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| Movie Review: The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada Alternate Title: Promises to Keep, And Miles to go
Before I Sleep
Story: Yes it is a mouthful
of both title and alternate title for this Southwestern vision by first
time feature director Tommy Lee Jones and written via
the skilful hand of Guillermo Arriaga (Amores Perros
and 21 Grams). Illegal Mexican, Melquiades Estrada is gunned down by a loose cannon
border patrol agent, Mike Norton. His murder is dismissed by the local
police but our hero Pete, who had befriended Melquiades, wants to make
things right and keep his old promises to Melquiades. Frustrated by
the lack of justice he settles for the Old West type and our voyage
begins. The journey to bury Melquiades in his home village is physical,
emotional and spiritual. There are small scenes and strong imagery that will stay with you long
after you leave the theater. All of the films' characters have depth
and each evolves in their own way. It is a powerful story about justice,
friendship, promises and redemption. Acting: Kudos all around to a fine ensemble cast.
Tommy Lee Jones as Pete is better than he has been
in a long, long time. Barry Pepper, as Norton has the
role of a lifetime and will probably typecast him forever. Julio
Cedillo is heartwarming as we get to know his character, Melquiades,
through flashbacks. Melissa Leo is stunning as waitress
Rachel, January Jones as Norton's wife hits the nail
on the head and Dwight Yoakum as the sheriff added
our comic relief.
Predilection: None.
Critters: Oh my. Most of the critters end up in the
food category below. The entire critter cast includes, horses, snakes,
bear, coyote, goats, chickens and cattle.
Food: See above.
Soundtrack: Perfect
Visual Art: Director of photography, Chris
Menges sets up some visual landscapes that will soothe the
eye.
Theater Audience: A handful of riveted movie goers.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 2
Squirm Scale: There are some animals that are killed
in the film and that got me very squirmy.
Drift Factor: No drifting by me. But there were lots
of drifters in the movie.
Predictability Level: I was not sure what was going
to happen. There were lots of small and large surprises.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: It was released late December to be
included in the Oscar race but for some reason it did not make the cut.
Big Screen or Rental: The big screen is the way to
go for this film. For some of Tommy Lee Jones' other films, try renting:
Space Cowboys, Men in Black, Cobb, Natural Born Killers, The Client,
The Fugitive, Heaven & Earth, JFK and Love Story.
Length: Two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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