Pantastical!

Rating: 9/10 (27 January 2007)

Director Guillermo Del Toro's numinous, mesmerizing "Pan's Labyrinth" is the foreign film feast of the year. Take a trip to this fantasyland where dreams can come true! I know! Shameless Disney plug! Anyway, enter to my "Pun's Labyrinth" so I can guide you to the mastery of "Pan's Labyrinth". Child actress Ivana Baquero stars as Ofelia, the daughter of an ailing pregnant mother named Carmen. Ofelia's mom is married to Capitan Vidal, a malicious, ruthless Spanish leader who might be the supreme villain of the year in film. Ofelia is miserable in her existence until she inadvertently comes to the path of a magical labyrinth inhabited by a Pan. Mr. Panman leads her into a mystical journey that is filled with majesty and oddity that makes it the proper escape for the troubled child. Pan informs Ofelia that she was a princess that has been resurrected in her life-form. Pan also provides Ofelia the unearthly goods to cure her mother. However, Ofelia still has to persevere her cruel real world of being controlled by Captain Vidal. Let's just say that Captain Vidal's vicious demeanor makes Saddam Hussein look like_________ (sorry to keep you "hanging" with the Saddam reference , remember you are in "Meeza's Pun Labyrinth") Mother Teresa. I think Captain Vidal's daily liquid nutrition is primarily comprised of Captain Morgan juices. He massacres innocent peasants, assassinates his own Spaniards, beats his wife, and abuses children. That is the harsh "verdad" on Vidal. Mercedes is Vidal's primary housekeeper which grows an affectionate bond with Ofelia. In the Labyrinth, Ofelia encounters supernatural experiences that have profound impacts in her natural existence. The ghoulish Labyrinth character that is a must-see of "Pan's Labyrinth" is the Paleman! He has the "white stuff"! He is creepy, whimsical, and visualize this: his eyeballs are on the palms of his hands. And by no means, don't mess with his fruit!!!!!!! You will see why when you un-vegetate yourself to see the film. The acting of "Pan's Labyrinth" was nothing short of spectacular! Baquero was endearing as Ofelia. Adriana Gil's work was not ailing as mother Carmen. Maribel Verdu of "Y Tu Mama Tambien" was convincing enough to demonstrate that she was caring enough to be "la mama tambien" of Ofelia. Sergi Lopez was captivating in his work as the devilish Captain Vidal. Doug Jones was dually "doug"-on great as Pan & The Pale Man. "Pan's Labyrinth" cinematic labrytory was also embodied with excellence: Guillermo Navarro's cinematography, Jose Quetglas' makeup, Eugenio Caballero's art direction, and Javier Navarrete's musical score was phenomenal. However, it was Writer-Director Guillermo Del Toro's vision that was the catalyst of the brilliant success of "Pan's Labyrinth". This Del Toro is a visionary genius, and that is no bull about Del Toro! Make "Pan's Labyrinth" your next stop in your cinematic journey! ***** Excellent