Blade II (2002) - 3/5

This movie has all the great action and practical effects that are the hallmarks of director Guillermo del Toro, but it falls short in other places. Firstly, it immediately retcons a major plot point from the first movie, backtracks some substantial character growth in the main character. Secondly, the script plays a little loose with the stakes, utilizing physics-defying gadgets and out-of-nowhere character switches for pivotal plot points. Thirdly, the film severely underutilizes Donnie Yen giving him not even a single good martial arts scene, which is in itself a crime. But for all of that the movie is absolutely dripping with cool visual style and so viscerally engaging that it holds up admirably under its own weight.

Content warning: bloody

Closest comparison: It’s like Blade (1998) by way of Hellboy II: The Golden Army.

Setting: Post-Noir Goth
Plot: Super Hero
Tone: Action Horror

Pan's Labyrinth - 5/5

This movie is Guillermo Del Torro’s masterpiece. It’s thoughtful and creepy, fantastical and dark in a sum total that manages to be exhilarating, terrifying, and deeply moving. It’s a fairy tale for adults, executed in a beautiful orchestra of set design, music, and a tour-de-force of performances from everyone involved. The story is complex and intricate, leaving the audience with plenty to discuss afterward.

Content warnings: Several brief sudden outbursts of brutal violence

Closest comparison: It’s like Burnt By The Sun (1994) by way of Legend (1985), but far surpassing them both.

Setting: War
Plot: Fantasy
Tone: Horror

The Shape of Water - 4/5

It's very good, but there's a lot of nudity. Not pointless and in fact used maturely, but I also think ultimately the movie would have been better without it. On the whole the movie's beautifully shot and the story is beautifully told. Of Guillermo del Torro's other works it's closest to Pan's Laybrinth in the sense that it's a fairy tale told in a harsh world. If you like his other works and you are prepared to look away a few times, this movie is great, for the unparalleled set design and costume design at least.