NEW Movie Review: Pan's Labyrinth [2006]

One thing I noticed when talking to a new friend whom I met yesterday about horror movies is that I actually am a fairly large fan of foreign films. One such foreign film is Pan's Labyrinth. I actually saw this movie in theaters twice when it first came out.. primarily because I was late the first time around [I had paid to see 'Wild Hogs' but when I saw that this was in theaters, I naturally chose Pan's Labyrinth] I absolutely love the atmosphere within the film itself and the story behind it. Just knowing that [as the movie portrays] fantasy/make believe is a much better place then real life/reality. This film shows that sometimes, it's better to get lost in a fantasy world rather than live in reality.. If I had to choose a favorite character though, it would have to be 'Pan' or 'The Faun'. Just the way that Guillermo Del Toro had envisioned him [Del Toro is the director], and then made him come to life is very essence of a beautiful creature in my eyes. For those that aren't aware- Pan is the god of the Earth and the forests [according to myths and fairy tales] So naturally Guillermo Del Toro made Pan look exactly like he was part of the Earth. [see below for a picture of Pan from the movie]

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Now bear in mind, being a foreign film- it is subtitled. It's spoken in Spanish and the amazing part is all the actors that were in the movie, actually spoke Spanish as their first language.. Everyone except for The Faun. Pan was actually played by Doug Jones [who is American], whom you may know from other movies..even if you don't know it.

[This is Doug Jones- in case you weren't aware..]
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If you still don't recognize him, don't worry too much- not many people do. It's because Doug is actually known for wearing very obscure costumes when playing a part in a movie.. Here are some other examples of characters who Doug Jones has played in other movies, whether you've realized it or not.

The Pale Man

..definitely an odd character to say the least; He's also from Pan's Labyrinth

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The Angel Of Death- Hellboy2
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Abe Sapien- Hellboy 1 & 2
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Billy Butcherson- Hocus Pocus

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Needless to say, Doug Jones has played in multiple movies without us being aware, all because of the costume. [If you watch the special features of Pan's Labyrinth, he actually says that Pan was the most comfortable suit he's worn yet..] So there you have it, Pan's Labyrinth. It's one of the best [if not the best] foreign horror/fantasy movies out there- the story is superb, the acting is well done, and Doug Jones plays not one, but two characters. [although one doesn't speak] If you're into horror/fantasy type movies, check this one out.. I promise you will not be disappointed.