I’m straying from the main topic of this blog for this entry to offer up a public service announcement: Pan’s Labyrinth comes out on DVD this Tuesday (May 15).
This is one of the best films I’ve ever seen, and one that gets deeper and richer every time I watch or think about it. It’s exquisitely written and directed (by the wonderfully funny and insightful Guillermo Del Toro), the acting is sublime across the board, the cinematography and editing are seamless (though I’m still bummed Children of Men lost the Oscar for the former to this film). The score is particularly memorable, including the plaintive melody line of a lullaby that runs throughout the film (hear it). It’s a fairy tale told the way fairy tales used to be told — full of danger, pathos and evil, but ultimately hopeful. Enough of my yakking. Rent this!
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The months to come
Here’s a look at the movies I’ll likely catch in theaters this summer. Some might drop off for one reason or another and others might make the list. (Click on the filmstrip to see my fine PhotoShop work)
May 18
Shrek the Third
May 25
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
June 1
Knocked Up
June 8
Ocean’s Thirteen
June 27
Live Free or Die Hard
June 29
Ratatouille
July 13
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
August 3
The Bourne Ultimatum
August 10
Rush Hour 3
Stardust
August 17
Superbad
Spider-Man 3
Date: May 5
Location: Muvico Boynton Beach
First, the good part. Our Muvico is open, and it’s very nice. It’s literally 5 minutes from our house and we didn’t have any problems parking or getting in. In fact, we were the first people in the auditorium without even waiting on any lines. We will be going to this theater for a long time to come (especially in 2 years, when Fiona will be eligible for the kids’ room). Now for the bad part: the movie. There were all kinds of elements here that could have been assembled into a good film, but they would have had to start by not trying to include every one of them. Three villains (four, if you count Dark Spidey) is way too much. I wish they had given Topher Grace a lot more screen and plot time and just scrapped the Sandman altogether. And why is it that the evil alien goo turns Peter Parker into John Travolta? I expected so much more from the team behind the wonderful first two films. The summer blockbuster season starts off with a whimper. Bring on Jason Bourne!
Hot Fuzz
Date: April 28
Location: Muvico City Place
We used a babysitter for the first time in 5 years. Amanda (AKA Salty) from across the street watched the girls while we went out. This was really a trial run for next week, when we plan to see Spider-Man 3. Salty passed the test. So did the movie, which was hilarious and bizarre. It’s a sendup of buddy action films such as Bad Boys and Lethal Weapon, and it’s funny and smart as hell.
Meet the Robinsons
Date: April 22
Location: Muvico City Place
The only thing better than my anniversary date with Alex is a date with Sophia. She’d seen this already with Alex but was dying to go back with me. A time travel plot and a couple of new Rufus Wainwright songs were further incentive. We got there early, shared Milk Duds and had a great time. The movie was very clever, though a bit too manic at times. Great villain and some good laughs. I’m sure we’ll wind up owning it and watching it a hundred times on DVD.
