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I finally saw "Pan's Labyrinth" for the first time recently on DVD. I was hesitant to see it at the movies because I knew I would have to read subtitles, which usually means I could miss some very important dialog if I didn't pay close attention. What was I waiting for!!! I must say that it is easily the best foreign language film I have ever seen. Reading subtitles has never been so much fun. Movies of this caliber usually come around once in a generation. And after "Lord of the Rings", I was sure that it would be 20 years before I would see another film as entertaining as this one. Although I am not a big fan of foreign language films, I was totally amazed at the magical storytelling and visual feasts displayed here. Although the film is rated R, it does not contain any drug content or sex scenes, even though the violence is quite graphic at times. I would recommend it for the whole family, but with parental guidance for the youngest minds. "Pan's Labyrinth is one of the best movies ever made. Without a doubt, this film is an instant classic, on par with other classics of the genre like "The Wizard of Oz", "Lord of the Rings", and "Star Wars". Don't miss it!!!

Agent Starling versus Hannibal Lecter in "Silence of the Lambs", Blondie versus Angel Eyes in "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly", Luke Skywalker versus Darth Vader in "Star Wars", Dorothy versus the Wicked Witch in "The Wizard of Oz" and Moses versus Ramses in "The Ten Commandments",etc,etc, were all classic displays of good against evil in the world of film making. However, none of these can compare to the historic duel between the infamous Count Dracula and Professor Abraham Van Helsing. Although numerous films about vampires have included these characters, 1958's "Horror of Dracula" is without a doubt the best. Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing are equally mesmerizing as Dracula and Van Helsing in this all-time horror classic. Christopher Lee plays the most menacing vampire in the history of cinema and Peter Cushing is just as convincing as the vampire killer who is determined to send the blood thirsty beast back to Hell. The two actors matched wits so well together that their roles were reprized in several sequels. But none of them comes close to matching the artistry, pageantry, atmosphere, or terror of Hammer Films "Horror of Dracula"!

In my opinion the most recent movies of this kind don't live up to expectations. 2004's epics "Alexander" and "Troy", and 2005's "Kingdom of Heaven", were all serviceable but fell short of being great films. In the recently released epic "300", that trend came to a screeching halt. This movie is unlike anything I have ever seen. Although the scenery is obviously computer generated, it is simply breathtaking. Some fans may argue that it looks like a Playstation game, but that only makes it that much more unique and enjoyable . The acting, cinematography, the music, the wardrobe, etc., were all done with precision and style unsurpassed by even "Lord of the Rings"! Although the battle scenes are more violent than anything I have ever seen on film, they are highly stylized and graceful, as in an opera setting, sometimes shown in slow motion. This technique, however, does not hamper the special effects at all. Gerard Butler, who plays King Leonidas, commands the screen with the same presence that has made an international superstar of Russell Crowe, a fellow actor who also excels in captivating audiences with his awareness on stage. Butler's performance as Leonidas is reminiscent of the aforementioned's role as Maximus, in the also superb epic "Gladiator". Although I do recall Butler's exceptional performance as the phantom in 2004's "Phantom of the Opera", nothing would have prepared me for his role as King Leonidas, which has surely catapulted him into the upper echelon of first rate actors in this era. He has to be considered an early odds on favorite to receive a Best Actor Oscar in next years Academy Awards. King Leonidas, the Greek leader and general of a group of soldiers called Spartans, takes on a Persian army of thousands(who want to rule the world)in an effort to remain free as men and as a Country. His dignity, swagger, perilous conviction, and unmatched skill make him a formidable foe for any army. The problem however, is that his army consists of only 300 men, thus the title "300". Although they are grossly outnumbered, these Spartans are highly skilled in the art of killing and quite vicious by nature. Take no prisoners and have no mercy is their pledge. Lena Heady, who stars as Leonidas's wife, Queen Gorgo, is quite convincing as a strong willed woman, who will stand by her King to the end, under any circumstances. David Wenham as Dilios, Dominic West as Theron, and Vincent Regan as Captain, are all stunning as fellow Spartans. Rodrigo Santoro, relatively unknown, is striking as Persian King Xerxes, a giant among men. Some patrons of the genre may be put off by the presence of mythical beasts and unworldly creatures included in the film, but that is partly what sets this movie apart from all others. Unlike "Lord of the Rings", it is based on a true event, but like the comic book that it is adapted from, it is reinvented from the the vivid imaginations of Frank Miller(the comic book's author), and Zack Snyder(the director). With "300", along with 2004's "Dawn of the Dead", Mr. Snyder has become a director not to be taken lightly. Anyone who doesn't like "300" doesn't like movies. My only problem with "300" is the running time, at only 117 minutes, it should have been closer to 3 hours in length. After all, it is an epic.