The Book of Life
2014, Reel FX Studios
I've lost count how many times I've watched this sadly underrated gem. That it's a musical to boot is even more remarkable, as I don't much care for musicals. Everything about Book is as good as it gets: an engaging story with some nice twists, unique and vivid characters, delightfully creative eye-popping animation, terrific voice cast, wonderful score, and arguably the most original visual design of any CGI production I can recall. I'm hard-pressed to find a single flaw in this deliriously enjoyable film. As a bonus, there's been solid talk of a sequel. Also note very strong similarities to Pixar's Coco, released three years later—right down to the boy with a guitar and his grandma in a wheelchair, during a celebration of the Day of the Dead. One big difference? Disney's grandma is there to jerk tears; Book's is there to draw laughs.
DKS 12/17/17
GRUMPY OLD FART-O-METER® Rating:
