The Book of Life

This review may contain spoilers!

This is such a perfect celebration of Spanish culture, specifically Mexican, and I hope we see more of it to come! I would give The Book of Life a 9/10.

This film creates a plot that is incredibly new and original to watch, such empowerment in all characters as well as incredible celebration in a culture is wonderful to see. The pacing is great and you'll be hooked throughout the story. The animation style is incredible, something that you're not sure about at first but it quickly grows on you and is really quite beautiful to watch. The music is also brilliant, the score and soundtrack working in harmony to create one of the best animated film soundtracks of the year.

Zoe Saldana, who voiced Maria, really spearheaded one of my new favourite animated heroines; she pushed her character to stand out and really became such a strong and inspiring character to watch. Channing Tatum, who voiced Joaquin, really owned his role; his cocky arrogance was a lot of fun to watch and he had some amazing character development. Ron Perlman, who voiced Xibalba, was the stand out antagonist of the film; his sly cunning and gothic character one to remember. Ice Cube, who voiced Candle Maker, brought a lot of fun and energy to the film just when it was needed; his humour and entertaining personality really made him a great character. Kate del Castillo, who voiced La Muerte, was a wonderful role; her allure mixed with bouts or rage and flirtation were incredibly great.

However the best performance came from Diego Luna, who voiced Manolo. A great protagonist who serves as an inspiration for those who wish to follow their passion and their heart. Luna's fun and brave character will have you on the edge of your seat throughout the film. In fact his musical numbers throughout the film are some of the best done in an animated film; in fact I haven't seen a better performance since Idina Menzel in Frozen.

My only critique is the poor narrative delivery of the museum tour, it really took you out of the magic of the film. It also took a lot of tension from the film, you had this sense that everything would wind up alright because it was hinted at constantly at the museum.

Christina Applegate, who voiced Mary Beth, was the main cause of why the museum storyline failed so badly; her tone was patronising and lacked passion for the story she was telling. Hector Elizondo, who voiced Carlos Sanchez, was a very two dimensional character; his role became quite contradictory at times. Carlos Alazraqui, who voiced General Posada, had an exaggerated comedic voice; his role seemed so comic that you failed to take him seriously. Dan Navarro, who voiced Chakal, gave one of the weakest antagonist performances; his character had no depth and just sort of blundered into the final act.