Saying more about the actual story would be unfair, as there are a couple reveals that prove to be quite interesting thematically and from a visual standpoint, but I will note how caught up I was in the story surrounding the three key characters.

Instead, a mostly Hispanic/Latino voice cast is paired with a neat story that is a romantic comedy at its core, but also blends in some swashbuckling and the supernatural for good measure.

I have often been rubbed the wrong way by the more recent trend of animated films to rely on pop culture as a source of humor, mostly because of how time specific those jokes tend to be, which does not bode well for the future, but The Book of Life works in some clever riffs, without relying on it too much get laughs. We see all the characters portrayed as wooden figures, which is certainly unusual, but unique in a way that is only a pre-cursor to the visual wonder that comes later. This is a film that looks decidedly different from standard animated fair, but has so much imagination on display, matched with a sense of humor that does not let up. I was pleased the most by The Book of Life’s charm. This leads to the journey between worlds and all the excitement that comes with it. An outside wager by two spirits leads to interesting turns in an attempt to see who Maria will end up marrying. Upon growing up, we have Diego Luna as Manolo, a lover who is still dealing with his position as the next great bull fighter in his family Zoe Saldana as Maria, the daughter of the town general, who is her own independent woman and Channing Tatum as Joaquin, the strong soldier who also hopes to win Maria’s heart. The narrative is driven by a love triangle consisting of three childhood friends. It is a bit odd to point that last part out, given that the film celebrates the Day of the Dead, but then again, there is a lot of odd charm in this film that may be overstuffed with ideas, but is so lighthearted and fun, it is easy to look over some minor flaws, when it comes down to supporting a nice little animated film such as this.Ĭandle Maker: Today was a good day…of the dead.Īfter some initial setup, basically establishing the main story as one being read out of a book, we enter the world of this film, which is set in 1920s Mexico. Director Jorge Guiterrez and his team, including producer Guillermo del Toro, have created a stylish, animated, adventure-romance, which is full of life. If things go the way they should, The Book of Life is in a nice position to become the film that represents Dia de los Muertos for kids, let alone brings it further into mainstream prominence. The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a widely loved kids film, when it comes to celebrating Halloween.

The book of life movie