The central theme in The Book of Life, as in most movies, both animated and acted, is the power of love and its affect on the characters.

Resembling plot lines and characters of many other movies or plays such as Romeo and Juliet and Hercules, The Book of Life lacks creativity and originality. However, it makes up for these aspects through its covers of modern songs such as “Creep” by Radiohead and its childish humor that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The Book of Life begins with a bus of delinquent children going on a field trip to a museum. In the museum, their tour guide, Mary Beth (voice by Christina Apellgate) tells them the story of best friends Manolo (voiced by Diego Luna) and Joaquin (voiced by Channing Tatum) who are both madly in love with the same girl, Maria (voiced by Zoe Saldana). The story begins on The Day of The Dead, which is a Mexican holiday celebrating loved ones who have passed away. Manolo, Joaquin and Maria are playfully teasing one another in the festive setting of the cemetery as they commemorate the lives of their deceased relatives.

Simultaneously, while the two boys are competing for the attention of Maria, the God of the Land of the Forgotten, Xibalba (voiced by Ron Perlman) and the God of the Land of the Remembered, La Muerte (voiced by Kate Del Castillo) make a wager to see who will get the girl. If Joaquin marries Maria, then Xibalba will be able to rule the Land of the Remembered, but if Manolo marries Maria, then Mary Beth would be able to stay in the Land of the Remembered.

Although this movie can be very slow at times and over animated with dizzying details, it is ultimately a very enjoyable film.