Apocalypto (Gibson, 2006)

The most “Hollywood” film of last year doesn’t contain a word of English, but every plot point and twist still rear their expected and shameless heads. Call it, mainstream streamlined globally for your blood quenched pleasure. Gibson’s chase film isn’t the travesty I expected, mixing in some tense action scenes with beautiful wide shots of the jungle wilderness. However, it’s overt machismo, complete lack of character, and disregard for a female perspective make for a long, preachy journey. With all the money in the world, Mel decided to do this? Goes to show the guy can’t direct a lick, playing up the gore/shock value while dumbing down the story. However, his films demand to be seen for some odd, train wreck appeal which oozes from their very hardened core.