Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet fish-out-of-water story about friendship, adventure.
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Luca
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 75 parent reviews
Parents say that the movie offers a charming exploration of friendship and self-acceptance, with beautiful animation set in a delightful Italian backdrop. However, concerns are frequently raised regarding the themes of disobedience and rude humor, which some feel are not appropriate for younger audiences, leading to mixed feelings about its overall messaging.
- friendship themes
- beautiful animation
- rude humor
- mixed messaging
- parental concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 122 kid reviews
Kids say that the film is a charming yet divisive experience, appreciated for its positive themes of friendship, curiosity, and self-acceptance but critiqued for its perceived lack of depth compared to other Pixar classics. While many find it heartwarming with beautiful animation, others deem it less engaging or too simplistic, creating a split among viewers, particularly regarding its appeal to different age groups.
- friendship themes
- beautiful animation
- divisive opinions
- family-friendly
- positive messages
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
LUCA takes place at the Italian seaside, where the titular character is the son in a family of sea creatures. Luca (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) follows his parents' (Maya Rudolph and Jim Gaffigan) rules not to go near the dangerous surface, until he comes across a stranger collecting treasures. Luca follows the boy, Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer), to the shore, where they both transform into humans. Luca and Alberto become fast friends, sharing dreams and plans that involve what Alberto claims is the best prize among humans: the Vespa scooter. When Luca's family catches on that he's been hanging out above water, they threaten to send him to the depths of the ocean with his angler-fish Uncle Ugo (Sacha Baron Cohen). Frightened, Luca and Alberto run away to the nearest human town, Porto Rosso, where they meet outgoing Giulia (Emma Berman), who tells them that they could buy a Vespa with the cash prize from the town's annual race: a triathlon involving swimming, cycling, and eating pasta. The boys team up with Giulia—who's come in second several years in a row to an overconfident, rude villager named Ercole (Saverio Raimondo)—and move in with her and her intimidating fisherman father (Marco Barricelli). They must also do everything they can to keep from getting wet, lest the sea-monster-fearing villagers try to spear them.
Is It Any Good?
This heartfelt, gorgeously animated adventure is a short and sweet reminder of sun-filled summer days with new friends. The setting of Luca is so vivid that audiences may well want to book a flight to the Italian Riviera for some amazing pasta, clear seas, and the charm of winding cobblestone streets, marble fountains, and quirky townsfolk. Tremblay is a wonderfully expressive voice performer, making Luca's intellectual curiosity and general awe come to life. Grazer's Alberto is a confident and impetuous counterbalance to Luca's thoughtful and initially hesitant personality. Berman also impresses as Giulia, who really wants to win the race but is even more excited to make new friends. The supporting Italian cast is strong, as are Rudolph and Gaffigan, who at this point are almost default choices as funny parents. And audiences will laugh aloud at Baron Cohen's brief but hilarious role as Luca's uncle from the deep.
Luca's themes are reminiscent of those in Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, The Little Mermaid, and even Onward. The boys turn into friends who are more like brothers, discovering both the joys and the dangers of the human world, and their adventure is filled with memorable views under the sea. Tender, sweet, and also funny, with silly physical comedy and an amusingly suspicious cat (Giulia's kitty looks just like her dad, right down to what looks like a mustache), the movie is full of warmth and has a few moments that tug at the heartstrings. It's also lovely to see a single father who belies his intimidating appearance by cooking delicious meals, teaching the boys the skills needed to fish, and supporting his daughter in her dream to compete in Porto Rosso's big annual race. Families with kids of all ages will enjoy this adorable addition to Pixar's excellent list of films.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Luca's message about family and friendship. What does Luca learn about what makes a family? Kids: Who do you consider to be part of your family?
How do characters' actions demonstrate curiosity, empathy, teamwork, and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?
Discuss how the movie portrays Giulia's father's limb difference. Does it impact his character? Why is it important to see people with disabilities represented in popular culture? Can you think of other examples?
Did you find any parts of the movie scary or upsetting? If so, why? What bothers you more: danger/action, or conflict between characters?
A central theme of the movie is difference and accepting others for who they are. Why is this an important message? What differences might it extend to in the real world?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 18, 2021
- Cast : Jacob Tremblay , Jack Dylan Grazer , Emma Berman
- Director : Enrico Casarosa
- Studios : Pixar Animation Studios , Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : rude humor, language, some thematic elements and brief violence
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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