Click here!

Book of Life, The (U)

Animation, Adventure, Comedy

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.

More information on this production is available at www.facebook.com.

The critical consensus

Gorgeously animated but narratively lifeless.

**(*)(*)(*)siobhan Synnot, The Scotsman, 19/10/2014

The gleefully Gothic fingerprints of Guillermo del Toro are all over this zippy excursion into Mexico's myths and legends, although the gag-count falls quite a lot short of Pixar greatness.

***(*)(*)Olly Richards, Empire Online, 20/10/2014

Not even duff songs can mar The Book Of Life’s rich design, sterling performances and cheering loser-done-good plot. What’s not to love about a film where Ice Cube plays God?

****(*)Andrew Lowry, Total Film, 19/10/2014

This is a highly entertaining, beautifully animated adventure that should prove a hit with both adults and children alike. A treat.

****(*)Matthew Turner, The List, 22/10/2014

Sports gorgeous, marionette-inspired character design – mucho love has gone into the matadors’ bespoke jackets – and a palette so warm you feel yourself developing tanlines around your 3D specs.

***(*)(*)Mike McCahill, The Guardian, 23/10/2014

Filled with mariachi music, matadors, bandits and lost souls, the film's exuberance is infectious if a little exhausting.

***(*)(*)Allan Hunter, Daily Express, 23/10/2014

Its actual storytelling is a little flat. This is an all-too predictable tale about two best friends in love with the same girl.

Geoffrey MacNab, The Independent, 24/10/2014

The result is an over-busy but good-hearted romp bursting with local colour. The vibrant, detailed animation and wooden puppet-esque character design is terrific and there are some comical takes on well known songs.

Henry Fitzherbert, Daily Express, 26/10/2014

Guillermo del Toro’s creative fingerprints are everywhere in this refreshingly sparky and laugh-out-loud funny family film.

****(*)Mark Kermode, The Observer, 26/10/2014

Where and when?

General release. Check local listings for show times.

Comments: 0 (Add)

To post a comment, you need to sign in or register. Forgotten password? Click here.

Find a show


Search the site


Find us on …

Find us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFind us on YouTube

Click here!