REVIEW: THE BOOK OF LIFE

I am a big of Mexican film director Guillermo Del Toro. You might seen some of his films which include Hellboy (2004), Hellboy 2 (2008), and the critically-acclaimed Pan’s Labyrinth (2006). Last year, he brought us the monster-hit Pacific Rim which I really enjoyed. This year he returns to the big screen as a producer for an animated film which he has never done before.

The title of the film is The Book of Life. It is directed by fellow Mexican director Jorge Gutierrez. This feature-length animation features the voices of Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum, Kate del Castillo, Ron Perlman, Christina Applegate, and rapper Ice Cube. The film is co-written by Gutierrez and Doug Langdale with Del Toro serving as one of the producers.

Will Guillermo Del Toro’s first foray into producing animated films be just as good as his other works? Do read on…

L-R: Joaquin, Maria, and Manolo

SYNOPSIS:

Manolo and Joaquin are childhood friends who live in a small village at the center of Mexico. They both share a close bond among themselves and a girl named Maria. As children, they continue to try and outwit each other to win the heart of Maria. One day, the ruler of the Heavens named La Muerta and the ruler of the Underworld named Xilbalba each make a wager to see which of the two boys will win the heart of Maria. The wager between La Muerta and Xilbalba continues from childhood until adulthood. Both Manolo and Joaquin has yet to win Maria’s heart and are still trying to win her affections. However, the evil Xilbalba has some evil tricks up his sleeve to turn the bet to his favour.

Maria (Zoe Saldana), the love interest of Joaquin and Manolo

SCRIPT: 

Fresh and unconventional. It is the usual love triangle story we all see in films where two boys are  vying for the same girl and one will end up heart-broken or successful. The script positively makes the romantic core element of the film a catalyst in propelling the characters into many adventures and self-discovery. The story infuses a lot of Mexican and Spanish culture (as with most Del Toro films) which makes it fresh and educational for younger viewers. Good characterization of the main three characters. There were some heavy dialogue where characters explained plot details which I felt could have been made more lighter. Though the story deals with themes of death and the afterlife, it is suitable for both adults and children.

Manolo wooing Maria

ACTING:

Voice acting performances in animated films is difficult to evaluate. I felt all actors did their job well in providing the voices and gave strength to their respective characters. I like the inclusion of rapper Ice-Cube in a key supporting role of the film.

Manolo confessing his love for Maria

FILMING:

The film’s artistic design is not the conventional kind in which we see in most animated feature films. The characters and their surroundings are drawn in its own unique way. This brings some freshness amidst all the animation designs we are used to seeing. The film is full of multiple colours and at times felt cluttered. However, as the film goes along, we will get used to it. There are a little influences of stop-animation ala Tim Burton films which makes it interesting. I like the use popular songs in the soundtrack which featured songs from Elvis Presley to Radiohead.

The multi-coloured look of the film

PACING:

Good pacing. A little slow at the beginning but builds up great towards the end.

La Muerte (Kate del Castillo) and Xibalba (Ron Perlman)

TONE (MOOD):

As romance lifts and crumbles the human spirit, only perseverance and bravery can triumph against all odds.

Joaquin voiced by Channing Tatum

OVERALL:

I like the film. It could have been better with more sharp dialogue. Children might find the themes of death and the afterlife a little strange. Good fun all-around.

RATING:

7.5 out of 10