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Is Pixar’s LUCA Kid Friendly? Parents Guide

Wondering if LUCA is ok for kids? Pixar’s LUCA is rated PG for rude humor, language, some thematic elements and brief violence. This beautiful story of friendship made me crave a trip to Italy. Is Luca kid friendly? It’s Pixar. So while it’s age appropriate for most kids, some may disagree. Here’s what parents need to know in this LUCA Parents Guide.

Is Luca ok for kids?

Is LUCA Kid Friendly?

Luca (Jacob Tremblay) is the story of a young teenage sea monster in the Italian Riviera with overprotective parents who wonders about the sea town and humans above – you know, a little Ariel “I want to be where the people are.” He meets another sea monster, Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer), who has been living on the surface for awhile. 

They meet Giulia (Emma Burman), a girl in town, and decide to enter a race in Portorosso to win cash to buy a Vespa and make all their dreams come true. The problem is there’s a swimming portion of the race and both Luca and Alberto turn into sea monsters when wet, and the town does not welcome sea monsters. 

If you’re expecting the gut-wrenching, tear-inducing Pixar, this isn’t it. The storytelling is still there, which is based on Director Enrico Casarosa’s real friendship and adventures in Italy. Many have speculated that Luca and Alberto’s relationship is romantic, but Casarosa said it was not. 

Why is Luca rated PG? There is some rude humor and words like stupid and idiot. Other than that, violence is mild.

Language

There is no profanity in Luca, but there are words like jerk, stupid, idiot, and pretend swear words like “santa mozzarella” and “mother of pearl” which are used for humor.

Mature Content

There is some content that may be too much for little kids. There is a bully in town named Ercole who is older and calls other kids names. He has his goons beat up a character and also tries to attack and possibly kill another. 

Alberto is also a young teenager with no parents living at home. 

The towns people are prejudiced against sea monsters and are scared of them and don’t want them in town.

Luca is scared to go the surface, yet curious, and essentially runs away from home. 

Is Luca kid friendly?

Is Luca Appropriate for Kids Under 8?

There may be a few scary and make-you-jump parts when some characters are in danger, but overall Luca is a delightful, family friendly film. There’s something everyone can relate to during the film, whether it’s being afraid of something, a friendship you remember, a fear you overcome, being a parent, wanting to try new things, etc.

I understand why some would say Luca’s relationship with Alberto is more than friendship, and I also understand those who see it as a close friendship with two boys on a summer adventure. The simplicity allows you to see yourself and what you want to get out of the film. 

This Pixar film hits differently, but that doesn’t make it any less valuable. I felt hints of The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and Onward. The animation is always top-notch in a Pixar movie, but knowing they created this film at home is even more incredible.  

The vivid colors, inviting scenery, and love of Vespas transport you to Italy in a different era. You’ll even find some Easter Eggs in Luca from old Italian cinema. 

I don’t need a cry-your-eyes-out Pixar movie every time. Sometimes it’s exhausting. But Luca is a feel-good, beautifully animated story about accepting others, real friendships, and allowing your loved ones to grow. I only wish I could see it on the big screen, especially now as travel and the world are beginning to open up. 

Luca Parents Guide

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[…] crowd with the blatant immaturity.  I prefer a smarter comedy or heartfelt (Picxar’s Luca), but kids do love the Boss Baby, and that’s ok. This movie’s for […]

Amy

Saturday 26th of June 2021

Thank you for the movie review! My daughter really wants to see this movie and as a Mom I truly don’t have time to preview it myself.

tanialamb

Saturday 26th of June 2021

You’re welcome! I hope she likes it!

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