[Movie Review] The Book of Life (3D)

The Book of Life is a 2014 American 3D computer-animated adventure musical comedy film featuring the voices of Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, and Channing Tatum, with supporting roles by Christina Applegate, Ice Cube, Ron Perlman, and Kate del Castillo.

Trailer:

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Synopsis:

THE BOOK OF LIFE is the journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. Rich with a fresh take on pop music favourites, THE BOOK OF LIFE encourages us to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future.

Review:

Just in time for Halloween, the movie is based on the folklores around the Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos), a Mexican holiday observed throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The movie takes a contemporary spin to the stories and characters, infusing pop culture references and songs.

I brought my three year old son, Asher to watch it. Due to the morbid theme, I was on standby to take him out of the theatre if he gets spooked by the movie. Thankfully, he didn’t and enjoyed it very much. I think this is a key success for the movie – by taking a scary theme and making it suitable for viewing by children so as in to draw in the family crowd.

The characters and visuals were stunningly designed and beautifully crafted. Every scene feels like a digital painting, especially in the carnival-like “Land of the Remembered”:

The narrative is well weaved and the songs are catchy. Nothing not to like about the movie. All in all, good wholesome family entertainment for Halloween. The lovebirds will enjoy this too, with its love triumphs over all sub-narrative.

The Book of Life opens in Singapore cinemas from 30 October. Go catch it! 🙂