See it at the Movies

The Book of Life

with Joyce & Don Fowler
Posted 10/24/14

* * * ½

(Colorful, complex Mexican tale of life & death)

“What kind of story is this? We’re just kids,” a little girl asks the storyteller (voice of Christina Applegate) as she leads …

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See it at the Movies

The Book of Life

Posted

* * * ½

(Colorful, complex Mexican tale of life & death)

“What kind of story is this? We’re just kids,” a little girl asks the storyteller (voice of Christina Applegate) as she leads them on a tour of a museum and tells them the tale of the “Book of Life.”

Actually, it is a fascinating tale, based on the Mexican Day of the Dead, when all living souls are asked to remember the deceased, who will live forever in their hearts as long as they are remembered.

That’s pretty heavy stuff for kids, but the movie tells it splendidly, using colorful characters, snappy songs and an interesting story line. Manolo and Joaquin are both in love with Maria, vying for her hand in marriage.

 Manolo comes from a long line of bullfighters, but he would rather sing and play his guitar. Joaquin is the macho one, seeking battle to protect Maria.

There are two lands: The Land of the Remembered, led by La Muerte, and the Land of the Forgotten, led by Xibalba. The two make a bet on who will win Maria’s hand.

The kids probably won’t get the subtle references to life and death, but they seemed to enjoy the battles and celebrations, all in bright colors. The characters are beautifully drawn, many looking like carved caricatures.

Ice Cube is the voice of a god-like character who presides over a wild, crazy, colorful finale to a most enjoyable cartoon feature.

You can see it in 3D if you want to pay the extra money. We found the regular version quite good.

Rated PG, with nothing much to worry about, except possibly some questions on life and death.

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