Tag Archives: Guillermo del Toro

Film reviews

Frankenstein Review

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The mind of Guillermo del Toro finds creative connections in a powerhouse effort which includes wonders of cinematic imagination unlike any other. From the worlds of Pan’s Labyrinth, The Orphanage, and Pinocchio, he creates new meaning with Frankenstein, one where an emergence of lights evolves, but the political aspects regarding humanistic value fall in the middle.

To provide context, this is not your common Halloween-type Frankenstein film. This one has a storyline with emphasis which gives the monster meaning. There is a strong sense of purpose in del Toro’s direction. The madness in this breathtaking storyline takes viewers on a journey of suspense and amazement filled with mind-boggling grandeur. The creator and monster both have their own story. Frankenstein should be seen on a big screen over the Netflix platform, because the big-screen experience will amplify del Toro’s immersive surreal portrait.

The plot focuses on Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac). He is a scientist with a clever mind but also cruel with a massive ego. He has a history of inventions as well as trials of deceit. There are many political feuds with Victor. The setting is the 19thcentury, and the film focuses on Victor’s creation of a monster. With the help of his assistant Harlander (Christoph Waltz), some moving parts begin to go awry. The scientific aspects of the film have a backstory starting with Victor trying to run from what he has created. He ends up with sailors and begins to tell them why he is running from his creation—the film proceeds in acts from that point forward.

One captivating part of the film is the fact that it uses cinematics to lay out the events which provide context of how terror evolved. It also loops in Victor as the victim. Guillermo del Toro is accomplished at introducing enemies as the source of material for major emphasis in his projects. He is not afraid to bring out the worst of his characters and shine the light of terror with aftermath upon them. This situation comes into play for Victor in Frankenstein after creating The Creature (that is the character’s name, played by Jacob Elordi). He slowly develops humanistic attributes, but with Victor treating him like a slave, his monstrous avenues begin to expand rapidly. The Creature begins to feel love for a girl named Elizabeth (Mia Goth). With Victor, however, the life of The Creature is a living nightmare. Victor’s prison-like lifestyle fuels The Creature’s desire for ravenous vengeance.

Frankenstein is quite an enjoyable thrill ride. The story is very well-written and extremely well directed. All The Creature wants is to feel loved. His creator, Victor, wants to feel accomplished for his creation. Where do they both find happiness? Given the difference between being a real live human being and a man’s creation, del Toro creates a unique vision of life filled with many wonders in his version of Frankenstein. Suspense, love, lust, and ego all combine into cinematics which result in incredible genius. Four out of four stars for Frankenstein.

Film reviews

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinnochio Review

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I have watched Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio twice. The first time was in digital projection and the second time was in 35mm projection. Both editions were mesmerizing. As the wonderful world seen through the eyes of Toro grasped my attention, I felt like a young kid again. I love and feel connected to the characters of Pinocchio and Geppetto.  There are so many amazing voices in this atmospheric adventure including Pinocchio (voiced by Gregory Mann), Geppetto (voiced by David Bradley), Sebastian J. Cricket (voiced by Ewan McGregor), Spazzatura (voiced by Cate Blanchett), Candlewick (voiced by Finn Wolfhard), Count Volpe (voiced by Christoph Waltz), and Dottore (voiced by John Turturro). Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio is a world of wonder and joy with an imaginative storyline. Toro knows how to connect his audience to the love Pinocchio wants in the film.  It is simply a grandeur of cinema creativity and magic.

The story begins with a woodcarver, Geppetto who has recently lost his son. Filled with grief and despair, he puts his woodcarving skills to work to create a boy figure. Suddenly, that boy comes to life and calls himself Pinocchio who is full of energy and spreads love all around. At first Geppetto struggles to accept that Pinocchio has come into his life. Over time, however, Geppetto starts to feel like a father again. Pinocchio has some difficulties because he struggles to understand right from wrong in the world. He also finds it difficult to understand he is much different than the people around him. Despite all the differences Pinnochio is eager to feel like a real human being. His encounters with good influences including Sebastian J. Cricket, Candlewick, and of course Geppetto are the ones that care about Pinocchio the most. Sadly, Pinocchio does not understand who truly cares about him which causes him to run away with the evil Count Volpe in hopes of finding attention. With Geppetto still suffering from depression from the loss of his son, he sets out on a journey to get Pinocchio back.

Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinnochio is an adventure of love, peril, and deceit. In between the happy and sad moments, there are many wonderful musical moments that are just extremely heartwarming. Toro’s direction is incredible in the way it makes the audience sense the love around Pinocchio.  Of course, as people know from the famous story, Pinocchio’s biggest issue is that when he lies his nose grows. Pinocchio’s nose is at the center of him learning to make the right choices during this joyful ride of magical animations.

The adventures which are filled with confusion, frustration, and sadness for Pinocchio and Geppetto are spellbinding. I was captivated with the disconnect the film displays in many loving ways. Toro knows connection and imagination. He creates a picture where love is enticing for everyone in the film. He even portrays admirable moments during the perilous scenes. Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio has many moments which deliver silver linings, but the best ones are between Geppetto and Pinocchio which is why I adore Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio. It is about connection, love, discovery, and acceptance portrayed in many endearing scenes.

The second time I saw Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, I attended the 35mm format at Music Box Theatre. The best part about this experience was that the director attended virtually along with the audience. Hearing Del Toro talk about his imagination and the process of making the film was captivating and surreal. Del Toro is not afraid to throw his creativity into full swing. He is also not afraid to do what it takes to make his audience feel a sense of connection to his projects. Both of his strengths are in full display and spot-on in Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio. Come experience the love with Geppetto, Pinocchio, and many other wonderful characters in this not to miss movie. Four stars.