Perhaps it’s the sad feeling of not getting to see Disney favourites on the big-screen, where they should be discovered, but Luca’s beauty and flawless animation just can’t be fully appreciated at home.

I don’t know whether it was the environment – the lack of laughing children and a full theatre – but Luca just didn’t land like hits Up or Moana.

This story of two sea monsters who travel into Italy to win a race and explore their on-land dreams is widely about being proud of who you are and always being true to your roots.

The young boys change into humans when on land, and they both try to hide their secret and blend in, to differing results.

Luca is a truly adorable little film, full of fleshed-out characters and important themes. I truly enjoyed it, but it was just missing something.

Writer-director Enrico Casarosa creates an immersive world, and Luca is an absolutely admirable effort.

I just didn’t get that heartwarming feeling from this Disney tilt in quite the same way. I think something is lost between the big screen and home viewing, and if it hit theatres post-COVID, I’d be first in line.

The voice cast, comprised of Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, Jim Gaffigan and Maya Rudolph is pitch-perfect, and they bring these characters to life.

I’m hoping that with a second viewing — on a screen that may do Luca justice — that I will grow to adore the movie over time.

But as it stands, Luca is a vibrant, even if not a future classic entry into Disney’s canon.

3.5/5 Stars