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Movie Reviews
by Todd Pearage

Apocalypto (5/22/07)
Rated R for sequences of graphic violence and disturbing images.

Directed by Mel Gibson (Braveheart, The Passion of the Christ)

Starring Rudy Youngblood, Dalia Hernández


Todd's Rating: Worth Buying

Apocalypto is breathtaking – and that’s not a word I use a lot.  From the scenery and cinematography to the characters and story, I loved everything about this movie.

The story centers on Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), a peaceful hunter in the ancient Mayan civilization.  Jaguar is from a remote forest tribe whose life is forever changed when his village is raided and he is marched off to be prepared as a sacrifice for the Mayan gods.  The brave hunter knows that he must find a way to escape and get home in time to save his pregnant wife (Dalia Hernández) and son.

Braveheart and The Passion of The Christ are two of my favorite movies of all time, but honestly when I read that Gibson was making another film completely in a dead language I wondered if I would even want to see it.  Ancient civilizations, subtitles, no name actors, and a lot of naked butts…not exactly my idea of a great movie, but Mel Gibson delivers again.  Not only is Apocalypto a stunning epic filled with action, tension, drama and even a bit of humor, it tells a wonderful story filled with deep characters that you really care about.  Whether I was cheering for Jaguar or distressed by the tribe’s affliction, I found myself emotionally involved very quickly.  

One of the things I loved about the film is that like Braveheart, there is a lot of violence and intense battle scenes, but at the heart of the movie there is a love story.  In both films outside forces separate the warrior from his wife, leaving him to fight against insurmountable odds.  In fact, Apocalypto, Braveheart, and The Passion of The Christ tell that same “what one man will do for love” story.  

I realize not everyone will like this movie, maybe they won’t like the violence or the subtitles or the naked butts, but I loved it…well not the butts part.  

  
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Apocalypto has a true R-rating with some pretty graphic images and plenty of violence so younger kids should not see it.  

However, I think that some older kids that can process the violence and with intentional discussion will discover some valuable life lessons.  



Todd Pearage Todd Pearage is a movie buff at heart, but he's not your traditional film critic. Todd is a blue collar film geek, from his job years ago at Blockbuster to his heartfelt online movie reviews. But Todd isn't just a film geek. He has worked with middle and high school students since 1991 as a youth pastor in Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. Todd and his wife Lynda are both graduates of Philadelphia Biblical University and have two children, Brianna and Caleb. Todd loves sports and movies and is always up for a good laugh. He is a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and his favorite movies include Braveheart and Tommy Boy. Todd's reviews reflect his love for kids and for his family.


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