THE BOOK OF LIFE

As seen in

www.camrosecanadian.com

Love triangles have been the basis of many great works of literature. My personal favorite is still the Archie/Betty/Veronica one. With that premise in mind, Guillermo Del Toro presents The Book of Life.

The movie is set as a tale told by a museum guide named Mary Beth (Christina Applegate) to a group of misfit kids.  We learn about The Book of Life; a book where everyone’s story is told.  And this particular story takes place in San Angel, Mexico during The Day of the Dead; a time where loved ones pay tribute to their fallen ancestors in the most festive way.  We are introduced to rulers of the dead La Muerta (Kate del Castillo) and Xibalba (Ron Perlman).   It’s during the Day of the Dead where they place a few wagers at the expensive of the living.  This is where they spot two young boys – son of the town’s matador, Manolo (Diego Luna) and son of the town’s late war hero, Joaquin (Channing Tatum) – competing for the love of a young girl, Maria (Zoe Saldana). This year’s bet? Which boy will end up with the girl?

After Maria is sent to study in Spain, Manolo and Joaquin never cease their love for her.  They grow up into exactly what their family expects.  Manolo has become San Angel’s premiere bull fighter (even though his passion is for music, but his family refuses to let him pursue that). Joaquin becomes the decorated war hero that is adored by his town and women everywhere.  Years later when Maria comes back, they must show her again who deserves the hand of this lovely senorita.

There are some very fun supporting characters along the way, from the “Three Amigos” musicians (listen for Cheech Marin), to beloved Candlestick maker (Ice Cube).  It tells us to respect where we came from while still following your passion, not your family’s footsteps.

This flick had a very unique and creative style of animation, the vocal talents were great and some outstanding Mexican renditions of popular songs like “I will wait for you” (Mumford & Sons), “Creep” (Radiohead), and “I can’t help falling in love with you” (Elvis Prestley).  However, like the songs, the movie is full of pre-existing storylines and scenarios that you’ve heard a million times over, bringing absolutely nothing new (but dazzling animation) to the table except maybe a better understanding of Mexican culture.  Its many morbid undertones will most likely not be caught be the kiddies but the adults will raise the odd eyebrow throughout.  All in all, one of the most educational yet incredibly fun kid’s films ever.