Pan's Labyrinth

I was hesitant to watch this movie when it first came out. It wasn’t my usual avoidance to subtitles, but my general disdain for fantasy. For some reason, I’ve never been able to get into worlds filled with trolls, fairies and other assorted magical creatures. So, even though everyone raved about the film, I passed it up. Then Matt put it on our list for movies to review and I put it at the top of my Netflix queue. Man, I hate to admit this, but Matt was so right to choose it.

In Pan’s Labyrinth we meet a charming young girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) and her mother, Carmen (Ariadna Gil). They are on their way to join Carmen’s new husband, Captain Vidal (Sergi Lopez). Carmen is pregnant and the pregnancy isn’t going well. The doctor had urged her not to travel, but her new husband is a tyrant and he wanted her to join him. Ofelia feels no love toward her cruel stepfather so she retreats into a world of books.

Upon arrival, we learn the extent of Vidal’s cruelties. The movie takes place in 1940’s Spain under the rule of fascism and there are rebel forces hiding in the mountains around Vidal’s home. It is his mission to eradicate every rebel. Vidal’s head servant, Mercedes (Maribel Verdu) is secretly aiding the rebels and she lives in constant fear of being discovered.

Mercedes has a soft spot for Ofeslia so she takes the young girl under her wing to protect her from her stepfather. Ofelia delves further into her fantasy world as her mother’s health deteriorates. She discovers Pan, who tells her she is the second coming of an immortal princess. If she passes several tests, she will be united with her father, the King. Ofelia embarks on these adventures in the hopes of leaving her dismal life with Captain Vidal behind.

When Carmen dies in childbirth, things get harder for Ofelia and she longs to finish her remaining quests and escape her circumstances. In the end Ofelia finds her father the King and the rebels prevail over the evil Captain Vidal. But there are steep prices to pay for these victories. This movie illustrates the extent of a child’s imagination and her determination to escape the evils of the world.

I give Pan’s Labyrinth the full five stars. This movie was excellent from start to finish. The acting was extraordinary, the cinematography was divine and the story was exquisitely written. This movie broke my heart, but it really made me FEEL and that’s always worth the heartbreak. I highly recommend Pan’s Labyrinth.

Michelle D. Kieffaber

Pan's Labyrinth

Pan’s Labyrinth

Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Torro pulls out all the stops in this allegorical tale of good versus evil.  Enlisting the aid of Doug Jones, Sergi Lopez, Ivana Baquero, and Maribel Verdu; Del Torro breathes life into this captivating and inspiring foreign fairytale.  In doing so, he creates a film that can only be described as Alice in Wonderland meets Valkyrie.

The film begins in earnest as mother and daughter are in route to their new home.  Carmen (Ariadna Gil) tries to convince her headstrong daughter, Ofelia (Baquero), that the new man in their lives will keep them safe during this time of civil unrest.  She requests that Ofelia calls him father; however, Ofelia refuses to obey her mother’s petition.

They soon arrive and are greeted by Ofelia’s new stepfather, Captain Vidal (Lopez), and a host of his underlings.  As greetings are exchanged, Ofelia acknowledges the familiar stranger via his rank in the military and not as the head of her family.  Vidal recognizes the intentional distinction and becomes incensed by the little interloper, which undoubtedly will not secure her wellbeing during this time of war.

As the film progresses, Vidal attempts to rid the surrounding area of rebels that are proving to be more than just a little elusive.  In addition, his wife, Carmen, becomes extremely ill due to her pregnancy and must be placed on bed rest until she is ready to deliver the baby.  Ofelia is forced to stay away from her mother during this time, per the Captain’s orders.  So, she begins to explore her surroundings and discovers some new friends, both human and mythical.

Upon a cursory search of the grounds, Ofelia discovers an old maze, which is described as a labyrinth by her new best friend Mercedes (Verdu).  She watches over Ofelia, but can’t help feeling that the child is in danger as long as her mother remains with the evil Captain.  In the process of dealing with her grief over her mother and in opposition to Mercedes instructions, Ofelia ventures into the labyrinth and discovers an underground world, which is guarded by an ancient faun named Pan (Jones).

The faun describes in detail how Ofelia is the reincarnated princess of this underworld.  He indicates that she must complete three tasks in order to reunite with her true father and reclaim her royal status.  Ofelia begins her double life attempting to care for her ailing mother, while secretly trying to complete each task successfully.

Just as Ofelia believes her mother is going to recover, she goes into labor and delivers a healthy baby boy.  However, during child birth, Ofelia’s mother passes away leaving only Mercedes and the faun to turn to in her time of need.  After Mercedes failed attempt at escaping with the child, Ofelia turns to Pan for direction.  Does he guide her down the correct path?  Does she complete her tasks or will she forever be a slave to a tyrannical stepfather?  I won’t ruin the ending for you, but you will need to watch the movie to uncover the mystery.

Even though this film had subtitles, I still found myself drawn into the story.  The acting was on a different level, the cinematography was breathtaking, and the musical score only solidified the greatness of this film.  I was always waiting to see what happened next and was surprised several different times as Del Torro managed to place a labyrinth of twists and turns into this film, which will keep you guessing right up until the end.  I give Pan’s Labyrinth 4.5 stars.  If you are interested in watching a war time movie with a bit of a twist, I would highly recommend winding your way through this one.

That’s How Matt Sees It!

Sorry, Wrong Number

Sorry, Wrong Number

So, this is not my normal movie selection; however, I have to thank Mitzi for this review request. I most likely would never have stumbled across this lost treasure, if it had not been brought to my attention. Everyone should dial this movie up at least once, I don’t think you will regret it!

This Anatole Litvak directed piece stars Barbara Stanwick and Burt Lancaster. These two superstars are called upon to carry the film with acting prowess seldom seen in feature films of today. In addition, the film is entirely in black and white, which seems to add to the creepiness of the picture.

The film begins with Leona (Stanwick) in bed and trying to contact her husband, Henry (Lancaster), who some how seems to be eerily missing. She is frantically attempting to contact her husband because he was supposed to arrive home before her nurse left for the day. As time continues to pass, Leona begins to make a series of phone calls in order to track down her long lost mate. In the process, she is accidentally connected to a call where she overhears two men planning the murder of an unknown woman.

As she hangs up on the call, Leona begins her whirlwind attempt to track down the phone call and find her husband in the process. She has multiple flashbacks, which gives us a deeper understanding of her and the relationship with Henry. The two are as different as oil and water, yet they attempt to mix and hope for the best.

He comes from humble beginnings and she is a daughter of privilege. The two marry and Henry accepts a position in her father’s company. They move into dear old dad’s home and all is well. Uhm, not really…how many of you have moved in with the In-laws and all went well? That’s what I thought! Immediately, the resentment began to grow as Henry starts to feel that he is a kept man unable to provide for his wife or even himself. He wants to be a free spirit and strike out on his own only to have his wife nix the idea each and every time.

Not only is Leona a self-centered spoiled brat, but she is the ultimate daddy’s girl. Whatever Leona wants, Leona will get! The problem is that Leona continues to fight an illness, which leads to yet more issues for our bedridden hypochondriac. She becomes completely dependent on others for help.

The film continues with Leona making more calls as she slowly pieces together the disturbing phone call and her husbands recent disappearance. She begins to think that the unknown woman may be her. Could she be right or does she just have an overactive imagination, which perhaps may explain her illness as well? You will have to watch the film to find out! But, I believe you will be pleasantly surprised by the ending…I was!

This film was wonderfully produced, filmed, acted and written. I give Sorry, Wrong Number 4.5 stars. The actors were outstanding and Stanwick gives an amazing performance. The film has a creepy factor, which is enhanced with both the music and cinematography. The use of shadow and music is unbelievable and allows our imaginations to run wild. If you haven’t had a chance to see this film, I would recommend it highly even if you are not a fan of black and white pictures. Sorry, Wrong Number is right on target!

That’s How Matt Sees It!

Sorry, Wrong Number

When I was younger I thought I didn’t like old movies. They just never seemed to appeal to me. But as I grow older, I have learned to appreciate older movies. The acting that once seemed wooden to me is now a study of another time and place. I’m always pleased to find an old black and white gem and Sorry, Wrong Number definitely qualifies as a gem.

In this movie we find Leona (Barbara Stanwyck) confined to her bed. She let her nurse have the evening off because her husband, Henry (Burt Lancaster) swore he would be home to care for her. Unfortunately, Henry did not come home and Leona is in need of assistance. She tries to call Henry and ends up overhearing a murder plot on the phone. Naturally, Leona is frightened by what she hears and calls the police. The police have no time to deal with her, so she uses the phone to follow clues about her husband and the murder plot.

As Leona digs deeper into the mysterious call, she discovers that a plot to murder a stranger, may actually be a plot to murder her. We learn in flashbacks that all is not well between Henry and Leona. Henry was dirt poor when he caught the eye of Leona, daughter of a wealthy businessman. Leona’s father gave Henry a job in the family business and the happy couple moved into Daddy’s mansion.

The confines of the marriage began to chafe Henry. He finds his wife annoying and comes to hate working for his father-in-law. He dreams of striking out on his own, but knows his wife will never support it. Does Henry decide to kill his wife? Is he having an affair with his old flame? Is Leona really an invalid? I would never ruin the suspense by telling you.

Sorry, Wrong Number earns four stars. The story is very well written and keeps you guessing until the very end. Barbara Stanwyck is riveting in this role and keeps you at the edge of your seat while she works to unravel the mysterious phone call. Sorry, Wrong Number may not be for everyone, but if you enjoy old movies, you are sure to be drawn into this movie.

Michelle D. Kieffaber

What Dreams May Come

OMG, I was stuck in chick-flick hell for almost two hours watching this movie. I was excited to see the movie at first because it had Robin Williams and I love him, but once the movie cranked up, I was just in pain. I am not a girly girl and never respond well to movies designed to tug at my heart-strings.

In What Dreams May Come, we are introduced to Christy (Robin Williams) and Annie (Annabella Sciorra). They meet while vacationing abroad and fall madly, completely, immediately in love. It surprises no one when they marry and have a family. This family is perfect; he’s a doctor, she’s an artist, they have the older son, the younger daughter, an awesome house, etc. Then one day perfection is shattered when the children die in a car crash.

Christy stoically learns to live with the loss and move on, but Annie is fragile and needs to be handled carefully. She struggles with the issue and is admitted to a mental hospital. Christy loves her, but needs her t move on. Miraculously, she pulls herself together and they continue their marriage.

On the anniversary of the day they decide to stay together, Christy witnesses a car crash and rushes to help. While standing near the wreckage, another car careens out of control and hits Christy. He dies. He lingers on earth, trying to make contact with his beloved, Annie, then decides to move on. When he decides to love on, he wakes in the midst of one of Annie’s paintings.

Once in the painting he discovers a guide who helps him learn to navigate his way around heaven. He is obsessed with Annie and longs to find his children. His guide (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) tells him it will all come in time. Once he is finally feeling comfortable in heaven, he learns that Annie has killed herself and that suicides go directly to hell … and stay there.

Christy cannot accept that he will be forever separated from Annie so he trots off to hell to get her back. I know we ladies say we want a man who will go to hell and back, but the symbolism here really beats you over the head. Is Christy able to save Annie? Are they both reunited with the children? Watch and find out (why should I be the only one to suffer).

I give What Dreams May Come two stars. The acting is good and the scenery is remarkable, but the story is so sappy and predictable that it made my head hurt. If you love chick flicks (and I know many of you do) then I’m sure you will feel differently about this movie, but if you are a hard-hearted chick like me, you may want to pass on What Dreams May Come.

Michelle D. Kieffaber

What Dreams May Come

What Dreams May Come

This Vincent Ward directed film has a star studded cast featuring:  Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr, and Annabella Sciorra.  The film won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, which is certainly well deserved.  Ward takes his best artistic swipe at portraying heaven in this somewhat captivating movie.

The film begins with Chris (Williams) and Annie (Sciorra) meeting each other.  As is the case in film, we are jettisoned forward into time as we come to rest just before a major tragedy, which involves the couple’s two children.  The early demise of her kids sends Annie into an emotional tailspin, which Chris aides in pulling her through or so it would seem.

As Chris and Annie deal with the loss of their children, we are once again tossed into the future where we discover the love and compassion that Chris continues to shower on his emotionally fragile wife.  The two are soul mates and destined to spend the rest of their lives together, which happens to be cut short with yet another untimely car accident that claims Chris’ life.

Chris is transported to heaven after coming to the realization that he is actually deceased.  He is escorted into the afterlife by a mentoring angel named Albert (Gooding Jr.).  Chris wakes up in his own version of heaven, which is heavily influenced by paint.  According to Albert, the reason for the paint is because Chris finds it to be a comfort, which represents his wife’s passion in life.  Chris explores heaven and soon realizes that he may be able to meet up with his children who had preceded him in death.

As would be expected, Annie does not do well with Chris’ early demise and decides to end her life as well.  Chris is alerted to the tragedy and becomes overjoyed as he presumes she will be joining him shortly in heaven.  Unfortunately, Albert indicates that people who commit suicide do not join the others in paradise.  He states that they are forever trapped between worlds for the rest of eternity.  Irate with that explanation, Chris decides to search out and find his true love.  His journey is interesting and filled with self-discovery.  He eventually finds his kids and his wife, but will he be able to reunite them for eternity?

This movie was exquisitely filmed and the special effects were absolutely outstanding.  The theology behind the movie was weak; however, they were pandering to the viewing audience not the theologians preaching the Sunday morning service.  Overall, I enjoyed the movie and gave it 4 stars.  There are several very emotional parts to the film, so don’t forget to grab the tissue box.  What Dreams May Come was a pleasant surprise!

That’s How Matt Sees It!

The Book of Eli

The Book of Eli

The Hughes brothers attempt to bring a different edge to a post-apocalyptic America.  In doing so, they are going to have to rely heavily on their all-star cast:  Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, Gary Oldman, and Jennifer Beals.  The idea is captivating, but can they pull it all together to make the movie work?

The film begins with Eli (Washington) traversing the arid countryside.  We come to quickly realize that he is no ordinary man.  His fighting skills are quickly called into action as he is ambushed by an unsavory group.  He dispatches of them in no time and does so in a most gruesome way.

He continues on his journey and ends up in a town that is run by Carnege (Oldman).  Carnege runs the town with an iron fist and no one dares to challenge his power or authority without the fear of reprisal.  The two will eventually become enemies over the book that Eli treasures above all else. 

The book is The Bible, which Carnege desires more than anything.  He believes that simply possessing the book will draw followers to him.  He is so immersed in the concept of the book that he will go to any length to get it.  He sends Claudia’s (Beals) daughter, Solara (Kunis), to Eli to try and seduce and earn his trust.  As fate would have it, the two become friends and eventually find themselves on the run with Carnege giving chase.

Does Carnege get the book or does Eli deliver it safely to its destination?  The answer is both, but you’ll have to see the end of the movie to find out how that is possible.  The question is, “Do you want to spend your time watching this movie?”

This film did not impress me much other than the occasional fight scene that seemed too scattered throughout the film.  This film gets 2.5 stars.  The cinematography was very good, the acting ok, but the writing wondered all over the place.  The pace of the movie never seemed to find a groove and felt disjointed.  The other issue I had was with all the whispering…what the heck…talk up so we can hear the dialogue.  Overall, I really didn’t care for the film and probably wouldn’t recommend it.  The Book of Eli should probably remain on the shelf!

That’s How Matt Sees It!