VMI Worldwide
The Mayans prophesied that on December 21st, 2012, the world would face its end. The Mesoamerican Long Count calendar would end its 5,126-year cycle and the world would suffer earth shattering events. We know now that 2012 wasn’t the end of the world, but in Curse of the Mayans, it was just the beginning. Director Joaquin Rodriquez (Decadencia, Time Warrior, 666: The Beginning of the End) sets this sci-fi thriller in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. In present day, American professor Dr. Alan Green discovers a manuscript that may hold the keys to the lost Mayan culture. After traveling to Mexico, he hires an expert team of cave divers, led by Danielle Noble, to explore a submerged labyrinth of ruins left behind by the ancient civilization before their mysterious disappearance. But when the team unwittingly stumbles upon an underwater prison and frees the evil alien beings trapped within, they are forced to fight for their survival and prevent the extraterrestrial apocalypse predicted by the Mayans long ago.
As someone with an interest in mythology, I was curious to check out Curse of the Mayans. I vividly remember back in 2012 being extremely worried about the arrival of December 21st. I spent countless hours each day leading up to that day researching Mayan prophecies. Of course, I was worried for nothing. Joaquin Rodriquez has introduced another aspect to Mayan mythology that brought back my interest in ancient archeology. In the beginning of the film, expert cave diver Danielle Noble gives us an exposition scene that describes what Dr. Alan Green is looking for. In the ancient Mayan water-world of caves, a sinister secret is waiting to be unleashed on the world. From there on, Rodriquez manages to mix truth with storytelling which I found impressive. I was interested in the story that was created and the film managed to sustain my interest level all the way to the end. The engrossing tale dived deeper into the Mayan prophecy of the apocalypse.
Curse of the Mayans was filmed on location at the sites of actual Mayan settlements. Filming locations included Xcaret and Yucatan, Mexico, sites of famous Mayan ruins. There were plenty of moments in the movie where I marveled at the beautiful locations of these Mayan settlements. Rodriquez explores the Mayan ruins as well as underwater caves that hide part of the Mayan prophecy. The directing captured realistic experiences of what it looks like to explore underwater caves and the awe of discovering something that could alter the future of the world. As the team explores the Mayan world, the interior of the cave paints a spectacular visual that left me amazed.
The chemistry amongst the team is palpable as people question Dr. Green but offers vague information for the team involved. It all turns its head as they reach the archaeological site, leading to the team changing in ways never thought imaginable. Coming along is some surprisingly decent acting. Steve Wilcox plays Dr. Green, a man with deep pockets who has a clear focus when it comes to archeology. He attempts to persuade Danielle to join his crew with money that would change her life, but she instead joins for the fame that would come along with this discovery. Carla Ortiz plays Danielle and she embodies a passionate, strong-willed cave diver who has suffered traumatic events in her life that leave her hesitant to follow through with the exploration.
Although I found the storyline to be interesting, I think this movie could have benefited from a little more substance in the middle part of the film. Dr. Green spoke of the prophecy many times throughout, but the tension wasn’t successfully built up and the big reveal prophecy at the end felt brief and left me hanging.
Curse of the Mayans is an interesting story that sparked my interest in ancient mythology. The natural filming locations added a sense of realism that was paired nicely with a cast that was clearly dedicated to their work. Added tension throughout the second act would have been a nice touch to the film that was already boasting a fascinating plot. For a lower budget film, Curse of the Mayans was an entertaining one.
VMI Wordlwide generously provided Hotchka with a DVD of the film for reviewing purposes.
VMI Worldwide
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