Pan's Labyrinth

Review coming soon...!!!!!

"Babel"

“Babel”
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael Garcia Bernal, Rinko Kikuchi, Koji Yajusho
4 stars out of 4



2006 has been met with a great wave of welcomes from a trio of talented Mexican directors, all three of there have films have swept nationwide critics emotionally, as the 3 films rank in top 10 lists of 2006 on most people’s mind.

One of those films is “Babel”, which is a multi-cultural examination of 4 different stories in 4 different countries; all bind together from one sole event. Directed with precise detail, and on an epic global scale, “Babel” has a lot to say about itself, but more importantly, about the world. Many people have called it another “Crash”, it’s not only a different film then “Crash”, but it is harder to examine, and harder to watch. I say harder to watch only because of the pain, and the difficult situations that the characters go through in the film. “Babel” tells of 4 stories, one involving Pitt’s character Richard, and his wife Susan on vacation in Morocco. They are struggling to communicate much these days, as they both mourn the loss of a child. When on a tour bus, Blanchett is struck by a bullet that hits her in the neck; Richard stops the bus and immediately is asking where medical attention can be arranged for her wound. They find a small village, and in that village is where there part of the story is told.

The bullet came from 2 children playing the hills, while they were supposed to be shooting jackals that attacked there sheep. The boys are young and aren’t sure what the consequences will bring. The gun was sold to there father, who is unknowing that his kids have shot an American tourist. Immediately it’s thought of as a terrorist attack by the tourists, and the U.S. embassy, who Richard reaches during the movie.

Next we have Richards kids at home in San Diego, where they are watched over by Amelia, there longtime Mexican nanny. Amelia has plans to get to Mexico for one day to be present at her son’s wedding. Not only can she look for a sitter for the kids, but her alcoholic nephew is going to drive her and the kids into Mexico for this event. The nephew played well by Gael Garcia Bernal.

Then in my opinion the most effective storyline, which some critics felt should have been left out of the story. In Japan we have a deaf mute teenager dealing with her mother’s death, her father has neglected her. She is at the age of sexual tension among her peers and friends. The girl named Chieko, played exquisitely by the young actress Rinko Kikuchi, wants badly to experience sex, and maybe gain someone who cares for her in that process. She presents herself sexually to any guy around her, but they turn her away because she is deaf-mute, or because she presents herself in desperate, inappropriate ways. This storyline was shot the best, a lot of colors, and music.

I do not want to give to much away about the storylines, only to say that the Japan segment obviously does connect with the other 3, but it plays itself out with Chieko so much, that we feel like were watching a different film when her story is on screen. This isn’t true, if you watch closely, you can obviously feel and pick up on her story playing into a larger global scale problem, which if course does tie in with the other 3 segments.

In this film, what can do wrong, usually will go wrong. Some critics say the film is simply not plausible, I tend to disagree, unlike “Crash”, there are less coincidences and characters to make this that kind of film. Although there are 4 stories they are weaved together brilliantly, to make all seem real. If you are familiar with the director of “Babel”, that man being Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, then you know his films aren’t upbeat and full of hope. His films tell of pain, loss, internal suffering and struggle. I have heard of some people saying this film says that America, or people in general aren’t good people. Not true, Gonzalez is simply telling a story in which several people are involved, but they never are on the screen together. The film is endlessly brilliant, dense, and telling of what the world has become. Communication sometimes is less important to people, which causes struggler and confrontation. That is one of the film’s central themes, along with many other ones.

I have only seen the movie once, but I cannot wait to purchase it, or maybe see it again if it’s re-released just before Oscar time. I know few people who would appreciate the film, simply because it’s in 6 different languages, shot in exotic and foreign locations, and that turns the average movie fan off.

“Babel” certainly isn’t for all, and that’s alright, it’s extremely hard to watch, because of the struggling and isolation of the characters, we sometimes don’t agree with there choices, but we feel there pain when they’re expectations aren’t meant. Gonzalez’ films always deal with themes, weather love, loss, and tragedy, whatever it may be. “Babel” mainly deals with the relationships between parents and there children, the way we look to shield, and protect them. The film is always brilliant, and always asking to listen.

top 10 of 2006

10.

"Borat"

Sasha Baron Cohen has used his mockumentary film as a springboard for one of the funniest films I have ever witnessed. The movie although not quite serious, presents a drastic statement about America. Cohen is all but shy about exploting our culture in this extremely halarious film.(1 Viewing)

9.

"Half Nelson"

For God sakes I had to catch this small indie in Chicago of all places, glad that expierience took place. Ryan Gosling shines in his role of a History teacher, who is also a drug abuser. Gosling transforms his actions and movements into Dan Dunne, a character who dares us to like him, but begs us to feel sorry for him. Although Gosling is superb, the film is also shared by another brilliant performance, by youngster Shareeka Epps, who knows of Dunne's actions, but remains quite fond of him, as his student. A subtle relationship is shared, the film proves a strong script and solid acting can turn an indie into gold. (1 Viewing)

8.

"Blood Diamond"

Edward Zwick is a master craftsman when dealing with epics that have political messages. He creates another one of those here with this violent and moving take on conflict(blood) diamonds in the Sierra Leone' in the early 90's. Leonardo DiCaprio plays smuggler and schemer Danny Archer in a cunning performance. Djimon Hounsou is startling as a raging father searching for his stolent son, who has been transformed by the ruling gangs of Leone to kill at will. Also starring the lovely Jennifer Connelly, as a relentless reporter. Although "Blood Diamond" mixes violence and political messages all to often, it doesn't shy away from what it wants to say, which makes it brave, good acting helps also. (1 Viewing)

7.

"Apocalypto"

Mel Gibson is a great director period! This film from start to finish was made with precise and extreme precision. Gibson more than anyone, can build a culture on screen and fill it with his own little subtleties and truths. The films works well as a culture under the microscope, and also as a violent and blood soaked chase film, that is consistently shot well. With unknown actors, and spoken all in Mayan with subtitles Gibson creates a hidden world, that comes to an end in front of our eyes. (1 Viewing)

6.

"The Prestige"

Let's just say this movie mind fucked me for 2 hours. Christopher Nolan who is known for "Memento", and "Batman Begins" made this film for sheer entertainment values. It's extremely trippy with good performances from Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, and Michael Caine, also look for David Bowie in a small but important role. The movie takes places in the turn of the century, Bale and Jackman are rival magicians trying to make a name for one another, all the while trying to attack each other's acts due to a personal tragedy one of the men went through in the past. The film asks us to "watch closely" throughout, all of the entertainment takes your eyes off of the real trick at the end that blew my mind. (2 Viewings)

5.

"Children of Men"

Wow, I dont know where to start discussing this one, a completely ambitious and noteworthy film. Alfonso Cuaron, a visionary with a passion for being behind the camera. He directs Clive Owen in this futristic cautionary tale set in London. Infertility has taken full effect on the world, while Britain mourns over the loss of the youngest human being of 18 years, Clive Owen is sent on a mission. He must transport a pregnant black woman named Kee (key to the future) to the "Human Project" a so called group of scientists working towards bettering our society and discovering why infertility has taken place. Julianne Moore places Julian, her group of "fishes" rebels, or freedom fighters, summon Theo (Owen) for this task. He must travel through war ridden territories to get Kee to safety. The film is dark and bleak as it is brave and powerful. Clive Owen is a man who has expierienced pain and wants to help Kee badly. Also strong performances by Michael Caine as Jasper, the pot smoking comic relief of this dark drama, who in my eyes should be nominated for supporting actor. The film is extremely brilliant in it's vision of the future, also showing a dark side of humanity, as refugees are held captive in cages, ala Holocaust. "Children of Men" is an essential viewing for any film fan. (3 Viewings)

4.

"United 93" -"World Trade Center"

Both films are equally powerful in telling there own seperate stories about the most horrific day the US has ever dealt with. Paul Greengrass (93) and Oliver Stone (WTC) use there movies as storytelling, not political messages that hint agendas as us. They supply there answers through what the characters know in these 2 films. "United 93" is the story of the doomed passengers on that lonely flight who fough back in the face of adversity. "World Trade Center" focuses on two Port Authority cops who were buried under the endless rubble of the first tower that fell that day, and there journey towards survival. Both films rang true to me in light of there emotional and power and force, although many thought these films were rushed to make profits, both hold there own. Weighing in on this subject must have been rough to face, but these directors bring there talents onboard, not only to tell important stories of courage and hope, but to ultimately shed light on these events. "United 93" (2 Viewings) "WTC" (1 Viewing)

3.

"Little Children"

The most under-viewed film of 2006, telling adult tales of immaturity, and childness. Todd Field is brilliant in dealing with films all about dialogue and acting. This is one of those films, after reading the book in 2 days, I couldn't wait for the film. I had to watch it on the internet, which proves a theatre viewing could make it even more effective. Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson play 2 stay at home parents that attract to one another. There spouses are too busy to realize there boredom with life. Winslet's Sarah and Wilson's Brad crave excitement and lust. They are the little children, even though the film is filled with really young kids being used as excuses to see one another. Great performances turn this movie about a long summer in suburbia into a funny, moving, and truthful examination about married life, sex offenders, and adult angst, to recapture a past that flew by in a second. Jackie Earle Haley plays Ronald McCorvey, the local sex offender who now lives with him mom. We feel bad for him as he is dangerous as he is innocent in a way. We never know what his next move will be. The acting in this is extraordinary, it moves the story along with ease, when nothing much at some points is happening. Jennifer Connelly also is good in a supporting role, as is Noah Emmerich who badgers McCorvey the whole film. Todd Field who has done "In the Bedroom" knows how to make us care for these foolish characters in this tale of regret, envy, and suburbia boredom.

( 1 Viewing)

2.

"Babel"

"Babel" is an international , multi-cultural puzzle of a movie that is devastating to watch, as it is to think about, and would even be worse to expierience. This was my most anticipated film before it came out, I saw it and immediately didn't fall in love with it, I admit, it's not easy to watch and take in. We follow 4 stories of parents and there children in Morocco, Tunisia, Mexico, and Japan. Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett plays a struggling married couple on vacation. We see 2 young children who are supposed to be protecting there fathers flock, but instead are toying around with his gun, when testing the gun, they shoot Pitt and Blanchett's bus, hitting Blanchett in the shoulder. All of this along with the couples children and there nanny's journey in the desert, along with a deaf-mute female in Japan's story of isolation all tie together to wield a powerful story of chance, coincidence, and tragedy. This sounds like "Crash" but I can assure you, it posesses it's own original feel. The films has it's messages about tragedy, and pain. This is the final film in the trilogy of director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and screenwriter Guilermo Arriaga who also made "Amores Perros" and "21 Grams." I MUST see this a few more times to fully digest it's themes and mesages. I admire it's bravery in stortelling and realistic situations. The score is also brilliant, as is the last scene which haunted me afterwards. Rinko Kikuchi is brillant as the deaf-mute teenager! (1 Viewing)

1.

"The Departed"

My #1 film of 2006 is "The Departed" the violent saga involving cops and criminals was powerful, funny, violent, entertaining, and mind-blowing. This could be the year Martin Scorsese gets his Oscar. This all star cast includes Jack Nicholson, Leonardo Dicaprio, Matt Damon, Martin Sheen, Mark Whalberg, Alec Baldwin, Anthony Anderson, and Vera Farminga. To tell anything more would be spoiling the film, I will only say that Scorsese is consistenly brilliant in his portrayals of mobsters and there own little sick worlds. Acting is great, dialogue is clever and vicious. The violence is overwhelming, and the climax was totally suprising. An all around gem! (2 Viewings)

Honorable Mention

Inside Man

Little Miss Sunshine

The Descent

The Pursuit of Happyness

Have not seen

Pan's Labryinth

Notes on a Scandal

Dreamgirls

Letters from Iwo Jima

Flags of our Fathers

The Good Shepherd

The Last King of Scotland

(top 10 subject to change, after this viewings)

Dazzles beyond definition.

“Children of Men”
Starring: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Chiwetel Ejiorfor
4 stars out of 4


The year is 2027, London is war torn, illegal immigrants are being locked up, and killed. Babies haven’t been born in 18 years, the youngest human Diego Ricardo has just died, he was 18 years old. Alfonso Cuaron has a crafted a thinking man’s sci-fi film, with rare acting, and a successful storyline. Cuaron is a visionary as any director these days, having crafted “Y Tu Mama Tambien,” and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” Curaron digs much deeper with this lucrative material.

The film above all is a devastating cautionary tale, filled with sadness, grief, and regret. Clive Owen plays Theo Farron, a British bureaucrat, who is a heavy drinker. Much of his grief stems from the loss of his son years back; he is separated from his ex-wife Julian, who plays a large role in freedom fighting, along with other followers. Julian and her group believe in “The Human Project”, a society who seems to have the answer for fertility. Theo has few friends, one being Jasper played by Caine, who smokes pot, and cracks jokes, while taking care of his ill wife in his hidden home in the woods. Jasper and Theo are two men are who have lost something, and can find solace in there friendship.

Theo is kidnapped by Julian and her group, as they explain they need transportation papers for a girl named Kee, Theo needs the money, and is intrigued by this favor asked by his ex-wife. Kee is black, and very pregnant, Julian has told her only to trust Theo, as he must escort her himself, as the group protecting her has other plans. It is Theo, Kee and Miriam, who must travel through war torn and ravaged London, in this bleak and dark drama. So much is always at risk, as the 3 try to reach the Human Project. Cuaron uses tricky and devastatingly real camera work to display chaos, and war throughout the film. There is a scene that doesn’t cut for around 9 minutes that is amazingly shot and told.

Don’t be fooled, this film is graphic, real, and soaked in dark tones, along with a future setting that resembles hell. This film transports you to the inevitable situations these characters go through, in hopes of a bright future for mankind. Theo and Kee connect as they can help each other, Theo has lost all hope in life, and Kee can give him that. Kee doesn’t who to trust, and knows her trusts lie in Theo and his will to protect her.

It’s fascinating how tense and real the film is, all the time we are expecting something bad, sometimes it happens, and sometimes we view the screen we a totally different perspective on life. This certain kind of filmmaking is what jumpstarts ideas with the audience and our lives, as this dangerous cautionary tale is brought to life in the realest of real ways. Cuaron and his team have shown dedication, with his camera shots, and vivid angles, this story is filled with utter and shocking moments that hit you in the stomach.

Some will say “Children of Men” doesn’t offer enough answers, or people don’t care enough for the characters to get involved. This is not the case; we are thrown into the mix pretty fast, and aren’t given time to fathom or even breathe at times. The acting is solid, Jasper provides much needed comic relief, and Owen is always shining on screen. My only trouble was that Julian Moore couldn’t have been used better, it was kind of a throw away role.

“Children of Men” may not win any Oscars, but it remains a solid film that means a lot, it’s a step forward for Hollywood. It’s brave as it is depressing, as this cruel and bleak world is fully brought to life. We feel what the characters feel, and what this world would feel is something of this sort even happened. “Children of Men” is brilliant.

Playoff Writeup....

The Dallas Cowboys of 2006 have had a rocky season, that just got even rockier, having the 2-13 Detroit Lions at home heading into the postseason, hoping to gain momentum the 9-6 Cowboys had fell on there face, rather hard. After the 39-31 loss at Texas Stadium, the 5th seeded Cowboys will head West to face off against the 9-7 Seahawks on Saturday night. I've no idea what to expect of this game, Seattle isn't as hot as they should be which is a good thing, also it seems that the Cowboys are playing better on the road this year, having won crucial games at Carolina, New York, and Atlanta, with wins at Tennessee and Arizona.

Tony Romo has FINALLY come back to earth, which could also equal the perfect time, now knowing what he needs work on a week before the big tournament. The Cowboys a month ago were looking to secure a #2 seed in the NFC, that went out the window with a key loss to New Orleans. All was still well, as we could still win the NFC East and play a first rd. home game. That idea was scratched after Philly came into Dallas on Christmas and outplayed us, taking home a 23-7 victory, and a week later, the division.

The Cowboys haven't met with Seattle this year, only last year as we led most of the game until Drew Bledsoe forced a late pass in the late 4th quarter to setup a Josh Brown game winning FG. It's been A LONG 4 years since I have expierienced a playoff matchup. The last one taking place in 2003 as the 6th seeded Cowboys faced the Superbowl losers Carolina, losing 29-10. That was Parcells' first year, the year our defense was stout as all hell, the year Quincy Carter was up and down as anyone in the league, the year we have ZERO running game. Things have changed since then, our defense is playing like paper, our offense can't find a rhythm, but one thing is definitely for sure, I would choose Tony Romo to start this game over Quincy Carter( no longer in the league) and Drew Bledsoe (benched earlier this year) Parcells has talked of improving in all aspects since the New Orleans thrashing on Monday Night several weeks ago, we have gotten worse. We have gone from good to terrible on defense dealing with 3rd downs, we have 1 pass rusher in Demarcus Ware, and our secondary, save for Terence Newman cannot cover ANYONE.. This is not a good thing when facing Seattle's Branch, Jackson, etc....

Playing on the road does not scare me, I KNOW we can hold Shaun Alexander to under 70 or 80, we have done it before, his 4 career games against total around 215 yds combined rushing in all 4. Speaking of playing Seattle, it was Julius Jones 2 years ago that ran ALL OVER them for 198 yds and 3 td's on Monday Night, well Julius we can sure use you under those lights again, as our running game has failed to get going recently. If we can attack early and get TO involved we should win this game. Also, spelling Julius with Barber III should tire the Seattle D. Hopefully I won't get let down since I haven't seen a playoff win since 1996, wow 11 years ago... Come Saturday Night, GO COWBOYS!!!!! I'll say Cowboys 24 Seahawks 20