LogFAQs > #924237997

Snake - Why I Chose It - Guillermo del Toro's first feature film, Cronos is often hailed as both one of the best vampire films of all time and one of the best Spanish-languange films of all time. It even foreshadowed some of Del Toro's notable hallmarks, including working with recurring actors (Federico Luppi, Ron Perlman) & his penchant for small, thoughtful films that blur the lines between horror, fantasy, and drama.

My Thoughts - This is easily one of my favorite vampire movies of all time. Del Toro's debut feature already shows a master at work, with gorgeous cinematography and a slow, tense build punctuated by some seriously affecting moments of drama. A really great example of this is when Gris uses the Cronos device, and it pierces his wrist in an excruciating way, as gears turn and the music swells a little. Then, the scene cuts to quiet, with Gris' granddaughter watching him from above, worried for his safety. It's so effectively sad and the whole film is filled with scenes like that. It's also one of the most unique takes on the vampire mythos by far. Though the typical tropes are all there, the Cronos device really helps set it apart from the pack, acting as almost an addictive drug for Gris. Can't go without mentioning Perlman's great performance, filled with both menace and levity as only he can pull off. The film is capped off with an ambiguous ending, which makes the film that much more touching and thoughtful overall. Cronos and Del Toro deftly analyzes the effects of immortality on the human condition, crafting a masterwork that's universally frightening.

Charon - An interesting film about immortality; del Toro surprises here with this Mexican originated dark film about the dangers and wonders of it. I didn't really know what to expect from this film, but given it wasn't "really" an American film I was nervous of it a little bit, but I ended up liking this one quite a bit. The cast here is brilliant in their roles, especially Federico Luppi and Ron Perlman. You have to love just watching Perlman kick his ass most of the film so you'll be happy when he gets his in the end. I enjoyed the twist near the end here, where we avoid that bad ending for our hero. Instead del Toro leaves this ambiguous, which is something that the horror genre could apply more often in my opinion.

Johnbobb - Man it's weird looking back at this now and seeing all the future Guillermo Del Toro tells. The bizarre faith-focused fantasy, the striking makeup and prosthetics, the Ron Perlman. Cronos is really rough around the edges but Del Toro's creativity shines through it. It's a far cry from his later masterpieces but goddamn if you can't see the potential lying in it all.

Genny - Cronos poses the question of what it means to be immortal and whether it's worth it to live forever if the cost is having to feed on life. Gone are the overkill gory moments and overgrown beasts running rampant in many other 90s offerings, instead Hellboy lays a smackdown or two of realistic violence, but he's not the villain nor is his invalid uncle. Instead it's desire. I can buy that. Who wouldn't want youth, health, and longevity? 7.3/10

JONA - While I liked the concept and characters, it just felt plodding for the most part with few moments that felt important.
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