Review of The Book of Life (2014) by Foxgrove — 02 Nov 2014

'I don't get it' states one un memorable character towards the end of this colourful but hysterical toon. This is a sentiment with which I can wholeheartedly concur. The in cohesive story set in Mexico is unengaging as well as being full of annoying and noisy wooden (literally!) characters. Two main protagonists come over like Glenn Close and John Malkovich in 'Dangerous Liaisons' and spark the occasional flame, but generally this is an unpalatable concoction living in no man's land. Too adult for kids and too boring for adults, I find it hard to believe that it could appeal to anyone.

The frenetic visuals are appropriately served by a score that is also all over the place changing its tone and mood so abruptly that it becomes fragmented and only serves to underline the chaos of the whole sorry mess. Events are also interrupted from time to time by a few less than memorable songs one of which is almost certainly a shoo in for an Oscar nomination.