I'll say it right now - this film is a great deal of fun, a light hearted romp through this life and the next, showing that death isn't always a bad thing, not as long as you remember those who have passed on. Which, frankly, is refreshing, in the era of grim realism. Also, the Land of the Remembered is my kind of afterlife.
It plays some tropes straight, but remember, Tropes Are Not Bad. They're tropes for a reason.
At the same time, it pleasantly subverts others. The main hero is an excellent portrayal of Badass Pacifist - he can fight, and will if he has to, but doesn't like it. The themes could, in the hands of another Director, become anvilicious and grim - in the hands of Gutierrez, however, the film wears its themes lightly (but not flippantly).
And, on top of all that, it has an unambiguously happy ending. Love conquers all indeed.
A feel good film and a future family favourite
I'll say it right now - this film is a great deal of fun, a light hearted romp through this life and the next, showing that death isn't always a bad thing, not as long as you remember those who have passed on. Which, frankly, is refreshing, in the era of grim realism. Also, the Land of the Remembered is my kind of afterlife.
It plays some tropes straight, but remember, Tropes Are Not Bad. They're tropes for a reason.
At the same time, it pleasantly subverts others. The main hero is an excellent portrayal of Badass Pacifist - he can fight, and will if he has to, but doesn't like it. The themes could, in the hands of another Director, become anvilicious and grim - in the hands of Gutierrez, however, the film wears its themes lightly (but not flippantly).
And, on top of all that, it has an unambiguously happy ending. Love conquers all indeed.