RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Review

The original Charlton Heston "Apes" is a film I mostly relegate to childhood memory when I would always seem to catch bits and pieces of it on TV. I never really looked into or realized the subtexts of the story until after Tim Burtons 2001 re-imagining appeared on screen. I have never seen the other films in the original series, but I went into "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" knowing where this all was heading and that is all you really need seeing as this is an origin story. That is part of the intrigue of this project as well, an engaging film has already given us a world audiences are interested in, to see the revolution that led to our roles being switched and how humanity was reduced to nothing more than wild animals ourselves seems, if not only a scheme to make more money off the franchise, at least a credible way to re-boot it. The film has been stacked with A-list actors and top of the line special effects that help create a performance by Andy (Gollum) Serkis as our star ape, Caesar, one of the most memorable and moving performances of the summer. It is a cautionary tale of human ignorance or should I say arrogance and the desire to know more even in the wake of danger. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" doesn't have to give us a reflection of our species as the apes, here, we see our own undoing.

Will Rodman (James Franco) hopes to have found
a cure for  Alzheimer's.

It is easy to say this is one of the best "summer movies" this year, and it is, there is no ignoring the fact it has all the elements a big summer action flick should contain but this is also a very layered story. It gives us the progress of Caesar growing and learning at a pace that makes us completely believe the fact this ape could become what is essentially a human. Caesar is a real character, he is not simply a creation of CGI that is to be marveled at for his seamless integration into the real world but for the accomplishment of his emotional arc being expressed through the motion capture technology. What Serkis brings here is that layered performance that allows us to believe in Caesar and why he is led to do what he does. Truly, Caesar is the entire reason this film succeeds. While we also have the always interesting James Franco playing a young scientist working on a cure for Alzheimer's and "Slumdog Millionaire" alum Frida Pinto as his love interest, both of which have more screen time than John Lithgow but don't create near the impact. Pinto is mainly relegated to stale leading lady and is almost unnecessary if not for the brief moments when she is the voice of reason to Franco's blind drive. Franco on the other hand is not what you would call "in his element" here but it makes sense and his interaction with Caesar does nothing but to build the credibility of the lead ape and to make the eventual revolution he creates all the more heartbreaking.

Caesar the ape becomes very protective of his
human parents.

About that revolution, many will say the film devolves into the exact kind of movie it had rose above this summer, but the scenes of hordes of apes breaking their brothers out from zoos and causing chaos on the streets of San Francisco has been built up to so fantastically that this doesn't classify as mindless action. These actions and their deep-seated emotional ties give us sweeping portraits of these animals swinging through suburbia and under the Golden Gate bridge as they poke holes in the human race's belief we are invincible. The entire scenario gives into just how vulnerable we are and just how easily we could be over-run. The "Ape" films have always seemed to have bigger ideas in mind and though this latest addition doesn't aspire to be as much we do see hints of where this is going and what this "could" all lead to. While here we are simply witnessing the rise of an underclass it is the fact we as an audience identify with them and empathize with those that are rising against us is the real accomplishment. There is a pivotal scene after Caesar is placed in a primate sanctuary that is more prison-like than safe haven when Caesar has begun to rally his fellow primates and they are, for the final time, tried to be put in their place by a human. It is the moment we realize the extent of just how far Caesar's intelligence has come and in the theater I watched the film their was clearly a strong reaction to the moment, it wasn't one you had to cover a laugh at with either, this was genuine unbelievability and it set the tone perfectly for the final act of the film.

The apes make their presence known.

I went into "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" with modest expectations and left in honest surprise at how much I enjoyed the film. Not only did it offer an intelligent and engaging story but it is elevated so far by Serkis's one man show and the perfect tone set by director Rupert Wyatt, not to mention the beautiful cinematography by Andrew Lesnie. As said earlier, it is the inner conflict with Caesar that drives him to wreak the chaos at the climax of the film and to experience that fully engrossed causes the nearly two-hour film to fly by. This is a fun experience, an entertaining ride that is engaging to the point that even Brian Cox shows up in a small role that was completely unnecessary for him to play, but he only adds to the thought that being a part of an "Apes" movie is somewhat inspiring. I can't go without mentioning Tom Felton shows up here as some off version of Draco Malfoy as well, but c'mon dude you've played that gig for ten years, let's try something different. It might be the fact I didn't expect this to be as fascinating and engrossing as it turned out to be but I truly enjoyed "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and can say without a doubt and with all that has been previously stated that this certainly is one of the best summer movies of 2011.

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Review

The original Charlton Heston "Apes" is a film I mostly relegate to childhood memory when I would always seem to catch bits and pieces of it on TV. I never really looked into or realized the subtexts of the story until after Tim Burtons 2001 re-imagining appeared on screen. I have never seen the other films in the original series, but I went into "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" knowing where this all was heading and that is all you really need seeing as this is an origin story. That is part of the intrigue of this project as well, an engaging film has already given us a world audiences are interested in, to see the revolution that led to our roles being switched and how humanity was reduced to nothing more than wild animals ourselves seems, if not only a scheme to make more money off the franchise, at least a credible way to re-boot it. The film has been stacked with A-list actors and top of the line special effects that help create a performance by Andy (Gollum) Serkis as our star ape, Caesar, one of the most memorable and moving performances of the summer. It is a cautionary tale of human ignorance or should I say arrogance and the desire to know more even in the wake of danger. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" doesn't have to give us a reflection of our species as the apes, here, we see our own undoing.

CRAZY STUPID LOVE Review

Steve Carell is truly a movie star to be treasured. His sincerity and understanding of what an audience based in reality wants is all the more reason to love everything about his character. No matter how big a name he becomes, we always feel a relatability to him letting us know that besides the fame, money, and comedic chops he is just like all of us. He makes us feel comfortable and that is something not too many movie stars can claim. With that everyman persona ready and set we are introduced to Cal, a man who has become set in life, relaxed in his setting and a father that exudes love and understanding with his children even if at the moment we are introduced to him we witness the breakdown of his 25-year marriage to his wife Emily (Julianne Moore). "Crazy, Stupid, Love." is one part comedy, one part drama and it balances those moments of both comical farce and tear-jerker realizations with great care. We never feel forced into a situation as so many romantic comedies seem to do these days and most importantly we fall for these characters. With multiple story lines all involving relationships and feelings at drastically different stages we get a full and satisfying picture of what a crazy and stupid emotion love can truly be.

Directing pair Glenn Ficarra and John Requa who only have the indie comedy "I Love You, Philip Morris" under their belts still seem a bit shaky in capturing what is in their script in the most confident ways on film. The style of the camera work at times feels very amateur while at some points (especially in how they capture the bar where Cal meets Ryan Goslings character Jacob) it is very fluid and big-budget Hollywood-like. This is no doubt done with some intention of evoking the certain tone and even emotion of the scenes where the handheld technique is used but more than anything it felt a little jarring. This is really beside the point though as Ficarra and Requa have assembled a cast that you could watch for two hours on home video footage that was shot by a baby.

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone find love in
each others arms.

Along with Carell and an enjoyable Moore who seems to be taking more cues from the experience of last years "The Kids Are All Right" and venturing more into comedic territory, we also have the ever curious Gosling making a surprising turn of his own into comedy. After "The Notebook" the guy took a turn into serious acting mode and so with this role Gosling is able to exude a charming yet slightly repulsive man whore who happens to possess the best wardrobe ever put to film. In retrospect it is really Goslings film. Whereas Carell is our main character Gosling is the one holding this thing together. His story arc, as predictable as it might be, is elevated by the man we watch him become by the finale of the film. It doesn't hurt that he has Emma Stone at his side either. Stone who seems to be able to do no wrong these days gives us another reason as to why we believe that. She is every bit as sweet, honest, charming, and funny as Goslings counterpart and she does so with what feels like too limited of screen time. Marisa Tomei and Kevin bacon give nice little touches to the supporting cast as the rebound lovers for both Cal and Emily. Tomei deserves special attention for making her school teacher a real piece of work though. The other storyline here concerning Cal's 13-year old son and his love crush on their babysitter is understandable and the babysitters crush on Cal isn't as creepy as that might sound but it does add some unnecessary complications to the plot line.

Kevin Bacon, John Carroll Lynch, Ryan Gosling. and
Steve Carell are a bit roughed up after a back yard disturbance.

As Robbie, Jonah Bobo gives all of our adult characters a little perspective but isn't made out to be the tween who is wise beyond his years, as most films tend to do. I found him to be a little much at times with his going-on's about love and all but hey, that's what the movie is about so I get it. The film does offer a few surprises that I honestly didn't see coming. I did sit and think about them long after the credits rolled just to see if it really made sense and it seems like it does though I am anxious to re-watch the film from a different perspective and see if it still flows as smoothly. For now though, I genuinely enjoyed every moment of this film. It is engaging and tender. It rises above any romantic comedy in recent memory and it boasts a talented cast that escalate the material that much further. Though "Crazy, Stupid, Love." should have probably ended on the funnier and more profound note that takes place just before the movie packages things all too neatly at the end it would also be unwise to let the audience depart from the film without smiling. We could have gone without the big dramatic speech, but to see these characters we have been through so much with find a little calm in their life isn't crazy or stupid. It might be love, but for that moment it is simply, perfect.

CRAZY STUPID LOVE Review

Steve Carell is truly a movie star to be treasured. His sincerity and understanding of what an audience based in reality wants is all the more reason to love everything about his character. No matter how big a name he becomes, we always feel a relatability to him letting us know that besides the fame, money, and comedic chops he is just like all of us. He makes us feel comfortable and that is something not too many movie stars can claim. With that everyman persona ready and set we are introduced to Cal, a man who has become set in life, relaxed in his setting and a father that exudes love and understanding with his children even if at the moment we are introduced to him we witness the breakdown of his 25-year marriage to his wife Emily (Julianne Moore). "Crazy, Stupid, Love." is one part comedy, one part drama and it balances those moments of both comical farce and tear-jerker realizations with great care. We never feel forced into a situation as so many romantic comedies seem to do these days and most importantly we fall for these characters. With multiple story lines all involving relationships and feelings at drastically different stages we get a full and satisfying picture of what a crazy and stupid emotion love can truly be.

COWBOYS & ALIENS Review

The big fuss around "Cowboys and Aliens" is in fact that wink and nod of a title that suggests many things that this genre mash-up could possibly be. Upon hearing the title you might initially think more Robert Rodriguez/Quentin Tarantino fare than that of Jon Favreau but the director behind "Iron man" has shown he is quite comfortable with bringing us a fun-filled, big budget summer blockbuster or two and continues his winning streak even if with each film he seems to be losing a bit of his edge. With "Cowboys and Aliens" Favreau has found an interesting concept and one that appeals to the geek within us all but it was really depending on the execution of what this combination could bring that would determine whether or not this would be everything the title promised it might be. For the most part this is a movie that knows exactly what it is and delivers on every level that we should expect it to with high marks. Still, something just seems to be lacking. With so much talent behind and in front of the camera you have to wonder why this simply wasn't more innovative or at the very least creative. What could have easily been one of the most exciting experiences at the theater this summer turns out to be nothing more than something entertaining to pass the time with. Could be worse I guess, but could have been so much better.

Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) wakes up with an
unknown accessory on his wrist.

The one facet of "Cowboys and Aliens" no one could disagree with is the fact it is a good time. There is nothing that will essentially make you not enjoy the film. It has everything: action, aliens, gunslingers, girls, bits of humor, beautiful cinematography and a host of actors that possess enough charisma to overflow one hundred space ships. Still, as an avid film lover I couldn't help but hold out hope for something more inventive than a story line that basically copies numerous old western plots and places the aliens in place of the escaped, on-the-run fugitive. The film opens with Daniel Craig's Jake Lonergan waking up in the desert with no memory of his past and a mysterious mechanical bracelet attached to his wrist. Lonergan wanders into the nearest town in hopes of finding some answers and stumbles on a town ruled over by the local cattle herder and former Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde as played by Harrison Ford. It is just as exciting to see Bond and Indy team up as you might imagine it would be, but we almost wish their characters were more of allies so we could possibly get a glimpse of how the two would really work together. Instead Ford is forced to play the old crony that ignorantly sticks up for his spoiled son (Paul Dano) and Craig plays it all solemn and stone-faced as an outlaw who apparently has stolen from Dolarhyde in the past. Olivia Wilde continues to allow her nerd side to show as she plays Ella, a woman clearly not letting on all she knows as well as Sam Rockwell and even David O'Hara showing up to play what are nothing more than western stock characters. Still, leave it to Rockwell to make even the most plain of characters engaging.

Aliens invade the Old West.

The first half hour or so of "Cowboys and Aliens" is nearly perfect. Favreau sets the tone, and its not the one you might expect. He and cinematographer Matthew Libatique capture the vast blue skies filled with epic white clouds against character silhouettes. The dry, barren landscapes are contrasted perfectly with the Arizona canyons and the flourishing greens of the forests this mixed gang of townsfolk and outlaws travel through. And this movie is taking the premise as seriously as it can be. From the moment Craig's Lonergan disposes of four men in a split second in the opening moments we feel that sense of danger and of rawness that the old west no doubt possessed every moment of the day. When Lonergan wanders into Absolution and shuts down the cocky son of richest man in town to the near stand off between Rockwell and Dano it almost feels as if Favreau just wanted to make a good ole' western but knew that would never fly in the middle of summer even if he did have Bond and Indiana Jones in his movie. In fact, the film only starts to feel generic when the extra terrestrials start to show up. Their first attack under the night sky of Arizona in 1873 is somewhat thrilling and to see the townspeople react as if they were demons makes sense and gives us a glimpse at what the psyche of this story could have really evolved into. That yes, this may be like every other alien invasion movie you've seen but you have never seen aliens invade in a different time period. You have never been given any reason to wonder how people of the old west may have reacted to floating ships in the sky. That is the intrigue, that is the promise that came with the title that goes unfulfilled.

Woodrow Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford) and Doc (Sam Rockwell)
contemplate a plan that might free their child and wife from
the unearthly visitors.

Maybe the most disappointing aspect of this experiment in genre smashing though is the look and character of the aliens. Instead of feeling labored over and thought provoking, these outer space visitors feel like second rate knock offs of what we saw in Ridley Scotts first "Alien" film over thirty years ago. There is no striving to be original in that aspect, they feel generic and when a character is sharing the billing they simply can't be pushed to the side in hopes that no one will notice how lame they actually are. It is sad to say the cowboys are far more interesting than the aliens and neither give us a real reason to root for one over the other, but I guess that's what happens when you have over eight people working on a script. A bunch of overstuffed ideas crammed down to individual moments and shaped into a story line that follows every rule any John Wayne movie ever made. "Cowboys and Aliens" never lives up to that promise I held for it upon first seeing the preview but in the end we get to see our hero ride off into the sunset as he should and in what is maybe the best thing about this movie is the fact we don't have to watch that sunset in 3-D.