Apocalypto (2006)

Director: Mel Gibson

Starring: Rudy Youngblood

More Info: IMDB

Tagline: When the end comes, not everyone is ready to go

Plot: Set in the Mayan civilization, when a man's idyllic presence is brutally disrupted by a violent invading force, he is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression where a harrowing end awaits him. Through a twist of fate and spurred by the power of his love for his woman and his family he will make a desperate break to return home and to ultimately save his way of life.

My Rating: 9/10

Would I watch it again? Yes!

Mel Gibson's got balls. Big ones and they're on display in this film from start to finish. To make an action revenge picture set more than 500 years ago in a society most people don't know dick about AND film it entirely in an ancient language with subtitles takes big ones.

I saw this in the theater during it's opening run and, not knowing what to expect, I was blown away. Watching it again a few days ago was just as fresh and amazing as it was last year. WOW! The camera work/location shooting is absolutely beautiful. I could see myself living there as they did. Well, without the human sacrifice stuff and all. Most of the actors in the film have never acted before and, surprisingly, it doesn't show. Top-notch all the way.

The story takes its time to unfold giving us plenty of time to soak up a day in the life of a particular tribe. When they are abruptly awaken to their attackers that's when things start rolling and fast. It's brutal. It's in your face. It's AWESOME! Mel doesn't hold back and nor should he. There's plenty of suspense on the trek of the captives from their jungle home to the Mayan city where they'll be sacrificed. The city is fantastic and huge. I want Mel to make a movie just about THIS civilization.

"Blue Moon on Monday"

We get plenty of eye candy in the city all the way through the sacrificing. Shortly after that our hero, Jaguar Paw (Youngblood), escapes and then it's ON. It's at this point you realize you're watching a good old fashioned revenge pic as JP is hunted down by the same family of thugs that brought him and his tribe there. He picks them off one by one and each kill is better than the previous. Oh, Man, this is fun.

The end gives us hope but there's a parting shot of the Spaniard Conquistidors showing up and you know what's going to happen then...THAT'S another movie I want Mel to shoot. And I thought that was pretty damn cool that he gives us so much that it leaves you wanting more and more. Oh, I was satisfied alright, but I did want much more. Kind of like a great rock concert. Always leave 'em wanting more...