United 93

'An affecting and fitting tribute to the unlikely heroes who lost their lives'

Are we as Americans ready to see the events of 9/11 re-enacted up on the screens of our local theateres? It's a touchy subject and the makers of 'United 93' are aware of this fact. The walk a delicate tightrope between offending or paying homage to those who lost their lives that fateful day.

With Paul Greengrass at the helm, United 93 manages to become the best film it can be dispite, as I said, touchy subject matter. With the guide of Greengrass' steady hand we are thrusted into the date: September 11, 2001. The film proceeds in real time.

The first half is set in different air traffic control towers across the U.S. They frantically try to stabalize the situation at hand(the hijacking of multiple planes). We know nothing about the people talking except the few details that are mentioned the very day of the hijackings. Greengrass' screenplay never resorts to 'Airport' sterotypes. I am extremley happy to report that no one in this film is slapped and ordered to get a hold of themselves.

The second is just as affecting and sustains the same narritive and technical structure of the first half. Now, we are moved on to United Flight 93. Again, we know very little about the passengers. We hear bits of conversations. It feels as if we are waiting in the airpot terminal with theese people who are essentially complete strangers. Luckily, Greengrass makes sure no passenger on the plane is piolot who no longer flies yet somehow must face his fears and (dramatic pause) FLY THE PLANE!!! The franticness with which the passengers band together has a rather vivid feel to it.

The conclusion is fairly obvious from the word "go". However, Greengrass presents such a compelling portrait we are lost and are near the edge of our seats to view the climax.

That brings us to the climax, which is an oddity. It is simultaneously uplifting and sobering.

Uplifting and Sobering.

Much like the film.

GRADE: A+

MovieDude

The #3 film of 2006.

Nominated for 3 MovieDude Alternitive Oscars!

Pan's Labyrinth (A.K.A. "El Laberinto de Fauno")

'Gothic Fantasy and Horror at it's Finest'

'Pan's Labyrinth', the newest film from Mexican director Guillermo Del Toro, is the most beautiful and moving films of the year. This film will leave you with a memory that will probally last the rest of your life. In the landscape of current film there are so many films that seem to vanish from your mind as the end credits roll. 'Pan' is certainly NOT one of those films. It's a welcome breath of fresh air and a marvel to behold.

The film tells the story of young Ofelia, whose father has recently died in the Spanish Civil War. Her pregnant mother, Caremen, has married again. Her suitor is the incredibly vicious and despicible Captain Vidal.

To escape the harsh realities of her life, Ofelia falls deep into a world of fantasy. Here she meets a faun who tells her the story of a young princess who's soul was taken from the fantasy world and put into the real world. It's the faun's belief that her soul rests in Ofelia. To prove her worthiness, Ofelia must complete three tasks. One of theese tasksenvolves facing The Pale Man. Those who have seen this creature will most certainly never forget him.

Back in the real world, a housekeeper and personal doctor who work for the captain, are sneaking supplies to the nearest rebels. This could cost them their lives at the cruel hands of Captain Vidal.

'Pan's Labyrinth' is a film so richly textured and beautifully made that it holds a huge requirement for repeat viewings. The film presents a world so vivid you loose your sense of place and are engulfed inside a world of alternating fantasy and reality. For two hours, this is the only world you know. You are transported. Every detail and nuance is nailed by the people behind the scenes.

Though the film has many notewothy performances, I will single out Sergi Lopez, whose portayal of Captain Vidal has many critics drawing compairisons to Ralph Finnes in 'Schindler's List'. That compairison is extremeley apt. Lopez is fittingly calm in his brutality.

This film has many critics raving and slapping the term "Masterpeice!" on to their reviews. It is, in this case, one of the few terms that can justifably describe the vivid beauty that is 'Pan's Labyrinth'!

GRADE: A+

MovieDude

The #2 Film of 2006.