TEN LONG YEARS have passed since Tim Burton's dark, brooding twist on Ape-dom. Here now is a prequel, from filmmaker Rupert Wyatt (best known for the Brian Cox yarn THE ESCAPIST), which boasts an even more impressive amount of CGI. We're also treated to a fine series of scientific melodrama.
Notable for not being shot in 3D – and just as visually arresting without it – RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES proves to be something of a mixed bag. James Franco, as Will Rodman, is typically reliable as the super tech determined to rid the world of Alzheimer's. We soon discover the reason for his laboratory testing on chimps: Rodman's father (played by John Lithgow) is deteriorating at home, rapidly.
Soon enough, Rodman is growing emotionally attached to the apes. When one goes, erm, ape – like the Incredible Hulk, their eyes turn green, with the serum that's being tested on them – smooth-talking boss Steven Jacobs (David Oyelowo) orders the lot to be terminated. Naturally, Rodman finds one to rescue: a baby chimp, which soon grows up to be a pet-of- sorts, named Caesar (Andy Serkis).
Rodman's serum appears to not only reverse the brain-wasting disease when he tests it on his father, it even improves brain function. But Caesar grows restless being cooped up inside and ultimately winds up in an enclosure, having wreaked havoc down Rodman's street. Once inside, the dynamics shift between the caged apes, and Caesar cottons on to boosting his fellow chimps' intelligence: steal the serum. Once it's unleashed, all hell – literally – breaks loose.
Director Wyatt does a fine job with the chimps, their laboratory testing, the drama within the lab, and the chimps' rebellion inside their enclosure. Less convincing are the sub plots and supporting cast. Roman's romance with a similarly chimp-obsessed medic named Caroline Aranha (SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE's Freida Pinto, pictured above, with Franco and Serkis) feels like an after-thought, in spite of Pinto's screen presence. Similarly, a father-and-son tussle between enclosure owner John Landon (Brian Cox) and his son Dodge (an over-the-top Tom Felton, freshly released from HARRY POTTER) is hinted at, but not developed. Dodge merely acts as the villain who, inevitably, will get his comeuppance.
As with Burton's 2001 remake, this highly anticipated prequel feels somewhat overburdened by the legacy of the 1968 original: a film that spawned a series of highly successful TV- focused follow-ups that continued throughout the 1970s. It is no coincidence that Charlton Heston's turn in PLANET OF THE APES is spotted on a TV set – nor that Dodge gets to holler the immortal line, "Get your filthy paws off me, you damn, dirty ape!"And, as with Burton's feature, this latest effort does, if nothing else, introduce a whole new generation to the franchise in an intelligent fashion. Visually, it is very impressive indeed – and Wyatt couldn't have asked for a more appropriate lead in Franco. One wonders what could happen, were the original not to loom so large in cinematic history.
Well here we go again. Another Transformers movie and another round of critics bashing it harder than a decepticon hitting an autobot picnic.
First let me preface things by saying, when do all movies being made lately have to be compared to The Dark Knight or be reviewed as if its the next academy award winning film. Whatever happened to just simply going to the movies and enjoying yourself.
Transformers Dark of the Moon fits nicely into the "go and enjoy yourself" variety. ** Potential Spoilers ** I really enjoyed this installment of the Transformers franchise. The special effects are as always excellent. As opposed to Revenge of the Fallen there's actually a story to this movie. It appears that the space-race was inspired by a crashed Autobot shuttle that was fleeing Cybertron during the war. The US got to it first and learned what they could from it and salvaging some items that become integral to the story later on. Sam this time around is out of college and out of work. There's some mildly amusing and awkward interview moments (we've all been there) and he finally lands a job in a mail-room. This is when the story kicks in. It seems Megatron and the Decepticons have been working with humans behind the scenes for a while and now they are looking to terminate some of those relationships. Sam is confronted with the information about the crashed Autobot shuttle and NASA cover-up. And he goes to the dismissive head of national security. The Autobots hear of the news and hear to the moon to recover Sentinel Prime (voiced by Leonard Nimoy) and he tells why he was fleeing Cybetron. Then the action begins with some excellent chase scenes on the highway. Great battle sequences and an unexpected betrayal. Thus resulting in the invasion of the US and some mass destruction. Parents be warned the Decepticons actually vaporize innocent by-standers on screen and it may be a bit harsh for little ones. The new Autobots were enjoyable. Loved the Wreckers and they provided some great moments on screen. And the final fight between Megatron and Optimus was very satisfying. This was a great way to end the current story and leaves things open enough for future movies. It seems like most of the negative reviews have focused on the fact that A) They hate Michael Bay. B) Megan Fox isn't in it. and C) The story sucked. Well I for one thought the story was as good as the first movie. I like the action sequences Bay films and although I find Megan Fox pleasing to the eyes I really didn't miss her at all. I don't expect great acting from these types of movies. It's meant to be escapist fun. A chance to turn off the brain and be entertained for a few hours. This movie is pure fun and fit the bill nicely. Don't listen to the haters and bad reviews... Go see it.... and have fun
'Cars 2' (2011) picks up a few years after the original left off, with Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) winning 3 more Piston Cups since we last saw him win his first and has now been invited to participate in the new World Grand Prix. In this sequel, the attention is divided between McQueen and his tow-truck best friend Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), who is unwittingly roped himself into a top secret mission involving international spies.
Yes it is another Pixar sequel, and not the last from the highly regarded animation company with the follow-up to 'Monsters, Inc.' (2001), 'Monsters University' slated for a 2013 release. Is this a bad thing? Yes and no. While many commentators will argue that 'Cars 2' is the beginning of the sale of Pixar's soul, I tend to give the company a bit more credit than that. Not only have they created some of the greatest children's films of the past 20 years, but have created films that transcend the 'target' audience and leaves a lasting impact on audiences of all ages.
'Cars 2', it must be said however, is not their best work. In fact, it is probably one the least enjoyable experiences I have had out of a Pixar film. The important thing to note though is that this does not mean it was bad. Not at all, rather just lacking in comparison to the brilliance of 'Finding Nemo' (2003) and 'Toy Story' (1995). All in all, it was a good family film, with a particular emphasis on action. 2 long action sequences that bookend the film are brilliantly done and is some of the best high-speed work done in animation. Mater is extremely lovable, goofy character and complements the excellent voice work of Michael Caine as the international spy Finn.
Where I have issue with this film is the script. There are too many cheesy one-liners plucked from the last 30 years of children's action films and not enough slickness and wit that usually overflows from Pixar's scripts. There is also a lack of sentiment that accompanies the best of the companies films. 'Finding Nemo' for example, makes me, an 18 year old, cry, laugh and cry again all in the space in 90 minutes. That powerful use of emotion is not found in this film, at least not to a great degree.
However, that makes it seem a lot worse than it actually was. It was still a great film (certainly better than anything DreamWorks can put up), and it made my and my brother laugh numerous times.
TEN LONG YEARS have passed since Tim Burton's dark, brooding twist on Ape-dom. Here now is a prequel, from filmmaker Rupert Wyatt (best known for the Brian Cox yarn THE ESCAPIST), which boasts an even more impressive amount of CGI. We're also treated to a fine series of scientific melodrama.
