CODA

“CODA” officially premiered in 2021 (same year My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission came out) at the Sundance Film Festival and eventually streamed on Apple TV Plus. It received good reviews from critics and streamers alike. The film went on to win three Oscars for “Best Supporting Actor, (Troy Kotsur) “Best Adapted Screenplay” (Sian Heder) and “Best Picture.” I found out CODA’s a remake of a French film called, “The Belier Family.”

Halloween Month 2023 is over, now’s the time for my favorite season, “Awards Season.” I got my eye on upcoming movies like “Napoleon,” “Poor Things,” “May December” & “Maestro.” Before the aforementioned movies come out, I wanna share my thoughts on CODA. By the way, a staged musical based on CODA is in development.

This review contains no SPOILERS whatsoever. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article.

Float & Sink

Float: Emilia Jones, (Locke and Key) Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin & Eugenio Derbez all did a decent job for their respective performances.

Emilia studied sign language in order to understand her deaf co-stars’ dialouge.

Sian Heder did a great job directing. She also wrote the script and learned sign language.

Marius de Vries (Romeo and Juliet 1996) orchestrated the soundtrack.

Humor has some Funny Moments that made me chuckle.

The Tone manages to balance between Drama and Comedy carefully.

Cinematography didn’t go through technical problems.

Pacing wasn’t a problem at all.

Ruby’s chemistry with her family and teacher serves as the main highlight. She’s conflicted as a translator to help her family’s fishing business and wants to pursue a career as a singer.

One character did a jab at “Glee.” I think it’s one of the worst TV shows ever made. Shame, Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story” went downhill. I used to be a fan of the show.

A Fart Scene made me laugh.

CODA’s an acronym for “Child of Deaf Adult.” It means a kid’s raised by a deaf parent.

Sink: Sorry folks, this movie didn’t make me cry. Only movies that made me teary-eyed are listed below.

• Boys Don’t Cry
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
• Interstellar
• Logan
• Avengers: Endgame
• No Time to Die
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

I know Ruby and her family speak in sign language, but the way they say “I love you” reminds me of Spider-Man shooting his web.

A school choir sings Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” The song is used in way too many movies. Only time that song worked in those movies.

• Nine Months
• Austin Powers The Spy Who Shagged Me
• High Fidelity
• The Animal

Product Placement featuring brands such as Apple, (obviously) Coca-Cola, RCA, Miller Lite, Coor’s Light, Dell & Jif Peanut Butter.

The Final Verdict: B-

Not a perfect film, I thought CODA was average. No offense, I don’t think CODA deserves Best Picture. In my opinion, “No Time to Die” is my favorite film of 2021 and should’ve been nominated for Best Picture along with “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” If you’re curious to watch this award-winning film, give this one a shot.