A Disappointing Continuation

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

During much of his career, the Spanish director Segundo de Chomón copied much of the work of the famed French director Georges Méliès. Some of Chomón films seemed mostly inspired by Méliès--using some of the same techniques he pioneered. Some were downright knockoffs intended to fool the public. However, one thing you cannot deny is that Segundo de Chomón was quite talented.In "Sweet Dreams Intermingled with Nightmares", Chomón has shown that he can use many of his competitor's techniques BUT infuse a few of his own and come up with a better product. Considering it came out in 1909--over a decade after Méliès began making films--it's not surprising it's a bit of an improvement. Unlike the old master, Chomón has set much of his film outdoors, has a complex (though confusing) plot and has amazingly nice sets for the day. He uses stop-motion but also double-exposures to come up with some neat camera tricks.As far as the plot goes, it's confusing. It is set around 1760 (give or take a week) and begins with a lady falling asleep outside next to a pond. During her sleep, some weird creature (I think it's el Diablo--the great fighting chicken) takes her to a weird world with STRANGE guys. These weird guys have amazingly cool costumes and masks--and they are impossible to really describe. This dream sucked and when she woke up, the lady was NOT happy. Then, a pretty fairy (or something magical) appears and gives her a much nicer dream where she falls in love with her Prince Charming. What's next? See it and find out for yourself.Because the film is complex, lovely to look at and is fun, I strongly recommend it. Just don't be surprised if you find it a tad confusing. I say don't worry about this--just let go and enjoy this fantasy film.