Pan's Labyrinth Movie Review

A Fantastical Escape from the Real World

Pan’s Labyrinth is not your average fairy-tale. Mexican Writer/Director Guillermo del Toro has thrown action, horror, and fantasy all in one ingenious motion picture. His expertise in the fantasy genre makes the fairy-tale seem more real than it actually is, and very believable as well. Don’t let the star, an 11-year-old girl, fool you; this “real-life fairy-tale” of a movie is not meant for the eyes of children, with its excess violence and brutality. It is definitely aimed at adults who enjoy an action packed film with a touch of magic.

In 1944 fascist Spain, a young girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) who is fascinated with fairy-tales, goes to live with her new stepfather, along with her pregnant mother (Ariadna Gil). It soon becomes apparent that her stepfather (Sergi López i Ayats), who is the captain of the Spanish Army is ruthless and utterly emotionless. The same night of her arrival, Ofelia meets a fairy who she follows into an old labyrinth on the grounds. In the center of this labyrinth she encounters an old faun (Pablo Adán) who tells her that she is a princess. He also tells her that in order to fulfill her princess destiny she must prove her royalty by completing three difficult tasks. Struggling with problems with her pregnant mother and evil stepfather, the girl deals with the harsh realities of the world while desperately trying to complete her three tasks on time.

Ofelia’s newfound world in the labyrinth may be a temporary escape from the commotion of the war and her family, but don’t be mistaken; her fairy-tale world is just as dark and gruesome as the real world. The only difference is that the new one has more to offer to a little 11-year-old girl. Who doesn’t want to be a princess when they are eleven? Ofelia, played by Ivana Baquero, does an adequate job acting out the part of Ofelia. She is innocent, as an 11-year-old should be, and she displays that curious quality which is so important to her character. At times, however, Ofelia is a bit boring and unresponsive to everything that is going on around her. Her stepfather and also the captain played by Sergi López i Ayats, does an excellent job acting out the temperamental and violent fascist leader that the captain needs to be.  The superior casting makes Pan’s Labyrinth everything that Del Toro wanted it to be. He says, “It's the movie I've done that I like the most, that most resembles the things I thought I would do when I began directing." All the thought and planning he put into the film shows in the well put together plot, which flows from one scene to another. The audience is kept curious and intrigued with the characters and ideas that Del Toro obviously put extensive thought and care into.

This movie is full of amazingly crafted visuals, thanks to Cinematographer Guillermo Navarro. It has everything from mythical creatures such as fairy’s and a gigantic human-sized frog, to the ancient labyrinth that holds the portal to the magic kingdom. The labyrinth seems to come to life for Ofelia, giving life and reality to her adventures. Consequently, her fairy-tail becomes so believable; the mythical world in which Ofelia throws herself is just as bleak and dangerous as the real world she is trying so desperately to escape.

As an “adult fairy-tale”, Pan’s Labyrinth is made to terrify and satisfy viewers.  As a regular fairy-tale, it is imperative that Ofelia make the right choice at the end. As a real life movie however, not everything works out perfectly in the end. The movie has a satisfactory ending leaving the viewer open to decide whether this fantasy world that Ofelia had been living was true or simply a young girl’s immature escape from reality.  Out of five, I rate this movie with four golden keys!

Pan's Labyrinth Plot Summary

                In 1944 fascist Spain, a young girl, fascinated with fairy-tales, goes to live with her new stepfather, along with her pregnant mother. It soon becomes apparent that the captain is a ruthless head of the Spanish army with no human feelings other than rage. The same night of her arrival she meets a fairy who she follows into an old labyrinth on the grounds. In the center of this labyrinth she encounters an old faun who tells her that she is a princess. He also tells her that in order to fulfill her princess destiny she must prove her royalty by completing three difficult tasks. Struggling with problems with her pregnant mother and evil stepfather, the girl deals with the harsh realities of the world while desperately trying to complete her three tasks on time.

My Top Dozen Movies

12. Knowing – Despite a whole flock of aliens coming to earth and taking two children, and then the whole world exploding right at the end of the movie, I found the movie very interesting. Finding the solution to all the numbers on the sheet of paper, dug up from many years ago was the most intense part of the movie for me. There was also an extremely cool graphic scene when Nicolas Cage is standing in the middle of all this commotion and an airplane crashes right over his head. This all occurred in the beginning of the movie, and the second half of the movie started becoming a little ridiculous. However, I’m always up for a good laugh so this made the movie that much better. It was simply the icing on the cake when the whole world exploded.

11. Spiderman – Spiderman is as real as any superhuman can get. He didn’t buy his powers, and he doesn’t flaunt them either. Spiderman is a regular kid who just wants to fit-in in his regular human life. The way he got his powers is believable, too. The action in this movie is thrilling as Spiderman saves the common people while fighting his enemy simultaneously. The twist that I love in this movie is the fact that Spiderman’s enemy is his best friend’s father and it eventually comes to be his best friend.  This adds to the drama of the movie as Superman is going through a battle internally while fighting crime and evil at the same time.

10. Harry Potter – Isn’t a magical school for witchcraft and wizardry what every child dreams of? It’s a place to get away from parents and study magic all at the same time. Every child can connect in some way to the Harry Potter movies. I myself cannot choose which one to write about as they are all equally awesome in different ways. From the first movie I loved Daniel Radcliff as Harry Potter, Emma Watson as Hermione, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley. The three friends were perfect throughout the whole movie as they quickly tried to grasp the new magical world to conquer evil. At the same time, Harry was discovering his whole past and everything that his life could become.

9. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – Flying cars, laser guns, and light sabers? I would love to live in the fictional future world of Star Wars. The different worlds in this film were presented almost as if I was there too. Aliens from different planets just sitting around a bar talking in all their different languages made it seem familiar in a way. The battling in this movie is amazing especially with the light sabers, and you always have to love the droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO.

8. Jurassic Park – This has been one of my favorite movies since I was about seven years old. When my dad showed me this movie I was entranced by the concept that dinosaurs could be made in our modern world. The action and suspense in this movie always kept me holding my breath. Not only is it entertaining, but it also has a very nice underlying message relating to humans destroying animals’ natural habitats. My favorite part of the movie is how the dinosaurs are displayed as animals as opposed to monsters. The humans are commonly displayed as the “bad guys”, harming the dinosaurs instead of the other way around, giving a sort of respect to the dinosaurs.

7. I, Robot – It’s nice to believe that there could actually be a world someday where everyone can have their own robot to help them out around the house and whatnot. However, in this movie the robots get a little out of control. Will Smith, takes a break from his normal comedy roles to take on this role as a wise-cracking cop with a dark past. He plays this role perfectly adding to the intense action scenes throughout the movie. The creation of Sonny, the robot with emotions, also makes this movie interesting and keeps you guessing at what the end of the movie will bring.

6. Inception – I went to go see this movie with a group of my friends who were seeing it for their second time. This was because it was a great movie, but also because it was one of those movies you really had to think about. It is all about exploring dreams and by doing this being able to change the actual world. However, the characters ran into many problems that added to the complexity of the plan involved and the movie itself. Leonardo DiCaprio, the actor of the main character also had a conflict of his own making this movie even more intriguing. After an extra amount of thinking and maybe even going back to watch the movie a second time, this movie is an extremely interesting and entertaining movie.

5. Zombieland – I have probably seen this movie seven times now since it came out. This is an extremely funny movie with an intriguing plot. The relationship that forms between what seems to be that last four people on earth is comic and at the same time heartfelt. At one point Bill Murray gets introduced into the plot, which is an extremely funny twist. The hilarious zombies throughout the movie have you laughing and being terrified of them at the same time.

4. I Am Legend – Will Smith is the driving force of this movie. His acting is superb as he kind of acts as Tom Hanks from Castaway, as he is the last person on Earth, except instead of a volleyball he has mutant zombie-like people to keep him company and try and kill him. The plot is kept interesting when he meets two other humans still alive and infection free towards the end of the movie. The end of the movie is very climactic and is a superior wrap-up for the plot.

3. Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark – A classic action adventure film is what describes this movie. Whenever I was in the mood for some good old puzzle/mystery solving and running away from the bad guys I would pull this movie out. I also have come to love Harrison Ford as the main character with all his smarts and saving the day stunts. There is also the perfect amount of humor thrown into all the action, leaving you entranced and loving the characters.

2. Star Trek (2009) – I can honestly say that I have never seen the older Star Trek, and I still loved this movie. From the very beginning there is character development which makes you love Captain Kirk and Spock, along with McCoy and Uhura. The acting was superb, greatly contributing to the plot. I was upset when the characters were upset and shared in their excitement and happiness, like when they defeated Nero. Another main thing that stood out to me was the quality of the graphics. They made the film and scenes seem that much more real pulling the viewer into the movie closer to the characters they have come to love.

1. Avatar – This is a “must see” movie! The whole concept is creative and intriguing, giving the movie an extraordinary plot. The scenery in this movie was also absolutely beautiful and amazing. This covered up the obvious impossibility of making avatars and made the reality of the movie very believable. Although this movie was pretty long, towards the end of the movie I found myself so into the movie, my eyes were glued to the screen and I couldn’t speak.

Dialogue Assignment

Serena: Cree? Cree, is that you?

Cree: Oh, hey Serena. It's been a while.

Serena: It's been at least two or three years at least. I think the last time we talked was at The Washburns' Christmas party, and they've been divorces for two years by now.

Cree: You're probably right, but i doubt it was a few years ago. You look like you haven't aged a day.

Serena: It feels like it’s been a while. What have you been up to?

Cree: Just everyday life, ya know? Sonny just started first grade and he loves it. He’s doing soccer this year too.

Serena: Oh how’s that going for him?

Cree: Very well, he’s making a lot more friends now. How are Meredith and Kristen doing?

Serena: Oh they’re doing alright. I just got back from taking them both to the mall. Kristen is meeting her boyfriend there and Meredith wanted to get some supplies for her birthday party.

Cree: She’s having a birthday party soon?

Serena: Oh yeah, it’s the big thirteen. She’s inviting about thirty kids so that’s why I’m here; I need to pick up a lot of food.

Cree: Wow, thirteen already. It’s hard to believe they grow up so fast. Faith is 14 already.

Serena: I know, it is hard to believe. How is Faith doing?

Cree: She is doing alright. She’s having some trouble adjusting to high school. I think it is kind of a shock to her.

Serena: Really how so?

Cree: I don’t think she feels like she fits in and she doesn’t have that many friends. It’s just a bit hard for her right now, but I’m sure she’ll make some friends soon.

Serena: I’m sure she will. Kristen is having some trouble in school now too. I guess there were some rumors going around about her, but she won’t tell me what they were about. She just wants to be with her boyfriend all the time now.

Cree: Senior girls will tend to want to do that. Haha.

Serena: Yeah I know, she never tells me anything anymore either. I feel like she is rebelling sort of against me and William.

Cree: Yea. And how is William?

Serena: He’s… alright. It seems he’s become even more distant lately. His hours have gotten worse at work. But he still is around on the weekends which is good.

Cree: Yeah that’s good. Is he going to be around for Meredith’s birthday party?

Serena: He’s going to trying to get off work. So I hope he will be…

Cree: Ted’s been so busy with work lately too.

Serena: It’s hard when they’re away you know?

Cree: Yeah

Serena: I can deal with it, I just feel like its really getting to the kids and I don’t know what to do about it. I’ve just been trying to keep them extra busy; taking them to the mall and letting them have friends over. I don’t know what else to do.

Cree: Have you talked to William about this at all?

Serena: Of course, but it’s always the same conversation. He wants to spend more time with the kids but there really is nothing he can do about it. Those are his hours. And He can’t help when he is on call and has to go in for an emergency.

Cree: Yeah, that is difficult.

Serena: It’s the worst on Kristin with everything else she is going through at school as well.

Cree: High school is so tough on teenage girls.

Serena: I know.

Cree: I’m going to keep a close eye on Faith now that she’s starting.

Serena: That’s a good idea. I hope she doesn’t have to go through anything like Kristin.

Cree: Yeah me too. And I hope that if it does she’s comfortable enough to talk to me about it.

Serena: Remember back in high school when that rumor went around about me and that senior guy?

Cree: Which one? Haha…

Serena: Very funny. The really bad rumor that people teased me for for all of sophomore year.

Cree: Ohh! Right I heard about that…

Serena: Of course you did, the whole school did. It was so embarrassing.

Cree: I knew it wasn’t true though. It just couldn’t have been.

Serena: I’m glad you thought so. Anyway, that was so long ago. 

Cree: If only Kristen knew that if she talked to you about those rumors about her in school, you would completely understand what she was going through.

Serena: Yeah, maybe I’ll mention something to her, but I’m not really sure how I would bring something like that up.

Cree: Just bring it up in normal conversation.

Serena: That’s the thing though, she never talks to me.

Cree: Maybe you could mention something the Meredith to bring up the Kristin. That would at least put the thought in her head.

Serena: Yeah that’s a good idea maybe ill do that.

Cree: At least you can do that because Meredith and Kristen get along. Faith and Sonny do not get along at all.  

Serena: Really? I never would have thought that.

Cree: Oh yeah, they fight all the time and I haven’t heard either one of them say one nice thing to the other in a while.

Serena: That’s a shame. They’re at that age though where the kids always fight. I remember Meredith and Kristin went through that stage when they were younger too.

Cree: Well that’s a relief. I mean, I hope they grow out of it too otherwise I’m not going to know what to do.

Serena: Don’t worry about it they are siblings. It’s just what siblings do.

Cree: Yeah I guess your right. We should definitely get all of our kids together sometime don’t you think?

Serena: Definitely. What do you think we should do?

Cree: Maybe dinner sometime?

Serena: Sure, we can do it at my house if you want.

Cree: That sounds good!

Serena: You can even stop by at Meredith’s party if you want. We’re having a time for family to come over too, so you could come over then.

Cree: If were not intruding then sure. That sounds great.

Serena: Okay sounds good. I’ll email you with the date and time.

"The Ghost in the Cap'n Brown House" Open Response

            If you asked a classroom full of students if they believed in ghosts there would most likely be a mixed group of responses. Many people are uncertain in the reality of the supernatural and often do not believe fantastic stories. In “The Ghost in Cap’n Brown House,” Harriet Beecher Stowe elaborates on this concept that many people believe in the supernatural whereas many others do not. While Sam, the narrator is telling the story he explains the differing reactions from various townspeople. Some townspeople, such as Aunt Lois mentioned in the quote given, do not believe in the supernatural whatsoever. According to Sam this makes her “sort o’ stringy and dry”. To Sam, the fact that she doesn’t believe in anything simply because it can’t possibly be true, makes her boring and a total killjoy. This natural instinct for humans to not believe is what Stowe was trying to emphasize in this piece. Sam says, “There ain’t no ‘sorbtion got out o’ not believin’ nothin’.” In other words, why does everyone feel as though they aren’t allowed to believe? You don’t get anything out of that. Even when Cinthy sees the ghost standing right before her one night, she still convinces herself that it couldn’t possibly be real; it must have been a dream. I agree with Stowe’s idea that there’s nothing wrong with believing in something that may not actually be possible. I mean, there’s no fun in not believing is there?

Nothing in the Dark

“Nothing in the Dark” is a perfect example of the Dark Fantasy subgenre. The main character Wanda Dunn was terrified of death. Wanda wouldn’t even leave her house to get food because she was so afraid she would run into “Mr. Death”. This makes “Nothing in the Dark” a type of Dark Fantasy because a main focus of that genre is the natural and instinctive fear of death. Wanda Dunn also eventually encounters Mr. Death herself. This supports the Dark Fantasy subgenre because it is an example of humanity being threatened by forces beyond their understanding. Wanda does not understand why this ghost has come to her and at first she is extremely confused and frightened. Due to Wanda Dunn’s fear of death and her encounter with a non-human force, the episode “Nothing in the Dark” from “The Twilight Zone” series can be classified as Dark Fantasy.

Setting Excercise

             Descending the steps into the New York Subway Station gave me the feeling of walking to my own death. The long vast hall was pretty much empty, with the exception of a disheveled man lying on a bench in the middle. The graffiti lining the walls of the chamber was long since forgotten, reminiscent of the popular times past. I can only imagine what this place used to be like, but now everybody uses the newer safer subway station. Suddenly I tripped over a gaping crack in the cement, inhaling a gulp of the stale air as I did so. My hands caught my fall, covering them with a coat of dust, and a rat scurried over them. Even with the rats and my heavy breathing there was still an eerie stillness over everything. Just then, everything started to shake. Fragments of the ceiling began to fall as if the whole thing was crumbling and the air began to fill with dust. Then the train pulled in to the station.

My Sci Fi Blog Introduction

Mr. Bailey says that were using bloggs in his Sci Fi class to reduce the amount of paper we use. Were supposed to write now, about what we'll be blogging this semester. For the most part I'll be writing about the open responses given to us by Mr. Bailey with my clear opinion on the subject.