Following the classic tale of two boys in love with the same girl, “The Book of Life” adds a colorful twist to the old story. Produced by Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”), the animated movie is certainly one of the most interesting productions this year, and well worth experiencing.

Starring the voices of Diego Luna (Manolo), Zoë Saldana (Maria), and Channing Tatum (Joaquin), the children’s movie provides an entertaining and exciting journey through their love story, all in the animated style of the Mexican celebration of the Día de los Muertos. The absolutely gorgeous animation and musical productions come together wonderfully in the adventure of Manolo and Joaquin’s quest win the heart of their beloved Maria.

Two ancient spirits wager on who will win the hand of Maria, and thus Manolo experiences the adventure of a lifetime.

Perhaps somewhat confusing for younger audiences, the plot is set in three main locations, as the main character Manolo begins in the living world, and travels through the Land of the Remembered and the Land of the Forgotten. Through the different lands audiences experience the beautiful art involved in traditional sugar skull decoration and an interesting animation style in which each character resembles a wooden toy like creation.

Perhaps the only disturbing aspects of the animation were the uncharacteristically gross noses portrayed on the most disliked characters.

Manolo is both a bullfighter and a lover of music, and with these traits audiences are introduced to two fascinating pieces of Mexican culture. Torn between these two passions, the film provides vivid bull fighting scenes, as well as wonderful musical productions.

Particularly wonderful is the recreation of modern songs with a Mariachi style twist. The most notable being a vibrant take on Mumford and Sons’ hit “I Will Wait” and a hysterical rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep.”

The story’s main heroine, Maria, continues the growing, empowering trend of women not easily wooed and not in need of saving. Her sidekick being a lovable pig named Chuy, Maria represents a new breed of animated leading ladies taking charge of their lives and their destinies.

With a host of notably hysterical characters, the movie has a fair number of laugh-out-loud moments, with jokes suitable for both young and old.

The cast includes a number of well-known Latino actors and comedians, including Gabriel Iglesias and Anjelah Johnson, who never fail to amuse.

Full of the serious, the heart-warming, and occasionally the scary, this movie holds its own as one of the best animated features this year. Providing a vibrant animation style, entertaining musical numbers, and lessons on remembering those we’ve lost, “The Book of Life” is certainly worth the time.