the orphanage

first off, FYI that the landmark theaters are AMAZING. who wouldn't pay a few additional bucks for access to your choice of oh-so-comfy leather seats and shi-shi movie muchies?! if you wouldn't, well, you're missing out BIG time.

check it:
http://www.landmarktheaters.com/

in any case, i went to see the orphanage at the pico landmark this weekend. and FYI that the movie theater dude who made announcements right before the movie (and yeah, they have those at landmark -- see what i mean about upscale experience?!) made a point to say that this movie was NOT directed by guillermo del toro, but rather produced by him and directed by juan antonio bayona. just to clear up any confusion.

either way, the spaniards are to be applauded. the plot line kept rolling along and you were never sure what to expect. there seemed to be a number of unresolved elements (either that or i wasn't paying attention, which wouldn't be suprising), but i tend to like those since they give the movie a fuzzy "i'm not sure what's going on" feeling. (yes, derek, i know you don't like that.) nevertheless there was just enough angst and tension (and grotesque images) to keep you roped in. moreover, the cinematography was amazing. it just made you wonder, who wouldn't want to live in a big scary mansion in an unrecognizable beach town??

unfortunately, i think i was looking for a little bit more gore. there was some doors slamming on hands and deformed faces, but when you're expecting a horror movie, i guess that stuff just doesn't fit the bill. ah well. setting my expectations aside, the orphanage is definitely still worth seeing. especially since the little boy reminds me of the girl that used to do those pepsi commercials. i know, totally random, right?