Babel

Babel, directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, is one of those movies where the sum of its parts is far greater than the whole. Like any anthology movie -- again, this comes up, especially because anthologies are my favorites -- Babel speaks to a varied audience. For that reason alone this film merits praise and recommendation. But to get my vote of confidence, a movie has to excel at more than just one feature, which Babel, needless to say, does. The movie begins slow-ish, I'll admit, but all that does for me is build up the mystery and unpredictability of the plot. When a movie appears to have no direction in the beginning, it's always a good idea to stick around to see where it's headed. The development of the plot becomes that much more exciting, and when you put two and two together, there's nothing more satisfying. Babel doesn't have obvious connections, if you watch from the beginning. I knew there were several storylines, and that they were to intertwine at some point, but I never anticipated how. But when it does, and when Brad Pitt actually gives a stellar performance (though does not pair well with Cate Blanchett), as well as Gael Garcia Bernal and Rinko Kikuchi, you can't do anything but exclaim loudly. It all comes together, and you feel so smart when you get it. As well as sad, I guess, since it is indeed a sad movie. The original score, which won an Academy Award by the way, helps with that. It's a good cry, though, so if you fear emotion, don't run away! Watch it!

You guys up for a toga party? Toga! Toga!

Amanda ;)