Luca

Pixar returns to familiar themes of family and friendship in a charming coming-of-age tale, set on the Italian Riviera. Luca (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) is a young sea monster living in the depths of the Mediterranean who magically takes on human form when he ventures onto land for the first time. With newfound best pal Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer), he experiences a summer of adventure that changes his life for ever. As might be expected from such a dependable studio, the feel-good factor is high, the animation faultless, and the sight gags come thick and fast - many involving zippy scooters and stacked plates of pasta that border on cultural stereotyping. In less subtle hands the messages of respect, loyalty and decency might have a preachy tone, but Pixar never condescends to its audience, and proves once again a mastery of moral storytelling wrapped in mirth.