By Juan Escobedo
The Book of Life was visually exciting frame by frame. At first I was confused because of the blurred images, then I looked at the kid next to me with his glasses on and realized it was a 3D movie. Yes, it was my first 3D movie. I couldn’t have asked for a better film to lose my 3D virginity.
Directed by Jorge R Gutierrez, the animated flick was about young love; the after life; animal rights; and a history lesson that will make you want to re-connect with your Mexican roots even if you are not Mexican.
My invitation came across via Lalo Alcaraz, cartoonist for the LA Times and Border Town. After knowing him for the past six years and hearing about his family, he finally introduced me to them at the screening of The Book of Life. The film is a family film with lessons to learn and a chance to open a dialogue to teach your kids about Mexican folklore and culture.
This is a film that seamlessly crosses all races with a cast that include Diego Luna, Zoë Saldaña, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube, Kate del Castillo, Christina Applegate, Ron Perlman, Cheech Marin and so many more. And Guillermo del Toro is one of the film producers.
An animated film that will be an annual must watch during the Halloween and Día de los Muertos season.
Juan Escobedo is a filmmaker and founder of TELA-SOFA
