Review of CODA (2021) by Bertobellamy — 23 Sep 2021

This is better than what I expected, but still far from what I would call an award-winning film. There's an inspiring story here about family union and breaking the bubble to go see the world — not conforming with what you get —, but it all feels very generic and too happy for my taste. A film about a teenage girl who has to decide if she goes to pursue her dreams or if she stays at home to look for her deaf family ends just the way you'll expect; if you're looking for risks, you'll have to go somewhere else.

Sure, the deaf parents/hearing daughter has plenty of comedic and emotional moments, but none that'll truly connect with you. Acting is good, though — except for Derbez, who's totally in another tone here —; it's the screenplay and its clichés that don't work for me.

The Disney-esque plot is redundant, and sometimes it'll make you feel like you're watching a more grown-up version of 'High School Musical.' If only director Sian Heder explored more of the struggles of deaf people, like those scenes when the father and the brother got themselves in trouble with the authorities, this would've turned a little more interesting. I get it, this film gravitates more towards dramedy, but a more somber tone wouldn't have hurt.

'CODA' is not terrible; actually, is very entertaining, but it all fades away when you stop watching. If you're looking for a more engaging music-themed coming-of-age movie, go see 'Sing Street.