BeLyt

This was a great movie on friendship in the '70's, and a look at how the sport of skateboarding took off. I'd wanted to see it for awhile, so with Heath Ledger's death, didn't hesitate anymore. I didn't recognize him as the surf shop owner Skip, for the first several scenes. I think he added poignancy to his role, as did others who, in the film, fought their way to who they are. Interesting to know this is based on lives of people still in the skateboarding business, including the man who started off Tony Hawks career. It's good to have work out there yet to see Heath Ledger's talent shine. I'd recommend this movie to people who like to observe people, even if you're neither a skateboarding fan or a Ledger fan.

This movie doesn't try to dance around the despair and pain of war, yet it brings forward reasons to hope as well. The effects were exceptional, although gory at times and may not be appropriate for young children. Everyone appeared to be very well cast. I think watching this movie in Spanish with English subtitles added depth to the characters as well as gave the opportunity to not miss a word. A beautiful, dark, suspenseful film with touches of light and hope. The young woman who played Ofelia (appropriate name for a magical movie) was heart-breaking in her role. A movie to recommend for people interested in myths and faerie, as well as history.

May contain spoilers: Advertized as a supernatural horror movie, this is another film, like First Born, (also with Elizabeth Shue), which turns out to be a psychological drama about the dark side of human nature.

Dakota Fanning as usual does a great job acting, De Niro is believable in his role as well. The DVD lists several alternate ending choices. The one I saw finishes the story as it started, as a study of the human mind.

I am not a fan of slasher or horror films but have been renting movies like this for their possible supernatural content; psychological thrillers are okay with me, too. It's unfortunate that many movies are being miss marketed, targeting the wrong audiences and therefore not meeting many viewers expectations.

Is this movie worth a rental? Yes, especially if you enjoy piecing a movie together before it's done. If parts are a bit slow, there's always fast-forward, a favorite button for me.