Reviews

Where one could see the character's journey as one seeking closure after tragedy, with pig being some connection to his humanity after being so brutally beaten down, the true journey was him turning his head, at the end, to God.

Whether one is able to still trust in God's overall plan for us after tragedy after tragedy is the message contained in the Book of Job.

The movie "Rover" with Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson also has a similar theme.

Perhaps that's the intent of the writers and producers - to make one think about repeated patterns of behavior, regret and desire for closure. We sense the frustration in every episode at having the mystery just outside their grasp.

The ending took a bizarre turn from previous seasons showing evil predators into the villain being a grief-stricken woman mourning over the loss of her daughter. This grief led to numerous murders, yet the ending seems to expect us to forgive or explain away this. BUT, how does an underground living area behind a massive safe vault door induce any sympathy in us? Are we to assume the victim only lived in that dolled-up prison when necessary?

The real victim, apart from the brother and sister of course, is the father. The mother is a monster as well - chose drugs and easy money over responsibility, as though selling off a child to wealthy murdering psychopaths is the right thing to do.

Final note, the last scene of the season has main character in a Vietnam flashback looking back at the viewer . My guess at the meaning of this is some type of time loop, Buddhist cycles message. That Vietnam is linked to the current case?

I'll start off by stating the excellent production from the first Sicario was continued in the sequel - writing, acting, cinematography, music etc. No complaints.

Now I will give my comments on the overall writing. We had the first movie give us a hint that there is a broad scope in what the special ops has to deal with, and this carries on in the second, with a twist. We find out a jihadi attack possibly involved jihadis smuggled through the US-Mexico border, so the US government goes black ops to start a war between the cartels by kidnapping 'a prince' (which turns out to be a princess because 'reasons'), thus creating so much chaos and division that the US can make the area more amenable to its manipulations.

However, further analysis of the jihadi identities reveals that they are US citizens, and the black ops kidnapping of the princess has to be called off (because, and I'm paraphrasing the govt-black ops liaison: 'there's 40 million Americans who have relatives in Mexico and the optics aren't acceptable). So the rest of the film deals with the fallout from this decision, resulting in an amazing cliffhanger ending that makes the viewer quite excited for the third installment).

I know, somewhat confusing. An enjoyable movie, nonetheless, but I really hope the third Sicario doesn't go soft in how it addresses jihadi terror cells in the west, ethnic voting blocks tying the military's hands etc. I was actually hoping that this second installment would present a more blunt display on how the government and military can put aside the opinion polls and other opportunistic political shills in dealing with threats like suicide bombing in shopping centers (to name but one example). And, human smuggling in order to undermine the United States cannot be ignored either.

Well-paced, with a buildup to a chilling conclusion. Small clues as to the final plan of the cult are thrown throughout and leave the viewer only partially able to grasp the scope of the plan. The viewer is also startled through the insertion of horror elements when least expected (for me, it was the cultists outside the home in the final act standing silently).

I recently read Ramsay Campbell's "The Parasite" and it has similar themes.

Casting is superb. The music, locations (a vague, generic layout which implies that this plot could be anyone's neighborhood) and acting are all excellent. Toni Collette, especially when she flips between moods show an incredible range and dedication to the role.

Resisted a higher score due to what I feel is the restrained potential in the overall plot. I understand a sparse script and plot is intentional, but it leaves the feeling that more could be done with this.

A man's longing for his mother's embrace, creating beauty to honor her in elegant fashion. Contributing to higher art. But this longing and natural disinclination to discover his true purpose in life leads this wanderer to attempt to solidify this longing in the form of a young beauty untainted by the glamorous and upper-class world.

So his desire, and her concordant need to live a life on her own terms results in a slow but underlying mutual love that creates a type of mutual resignation, albeit in a somewhat macabre manner.

A beautiful film which draws you in with every scene, every subtle expression and movement.

Will close by commending Lesley Manville's performance. Stood out and deserves her own examination in her place in the above dynamic. Always the bridesmaid? She who sacrifices for the art?

Underneath the common alien monster movie is the message of optimism may not necessarily be a good thing when reality comes crashing down. Also, that no matter how many safeguards are put in place, events sometimes conspire to render them ineffective.

I liked how at various times in the film, the protagonists succumbed to desire, selfishness, bravery and having it result in more misery and disaster.

We are treated to great acting, soundtrack and special effects while offering up a stern lesson about how good intentions often go awry.

Recommended.