We, the family three, along with PeterJ, caught a showing of Pan's Labyrinth tonight. I went in with few preconceptions, as all I really knew was that it "wasn't appropriate for small children" and was showing up on some critics' Best of 2006 lists.
While I had a few quibbles with the pace early on, overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The visuals were stunning, the young actress in the lead role of Ofelia was fantastic, and the story was gripping and unpredictable. It reminded me at times of Mirrormask, in that both feature a young girl wandering between reality and what might be fantasy, and both films showcase imagery that you're unlikely to see anywhere else. Pan's Labyrinth is much darker than Mirrormask, has subtitles and Spanish dialogue, and isn't as likely to leave you feeling good at the end, though. But both are great films that every serious movie buff should see!
When we got home from that, the three of us watched the first two installments in the Up Series: 7-Up and 7 Plus Seven, each of which was excellent! Seeing how early in life those kids start to show signs of what they're going to be as adults is scary! So far, the series has proven to be every bit as engaging, funny and poignant as I'd remembered.
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For those parents out there with camcorders, you might want to capture your kids thoughts on life every few years. From the standard "what kind of job will you have when you grow up? - where will you live? - will you go to school?" To the more interesting social questions along the lines of prejudices and social values.
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