there are three or four scenes here that rank among the most awe-inducing I've ever seen. it's rare for any film to have that kind of raw, shocking power -- I felt like I was seeing a new benchmark, like Jurassic Park's CGI, Cinemascope or the first talkie.

unfortunately, Cuarón didn't bother to fill out the rest of the movie. the script is shockingly weak, with notes of spirituality and perseverance that seem to lampoon his own prior work. not that I needed more ambition -- simple is good. but simple overdressed with painful banter, bad characterization, and thematic orchestral cues that would make John Williams cringe is not good.

it's the new Avatar: a movie with absolutely no substance, but successful as an experience. see it in 3D this month or not at all.