The Book of Life (2014)

Year Released: 2014

Type: 3D Computer Generated
Length: 95 minutes
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Production Company: Mexopolis (United States)/Twentieth Century Fox Animation
Director: Jorge R. Gutiérrez
Screenplay: Jorge R. Gutiérrez, Doug Langdale
Music: Gustavo Santaolalla

 

Starring:

 

Diego Luna - Manolo (voice)

Zoe Saldana - Maria (voice)
Channing Tatum - Joaquin (voice)
Ron Perlman - Xibalba (voice)
Christina Applegate - Mary Beth (voice)
Ice Cube - Candle Maker (voice)
Kate del Castillo - La Muerte (voice)

Hector Elizondo - Carlos Sanchez (voice)

Danny Trejo - Skeleton Luis (voice) 

Story: Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears.

Author's Comments:

Essentially this is a Mexican production done in the US. An original concept that in 2017 was made in a similar way by Pixar as Coco (2017). It is a fantastic story based on Mexican religious beliefs, myths and legends. Although Book of Life was nominated for a Golden Globe, it wasn't even nominated for an Oscar and yet Coco won best animated feature three years later. Although it has to be said that 2015 was a tough year at the Oscars with stiff competition in the 'Animated Feature' category from films like Big Hero 6 (2014) and How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014).

Author's Rating: