The Book of Life - B

Rated PG, 95 minutes
Wes's Grade: B

Lively "The Book of Life" brims with energy, good time

The new animated comedy movie "The Book of Life" is a rollicking good time and one of the most original, well-made family films seen in some time. The movie tells the legend of Manolo (Diego Luna), a conflicted hero and dreamer who sets off on an epic quest through magical, mythical and wondrous worlds in order to rescue his one true love (Zoe Saldana) and defend his village. Directed and written by Mexican animator Jorge Gutierrez in his feature film debut as director, "The Book of Life" is a hilarious, colorful look at some Mexican heritage, and while it initially seems dark on the surface, it's actually a great deal of fun. It's memorably voiced by a talented cast, including Saldana, Luna, Channing Tatum, along with Ron Perlman, Ice Cube, Kate del Castillo, Gabriel Iglesias, Cheech Marin and even the likes of Placido Domingo, whose familiar singing voice is heard as well. Speaking of which, the movie is also filled with some nice covers of pop tunes, including "I Will Wait" and "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" Throw in some bulls, some pigs and a few portly, humming nuns and you're bound to laugh or at least giggle a few times, even though the themes (being yourself, et al) are hardly original, the enjoyable film itself is a bright, original animated entry from Reel FX Creative Studios and 20th Century Fox, who distributed the film. The kids, especially young ones, will particularly enjoy "The Book of Life," though adults will also leave with a big smile on their face. Clean, goofy fun for the entire family, "The Book of Life" is a rollicking, recommended adventure.