2014, Reel FX Animation
Animation
Rating: PG
Approx. 96 mins.
THE STORY:
Manolo (Diego Luna) and Joaquin (Channing Tatum) are best friends growing up in a nineteenth-century Mexican town. They are also rivals for the hand of Maria (Zoe Saldana), and their competition only increases as they grow into men. Watching over them are the lord of the underworld, Xibalba (Ron Perlman), and the goddess, La Muerte (Kate del Castillo), who make a bet as to which of the boys will win Maria's hand.
Both boys are following in their family traditions, Manolo as a toreador and Joaquin as a soldier. While Joaquin seems a natural born fighter, Manolo is conflicted in that he has no desire to kill bulls. Instead he just wants to be a troubadour. As Manolo tries to live up to his father's expectations, Joaquin receives the gift of a life-preserving amulet from Xibalba which only confirms him as a great warrior.
Though Maria has feelings for the sensitive Manolo, she feels compelled to marry Jaoquin so they he will stay and protect her village from marauding invaders. Manolo's love for Maria, however, remains undeterred, and he is even tricked by Xibalba into dying in order to save Maria. Justice and love prevail in the end and everyone gets the end they deserve.
Both boys are following in their family traditions, Manolo as a toreador and Joaquin as a soldier. While Joaquin seems a natural born fighter, Manolo is conflicted in that he has no desire to kill bulls. Instead he just wants to be a troubadour. As Manolo tries to live up to his father's expectations, Joaquin receives the gift of a life-preserving amulet from Xibalba which only confirms him as a great warrior.
Though Maria has feelings for the sensitive Manolo, she feels compelled to marry Jaoquin so they he will stay and protect her village from marauding invaders. Manolo's love for Maria, however, remains undeterred, and he is even tricked by Xibalba into dying in order to save Maria. Justice and love prevail in the end and everyone gets the end they deserve.
QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:
- stupid
- shut up
- idiot
VIOLENCE:
- it's all about death and dying, and half of the characters in the film are dead or die during the action
- there are a couple of bull fighting scenes which are intended to end in the bull being killed, but which do not
- a 'bull spirit' fights a toreador and dissolves, which could lead younger/ more sensitive viewers to feel it dies
- fighting, battle scenes
- characters are bitten by a snake and (temporarily) die
TEACHING POINTS:
- can serve as a starting point for discussions about life after death and such
- be true to yourself and your heart
THE UPSHOT:
Another kids' animated film that periodically tries go over the kids' heads to appeal to adults... and that fails to entertain anyone. Visually and thematically it is unique. I like the fact that it introduces a culture not often presented in films for kids, but the theme was just too heavy for the sensitive 6 year-old in the theatre. There were some tears and there was some confusion.
Aside form the potential for anxiety in more delicate kids, the film is just not that good. The story is pretty thin for the length, and the end is predictable from about 3 minutes in. Also, the 3D was a complete waste of the extra money-- no significant effects to speak of.
Aside form the potential for anxiety in more delicate kids, the film is just not that good. The story is pretty thin for the length, and the end is predictable from about 3 minutes in. Also, the 3D was a complete waste of the extra money-- no significant effects to speak of.
2.5/5
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