Movie Review: Apocalypto

Director/Producer Mel Gibson bets big once again.

When it comes to big budget films, filmmakers are most often left at the mercy of film studios ... but not when your name is Mel Gibson. After getting turned down repeatedly while searching for a film studio to green-light The Passion of the Christ , Gibson decided to dig deep and put his own money on the line. And he learned a fateful lesson: To win big, you've got to bet big! After grossing $370 million domestic with his last controversial film about Jesus in his last 12 hours of life, Gibson decided to ante up once again with Apocalypto .

Pay little regards to the title. Although the film is centered chronologically at the end of the Mayan Civilization, the film is far more focused on the development of one main character, Jaguar-Paw, and his battle with fear.

Amidst the chore of hunting, Jaguar-Paw is washed over with fear as he, his father (Flint Sky), and fellow tribesman face a trespasser from another Mayan tribe. Flint Sky sees this within Jaguar Paw, and advises him to let it go. "Fear is a disease. Strike it from your heart" says Flint Sky. Yet it is clear his words will not teach his son the lesson he is soon to learn on his own as he attempts to run away from the 'unelaborate explanation' that the opposing tribe had faced before. Throughout the course of the rest of the film, Jaguar Paw must again and again battle his fear and come to realize that he is much more in control of his life than he had once thought.

Although Apocalypto is bloody and gruesome at times, and certainly not for the faint of heart, the film is entertaining. The development of the central character, Jaguar-Paw, truly makes for a compelling story. However, the main issue the film has to overcome is the fact that the title and the film itself are marketed as an 'end of civilization' movie, and this is something the film does not provide. So, when the roller-coaster ride ends you might find yourself disappointed.