Cronos
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Movie Reviews of Cronos
Movie Review: A sad horror film that focuses on character not on slashers
Summary: 4 Stars
Guillermo Del Toro's modern Grimm's Fairy Tale "Cronos" focuses as much on character as it does horror. In many respects, it's a throw back to the horror comic books or movies he watched as a kid updated. Antiques dealer Jesus Gris (Federico Luppi) gets more than he bargains for when he covers a ornate gold "beetle" at the base of a decorative angel. He and his devoted granddaughter and wife discover the promise of immortality but also the horrible price one must pay when given a "gift" such as this.
Rich industrialist Dieter de la Guardia (Claudio Brook) has his brutish nephew Angel (Ron Perlman)searching for the device himself. Only Dieter knows about the history of the device, what it can do and the consquences of using it. When Jesus resists Dieter's offer for the device, it also puts his family in peril.
A rich, allegorical horror film that recalls the classic films of the 30's and 40's with its focus on character and the consquences of their actions at the expense of endless blood and gore, "Cronos" is a thoughtful, sad movie that demonstrated the considerable talents of Del Toro ("The Devil's Backbone", "Blade II", "Hellboy"). It's got its moments of gross out gore but Del Toro focuses his story on the delicate relationship between Jesus, his wife and granddaughter.
The film is presented with the original Spanish voiceover presented in English. After that, the film is a mix of Spanish and English as Dieter and Angel speak both sparingly throughout the film while Jesus and his family speak nothing but English. It would probably help to have on the subtitles if you don't speak English during the film as it switches back and forth pretty consistently.
The presentation and look of the DVD is very good capturing the nice textures and colors of the original film although it can't hold a candle to the high definition transfer of "The Devil's Backbone" that recently came out on DVD. Extras include an interview with Del Toro with clips from his very first short films made when he was a teenager up to and including his first 16mm production. There's also an interview with behind-the-scenes footage of Federico Luppi (a thoughtful and talented actor)from the production. There's also an Easter Egg included as well. Look for the Lion's Gate logo and click on it for a nice little surprise. We get a photo gallery and commentaries from both Del Toro and the film's producer. Del Toro's commentary is in English while the producer's commentary is in Spanish.
A haunting, atmospheric debut from Del Toro that deserves to be seen. It's not exactly a horror film (and why Del Toro is referred to as a horror film director is beyond me), it's more of a fantasy/suspense story with horror themes.
Movie Review: "My name is Jesus Gris. My name is Jesus Gris."
Summary: 4 Stars
For some reason I developed an early low opinion of Mexican horror films and have since avoided them. Fortunately I didn't realize Cronos was Mexican ans so got to see this truly unusual film directed by Guilliermo del Toro. While it will never win a place on the heights there's a surprising amount of inventiveness and imaginative film work in something that probably has one-tenth the budget of the average Hollywood failure.
Imagine, if you will that a European alchemist fled Europe to Mexico in the 16th Century. Gaining appointment as the Governor's clockmaker he set about making a machine that would prolong his life. He succeeds and lives until a building collapses on him in modern times. His estate is broken up and sold and the real story begins when an antique dealer, Jesus Gris (Federico Luppi), acquires a statue of an angel. In it he finds a golden scarab-like machine. One with horrific powers that Jesus inadvertently activates.
Seeking the scarab for his own purposes is Dieter de la Guardia (Claudio Brook) and his last remaining relative Angel (Ron Perlman). They will stop at nothing, but a repeatedly foiled by the scarab's power over Jesus. Another key player is Aurora Gris (Tamara Shanath) who has no lines but seems to preside over the life and death drama that plays out before her.
There are a few grim and violent moments, but, for the most part, Cronos gains its momentum from its atmospherics. Imagine a screenplay written by Poe and directed by Fellini with echoes of Don't Look Now and you will have a sense of the film's feeling. Colors are dark, sets are detailed, and the minimal special effects are telling. Especially the insides and operation of the clockwork scarab.
The film is as much about the value of life as it is a horror or suspense story. Clumsy at some times and subtle at others, the message gets through with an ending which leaves just enough in question to haunt the viewer. The approach is novel, a very different twist on the vampire genre, and I found myself liking it more the longer I watched it. Definitely worth viewing.
Movie Review: A refreshing tale on the Vampire mythology
Summary: 4 Stars
I feel like most people did a good job reviewing this movie on Amazon. Instead of reviewing what happened from start to finish in Cronos, I'm doing my best to describe what I liked about Cronos. It's a fine movie with a unique story that gives you something to think about. The actors and actresses were very well used in the movie. Ron Perlman was perfect as a thug doing the dirty work for his uncle. All of the locations in Spain were very well utilized by the director. I know some people were complaining about Jesus' granddaughter not saying a word throughout the whole movie. I believe her character was used as a reflection of sympathy and love for her grandfather. It was nice to see a movie taking a new approach on the Vampire mythology. Be sure to watch the special features on director Guillermo del Torro. He talks about the inscription on the Cronos device and it is a work of art. I think he's a very good storyteller and he really brought this movie to life. The characters were interesting and I liked them. Jesus Gris is a man who never dreams of committing a questionable act, but he makes a noble decision in the end to destroy the Cronos. The villains in the movie are people you love to hate. Ron Perlman is supposed to retrieve the Cronos for his greedy uncle, who wants to live forever. Jesus Gris doesn't stalk victims and unlike the typical vampire movies, he doesn't kill anyone to survive. Watch the movie and find out why it's unique and very well written.Movie Review: Great film debut, BUT WAIT FOR THE CRITERION EDITION!!!
Summary: 4 Stars
This film is pretty good, even great, but wait for the criterion edition, which include these special features:
DIRECTOR-APPROVED SPECIAL EDITION:
-New, restored high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by director Guillermo del Toro and cinematographer Guillermo Navarro, including optional audio with the film's original Spanish-language voice-over introduction as well as DTS-HD Master Audio on the Blu-ray edition
-Two audio commentaries, one featuring del Toro and the other producers Arthur H. Gorson and Bertha Navarro and coproducer Alejandro Springall
-Geometria, an unreleased 1987 short horror film by del Toro, finished by the director in 2010, plus a new video interview with him
-Welcome to Bleak House, a video tour by del Toro of his office, featuring his collectibles and personal work
-New video interviews with del Toro, Navarro, and actor Ron Perlman
-Video interview with actor Federico Luppi
-Stills gallery
-Trailer
-New and improved English subtitle translation, approved by del Toro
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by film critic Maitland McDonagh and excerpts from del Toro's notes for the film
Movie Review: Superb!
Summary: 4 Stars
Very entertaining, and very very original! The big American movie houses should take heed of moving films like this before they crank out their next big budget `standard issue` horror movie.