Apocalypto (2006)
Apocalypto (2006) 7/10
While the film occasionally veers towards being over-the-top and is way more grisly than it needs to be, the action is well done and Gibson knows how to push the right buttons.
The characterizations are painfully cliched at times, and one particularly laughable scene screams deus ex machina in big, bold font. But the costumes are great, as is the cinematography and Gibson clearly knows how to craft an action sequence. Granted, it feels like a Mayan cross between The Last of the Mohicans and Braveheart, but as far as dumb action thriller goes, Gibson makes an enjoyable but not necessarily historically accurate potrayal of the Mayans.
Gibson really should stop filming in obscure languages unless the script really warrants it. In Apocalyto, the language feels more like a needless gimmick than a necessary development. The film is enjoyable and thrilling, especially the second half which is stronger.
