As Christians prepare for All Saints’ Day, it might be a good time for us to become acquainted with Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

Before you get too worked up about how pagan-y this all sounds, you need to know that Catholicism is alive and well in Mexico and that the Christian faith comes to the party every year.  It’s best to watch this film as a Mexican folk tale, spiced up with plenty of jokes and musical parodies.

The Book of Life, most of all, is visually dazzling, with bright colors and a sense of humor and 3D effects that sweep you into the three worlds of the story.  It also has a nice message about the importance of remembering those you love and allowing them to continue to live in your heart.