice, since you are only five). There is not too much here to be afraid of, other than a moment where Luca gets into a big argument with his friend. Also, this is not a movie to worry about seeing any romance or kissing stuff.

You may still feel a little worried about seeing the movie. I don’t know if you will like it as much as you liked the other movies, but I do think it is not as scary as you might think.

Here is a hint: Tell that voice in your head “Silencio Bruno!”

Love,

Uncle Mark

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