THE BOOK OF LIFE (2014)

If you think incredible animation begins and ends with Pixar, 2014 saw the release of two of the genre's best in some time: The Boxtrolls (check here for review), and the beautiful eye candy that is The Book of Life.  Equally great for adults and kids, the story concerns a young Mexican man, named Manolo, who comes from a long line of bullfighters but only wants to play his guitar and sing.  He's fighting his childhood buddy Joaquin (Channing Tatum) for the hand of the exquisite Maria (Zoe Saldana), and though the three have known each other since childhood it is Manolo who - on the Day of the Dead, no less - has to navigate the challenges of three very different worlds and face his fears, to try and win Maria and save his village.  Though the film touches on heavy subjects like death and family loyalty, it does so in such a lyrical (even humorous) way, imbuing the film with a deeper, more heartfelt meaning than you'd expect.  And that soundtrack!  A feast for the eyes and the heart ... and a lovely film. (rated PG)  A-

THE BOOK OF LIFE trailer