"this is for matilda"

i thought this movie was absolutely astounding. i agree with samamual that it is probably one of the best we've ever had for amt (and looking back over our list, i can say i'm about 99% sure of it). i found myself crossing my fingers and trying very hard to influence the actions of the characters with my mind powers.
jean reno though not entirely convincing as an italian, did an incredible job balancing kindness and strength in his character. he shifted easily between terrifying wearing his boxy coat, bizarre little hat and round sunglasses, to being a gentle father figure in pants that were too short, suspenders, and a pig oven mit. his death was impressively tragic as well as cathartic, which is a trait rarely found in our typical amt choices.
natalie portman was a bit frightening, but in the perfect way. afterall, what 12 year old would be so calm after her family (or rather her little brother) gets killed? or would choose revenge as their next step? it absolutely broke my heart when she confessed her love to leon and described it as a warm feeling in her stomach. being 12 was tough.
danny aiello (or as i have always known him, johnny cammareri) i appreciated the fact that he was in the film and especially that he did not do something so unbelievable and irresponsible as give 12 year old natalie a job as a cleaner.
gary oldman i have now officially decided that i will see pretty much any movie with him in it (including this). he was one of the scariest characters i have ever seen, specifically when he took one of his "i'm going to kill everyone" pills. i appreciated the complex, gray-area character traits he possessed through the film. additionally, i felt vindicated the moment he opened his hand to see the grenade pin.
this movie was a high quality action flick for reasons beyond the gunfights, explosions, and drug conflict. quite a contrast when thinking about our previous choices (cough, point break, road house, surf ninjas, big hit, cough).