January 9, 2007

• Movies I've seen recently...

  
  Pan's Labyrinth  (el Laberinto del Fauno) (2006)  A-

  A somewhat unconventional fairy tale is what "Pan's Labyrinth" is, and it's all thanks to the magnificent direction and writing by Guillermo del Toro. I was actually surprised that the fantasy aspect of the movie is only half of the story, as the other half is a realistic war time story that actually turned out even more interesting to me. Ivana Baquero wonderfully plays the young girl; Ofelia, who is put to do three magical tasks by the Pan from the labyrinth. On the other side, we also have Sergi López who plays one of the best villains I've recently witnessed as Ofelia's step-father and as Capitan Vidal; who is in charge of defeating the guerilla forces. Keep in mind that this movie is not for children, but is directed towards mature audiences. The fantasy aspect can be pretty horrific for kids, and the war time scenes don't shy away from graphical violence. This isn't your typical fairy tale, but it is definitely a very beautiful and engaging movie.

  
  Children of Men  (2006)  A-

  Director Alfonso Cuarón has given us a movie classic in "Children Of Men." I couldn't help but be immersed in the look of the film's future world, with it's merging of hi-tech gadgets mixed in a dire reality where bombs could go off at any moment, the upper class and lower class more separate than ever, suicide pills handed out by the government, and the main dillema of the story which is that women are unable to give birth anymore. The movie also has some very memorable scenes that won't be leaving my memory anytime soon. Clive Owen does a great job as somebody who has pretty much given up on life, but has been put in a situation where he has to save the future of humankind. "Children of Men" covers a lot of themes about humanity, politics, philosophy, to immigration issues, and it all comes together really well. There were some minor flaws at some points, but the story moves along at a very good pace, and will keep you captivated with how the story will conclude. 

  
  Miami Vice  (2006)  C

  What happened with Michael Mann's "Miami Vice?" It's like they threw the plot together and just hoped things would work out by the end. Plot holes and incredulous story elements as well as what is an unecessary romantic back story between Colin Farrell and Gong Li, ruined what could have been a pretty good movie about police undercover work (just watch Martin Scorsese's "The Departed."). Jamie Foxx also seemed like he was just there because he has to be there, because it sure wasn't a memorable role. Has some entertainment value, but disappointing to say the least.

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