The apes still rule in solid, entertaining "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes"
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| Andy Serkis as Caesar |
Wes's Grade: B
movies
Friday, July 11, 2014
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - B
Rated PG-13, 130 minutes
The apes still rule in solid, entertaining "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes"
Due to vacation, I just saw the latest entry in the new "Planet of the Apes" franchise, "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" and it's entertaining, often rousing and intense as it continues the human-versus-apes fight. I enjoyed it, but didn't love it as much as my peers have (it's over 90% currently on the Rotten Tomatoes site), some of whom are comparing this to "The Empire Strikes Back" in terms of quality, which is a bit of a stretch. A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar (Andy Serkis, still remarkable) is threatened
by a band of human survivors (including Jason Clarke, Keri Russell and Gary Oldman) of the devastating virus unleashed a
decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived,
as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who
will emerge as Earth's dominant species. Directed by Matt Reeves (of "Cloverfield," one of my least favorite creature movies, ever), it's an entertaining chapter in the new "Apes" franchise, though still lacking the power of the original, with an uneven, somewhat detached script and a lackluster human cast. The highlight is still the intense performance from Serkis (who has become the king of performance capture) and the ape actors, who outshine all the human actors, who are all likable but blandish, not to mention one of cinema's best actors, Oldman, is underused here in a small supporting part. The one small problem I've had with performance capture (especially in the new "Apes" films), is that the apes still appear, well, almost too human, with the eyes in particular a slight distraction, making it still feel too much like actors behind makeup and suits, though much improved from the gorilla suits of old. "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," much like it's predecessor in this series, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (James Franco even cameos, sort of), is a solid, well-made and enjoyable film with a few good things to say about leadership, race and war, though it peaks a little early, with a weak ending that of course leaves it open for more of these. It's not not stronger than the 2011 film, but on par, fitting perfectly into the summer movie race, but one you may forget before the summer is up. Worth seeing for fans of the first film, who will enjoy it most.
Wes's Grade: B
The apes still rule in solid, entertaining "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes"
Wes's Grade: B
Friday, July 4, 2014
Life Itself - A
Rated R, 112 minutes
"Life Itself" a fascinating, engaging portrait of one of cinema's most memorable characters
If you see just one film over the July 4th holiday weekend, make it the new documentary "Life Itself," an enjoyable, fascinating look at one of movie's most interesting characters. "Life Itself" is the inspiring and entertaining look at world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert, a story that's also personal, complex and often very funny. Based on his bestselling memoir of the same name the film also explores Ebert's legacy, from his Pulitzer Prize-winning film criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times to becoming one of the most influential cultural voices in America. Directed by Steve James of the Oscar-winning "Hoop Dreams," it's one of the most compelling, absorbing and highly entertaining movies of the year, and it's certainly one of the more memorable documentaries of late. It's also bittersweet and heartbreaking following Ebert's passing in 2013, and it only underscores his influence and how much he's missed. "Life Itself" focuses on Ebert's career in journalism and in film criticism, from his appointment as film critic at the Chicago Sun Times in the late 1960s to his host of the TV show "At the Movies" with his friend/nemesis Gene Siskel, which propelled film criticism to new heights and new levels. That section of the film (and his relationship with Siskel) is its most fascinating as well, though it does provide some insight and relevance into his personal life as well, that he was an overweight, self-absorbed alcoholic though also brilliantly smart and funny, who had some serious health issues later in life. Produced by acclaimed filmmakers Steven Zaillian and Martin Scorsese, "Life Itself" likely will appeal most to film geeks and critics like myself, though there's a heartwarming appeal and grace for anyone who's seen a movie; it's also sweet seeing his relationship with his wife Chaz and finding true love as he grew older. Ebert was a flawed character and far from perfect, but he loved movies and loved talking, and his significant contributions to cinema won't easily be forgotten, and the absorbing "Life Itself" may make you miss Ebert even more."Life Itself" does right by Roger Ebert - it's a beautiful, revelatory tribute - and that makes me glad. Thumbs up. A must-see.
Wes's Grade: A
"Life Itself" a fascinating, engaging portrait of one of cinema's most memorable characters
If you see just one film over the July 4th holiday weekend, make it the new documentary "Life Itself," an enjoyable, fascinating look at one of movie's most interesting characters. "Life Itself" is the inspiring and entertaining look at world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert, a story that's also personal, complex and often very funny. Based on his bestselling memoir of the same name the film also explores Ebert's legacy, from his Pulitzer Prize-winning film criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times to becoming one of the most influential cultural voices in America. Directed by Steve James of the Oscar-winning "Hoop Dreams," it's one of the most compelling, absorbing and highly entertaining movies of the year, and it's certainly one of the more memorable documentaries of late. It's also bittersweet and heartbreaking following Ebert's passing in 2013, and it only underscores his influence and how much he's missed. "Life Itself" focuses on Ebert's career in journalism and in film criticism, from his appointment as film critic at the Chicago Sun Times in the late 1960s to his host of the TV show "At the Movies" with his friend/nemesis Gene Siskel, which propelled film criticism to new heights and new levels. That section of the film (and his relationship with Siskel) is its most fascinating as well, though it does provide some insight and relevance into his personal life as well, that he was an overweight, self-absorbed alcoholic though also brilliantly smart and funny, who had some serious health issues later in life. Produced by acclaimed filmmakers Steven Zaillian and Martin Scorsese, "Life Itself" likely will appeal most to film geeks and critics like myself, though there's a heartwarming appeal and grace for anyone who's seen a movie; it's also sweet seeing his relationship with his wife Chaz and finding true love as he grew older. Ebert was a flawed character and far from perfect, but he loved movies and loved talking, and his significant contributions to cinema won't easily be forgotten, and the absorbing "Life Itself" may make you miss Ebert even more."Life Itself" does right by Roger Ebert - it's a beautiful, revelatory tribute - and that makes me glad. Thumbs up. A must-see.
Wes's Grade: A
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Earth to Echo - C
Rated PG, 85 minutes
Unoriginal "Earth to Echo" short, sweet and jumpy
As my movie buddy Ellen describes it, "Earth to Echo" is "E.T. on steroids." That would describe the derivatively plotted but energetic sci-fi adventure "Earth to Echo" and it would also aptly describe the shaky, documentary-style photography that the movie heavily utilizes. Tuck (Brian Bradley), Munch (Reese Hartwig) and Alex (Teo Halm) are a trio of inseparable friends whose lives are about to change. Their neighborhood is being destroyed by a highway construction project that is forcing their families to move away. But just two days before they must part ways, the boys begin receiving a strange series of signals on their phones. Convinced something bigger is going on, they team up with another school friend, Emma (Ella Wahlestedt), and set out to look for the source of their phone signals. Directed by Dave Green with a script by Henry Gayden, "Earth to Echo" is a mildly entertaining but unoriginal sci-fi film geared for the Nickelodeon set, who will no doubt enjoy the charming, unknown cast and creature known as Echo, which reminds of a miniature, live-action version of "WALL-E" though the story and plotting most resemble the classic "E.T. - The Extra Terrestrial" which this generation doesn't know. "Earth to Echo" is a Disney castoff, literally. Developed, produced and shot by Disney, they later sold it Relativity, who certainly has high hopes of being a hit, though the low-key marketing efforts reflects that this studio is unsure of that. Problematic is the murky, ADD script, which is a little all over the place and short on character, not to mention a no-name yet charming cast and all the excessively jumpy camera movements, which may make you a little dizzy (especially when the camera is positioned on a bicycle). Still, Echo the creature is cute and so is the cast, and it speeds along to a finale that seems a little rushed, but should no doubt still please the young crowd it's geared for. All in all, the thin, mildly enjoyable "Earth to Echo" isn't much to scream about and given how unmemorable it is, it isn't surprising that Disney sold it off. You're better off renting "WALL-E" or "E.T." to show kids these days what real sci-fi adventure is all about.
Wes's Grade: C
Unoriginal "Earth to Echo" short, sweet and jumpy
As my movie buddy Ellen describes it, "Earth to Echo" is "E.T. on steroids." That would describe the derivatively plotted but energetic sci-fi adventure "Earth to Echo" and it would also aptly describe the shaky, documentary-style photography that the movie heavily utilizes. Tuck (Brian Bradley), Munch (Reese Hartwig) and Alex (Teo Halm) are a trio of inseparable friends whose lives are about to change. Their neighborhood is being destroyed by a highway construction project that is forcing their families to move away. But just two days before they must part ways, the boys begin receiving a strange series of signals on their phones. Convinced something bigger is going on, they team up with another school friend, Emma (Ella Wahlestedt), and set out to look for the source of their phone signals. Directed by Dave Green with a script by Henry Gayden, "Earth to Echo" is a mildly entertaining but unoriginal sci-fi film geared for the Nickelodeon set, who will no doubt enjoy the charming, unknown cast and creature known as Echo, which reminds of a miniature, live-action version of "WALL-E" though the story and plotting most resemble the classic "E.T. - The Extra Terrestrial" which this generation doesn't know. "Earth to Echo" is a Disney castoff, literally. Developed, produced and shot by Disney, they later sold it Relativity, who certainly has high hopes of being a hit, though the low-key marketing efforts reflects that this studio is unsure of that. Problematic is the murky, ADD script, which is a little all over the place and short on character, not to mention a no-name yet charming cast and all the excessively jumpy camera movements, which may make you a little dizzy (especially when the camera is positioned on a bicycle). Still, Echo the creature is cute and so is the cast, and it speeds along to a finale that seems a little rushed, but should no doubt still please the young crowd it's geared for. All in all, the thin, mildly enjoyable "Earth to Echo" isn't much to scream about and given how unmemorable it is, it isn't surprising that Disney sold it off. You're better off renting "WALL-E" or "E.T." to show kids these days what real sci-fi adventure is all about.
Wes's Grade: C
Snowpiercer - B
Rated R, 126 minutes
Oddly, strangely entertaining is Joon-ho's exciting sci-fi thriller "Snowpiercer"
"Snowpiercer" is one of the most bizarre, ambitious, over-the-top yet exciting science-fiction thrillers seen this year, and it comes from acclaimed South Korean director Bong Joon-ho ("The Host") and features a well-known, international cast. How it will play in the U.S. is anyone's guess, given the stark, unconventional tone of the movie. The dark, apocalyptic film features a failed global-warming experiment kills off most life on the planet. The final survivors board the Snowpiercer, a train that travels around the globe via a perpetual-motion engine. When cryptic messages incite the passengers to revolt (led by Chris Evans, Jamie Bell, John Hurt and Octavia Spencer, among others), the train thrusts full-throttle towards disaster. Joon-ho's "Snowpiercer" is a thrilling, albeit strange ride that will have you both engaged and scratching your head at the same time. The heavily stylized film is tremendous fun and vastly entertaining in the right frame of mind, maybe in a midnight show after some drinks and a heavy meal. Settle in for some of the oddest things to be seen, including the always-weird and fun Tilda Swinton, who in coke-bottle glasses, bright red wig and large teeth, steals the movie, not to mention some bloody, hand-to-hand fight scenes and Ed Harris as the lead villain. The slower, odder first act settles down a bit, though there's one humorous scene midway through involving a classroom full of children and a song sung by Alison Pill that will make you laugh out-loud. "Captain America's" Evans is an interesting casting choice here but he grounds the film well when scenes aren't stolen by Swinton, Hurt or Spencer, all of whom meet their demise in vastly different ways. Speaking of which, the film is exciting especially in the climax though it can be a downer for some. "Snowpiercer" is definitely exciting and thrilling, just know it's not your conventional action adventure film, and that will work fine for the many who'll see it.
Wes's Grade: B
Oddly, strangely entertaining is Joon-ho's exciting sci-fi thriller "Snowpiercer"
"Snowpiercer" is one of the most bizarre, ambitious, over-the-top yet exciting science-fiction thrillers seen this year, and it comes from acclaimed South Korean director Bong Joon-ho ("The Host") and features a well-known, international cast. How it will play in the U.S. is anyone's guess, given the stark, unconventional tone of the movie. The dark, apocalyptic film features a failed global-warming experiment kills off most life on the planet. The final survivors board the Snowpiercer, a train that travels around the globe via a perpetual-motion engine. When cryptic messages incite the passengers to revolt (led by Chris Evans, Jamie Bell, John Hurt and Octavia Spencer, among others), the train thrusts full-throttle towards disaster. Joon-ho's "Snowpiercer" is a thrilling, albeit strange ride that will have you both engaged and scratching your head at the same time. The heavily stylized film is tremendous fun and vastly entertaining in the right frame of mind, maybe in a midnight show after some drinks and a heavy meal. Settle in for some of the oddest things to be seen, including the always-weird and fun Tilda Swinton, who in coke-bottle glasses, bright red wig and large teeth, steals the movie, not to mention some bloody, hand-to-hand fight scenes and Ed Harris as the lead villain. The slower, odder first act settles down a bit, though there's one humorous scene midway through involving a classroom full of children and a song sung by Alison Pill that will make you laugh out-loud. "Captain America's" Evans is an interesting casting choice here but he grounds the film well when scenes aren't stolen by Swinton, Hurt or Spencer, all of whom meet their demise in vastly different ways. Speaking of which, the film is exciting especially in the climax though it can be a downer for some. "Snowpiercer" is definitely exciting and thrilling, just know it's not your conventional action adventure film, and that will work fine for the many who'll see it.
Wes's Grade: B
Begin Again - B+
Rated R, 101 minutes
Effusive, buoyant musical rom com "Begin Again" hits the right notes
The charming new romantic comedy "Begin Again" from the director of the 2007 Oscar-winning hit "Once" brims with enough crack and pop that you'll be humming the tunes and remember the brave storyline that doesn't always take the easy way out. For these reasons and more, it's the best romantic comedy in a genre that needs more films like this. "Begin Again" pairs Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo as two urbanites who are starting over at different areas in their lives. Knightley is the British Gretta, who relocates to New York City with her rising pop-star boyfriend (Adam Levine), who dumps her as he goes on the road. Ruffalo is a washed-up and alcoholic record-executive who is dumped by his own label with personal struggles with his estranged wife and teenage daughter (Catherine Keener and Hailee Steinfeld). A chance encounter between the two sets off an unlikely collaberation that will hopefully put the two back on the right path. Directed and written by "Once's" John Carney, "Begin Again" (previously titled "Can a Song Save Your Life?") is an enchanting, often soul-stirring portrait of starting over, with a braver look at romance than most films in this predictable genre have. It also helps the film is infused with some exuberant tunes from Carney and his "Once" star Glen Hansard, not to mention the warm chemistry from Knightley and Ruffalo, who make for a memorable pairing. Also good is real-life pop singer (of Maroon 5 and TV's "The Voice") Levine in a small supporting role as the jerk pop-star boyfriend, though his unusual facial hair in the last act is a tad (make that considerably) distracting. The music is simply the backdrop for the relationships, but the mixture of music and romance is a nice one, and "Begin Again" is worth a look. Some of it meanders in the second act and some character motivations aren't fully explained, but the tunes (not to mention the backup musicians) make for an interesting time. Even better is the buoyant soundtrack, of which I plan on purchasing. "Begin Again" is compelling especially if you've ever been dumped, but is worth a look for wherever you're at in life.
Wes's Grade: B+
Effusive, buoyant musical rom com "Begin Again" hits the right notes
The charming new romantic comedy "Begin Again" from the director of the 2007 Oscar-winning hit "Once" brims with enough crack and pop that you'll be humming the tunes and remember the brave storyline that doesn't always take the easy way out. For these reasons and more, it's the best romantic comedy in a genre that needs more films like this. "Begin Again" pairs Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo as two urbanites who are starting over at different areas in their lives. Knightley is the British Gretta, who relocates to New York City with her rising pop-star boyfriend (Adam Levine), who dumps her as he goes on the road. Ruffalo is a washed-up and alcoholic record-executive who is dumped by his own label with personal struggles with his estranged wife and teenage daughter (Catherine Keener and Hailee Steinfeld). A chance encounter between the two sets off an unlikely collaberation that will hopefully put the two back on the right path. Directed and written by "Once's" John Carney, "Begin Again" (previously titled "Can a Song Save Your Life?") is an enchanting, often soul-stirring portrait of starting over, with a braver look at romance than most films in this predictable genre have. It also helps the film is infused with some exuberant tunes from Carney and his "Once" star Glen Hansard, not to mention the warm chemistry from Knightley and Ruffalo, who make for a memorable pairing. Also good is real-life pop singer (of Maroon 5 and TV's "The Voice") Levine in a small supporting role as the jerk pop-star boyfriend, though his unusual facial hair in the last act is a tad (make that considerably) distracting. The music is simply the backdrop for the relationships, but the mixture of music and romance is a nice one, and "Begin Again" is worth a look. Some of it meanders in the second act and some character motivations aren't fully explained, but the tunes (not to mention the backup musicians) make for an interesting time. Even better is the buoyant soundtrack, of which I plan on purchasing. "Begin Again" is compelling especially if you've ever been dumped, but is worth a look for wherever you're at in life.
Wes's Grade: B+
Tammy - C+
Rated R, 96 minutes
Entertaining but cliched "Tammy" has McCarthy doing the same schtick
Melissa McCarthy knows what she's good at and does it well. A comedienne with a gift for physical comedy, McCarthy has hit the jackpot with her rough around the edges but honest characters that earned her an Oscar-nomination for "Bridesmaids." Even though McCarthy is adept at all things comedy, she's become typecast in these same roles, and her new enjoyable, crowd-pleasing comedy "Tammy" has some heart amidst its cliches and unoriginality. Midwesterner Tammy (McCarthy) is having a bad day. She’s totaled her clunker car, gotten fired
from her thankless job at a greasy burger joint, and instead of finding
comfort at home, finds her husband, Greg (Nat Faxon), getting comfortable with the
neighbor, Missi (Toni Collette), in her own house. Worse, her
grandmother, Pearl (Sarandon), is her only option—with a car, cash, and an itch to
see Niagara Falls. Not exactly the escape Tammy had in mind. But on the
road, with Pearl riding shotgun, it may be just what Tammy needs. Directed by, and co-written and featuring McCarthy's real husband, Ben Falcone, "Tammy" is another entertaining variation of the hard-nosed roles that McCarthy has become known for. McCarthy and Sarandon make for an enjoyable, if not bittersweet team as the girl and her grandma, both with serious issues (anger, self-esteem, infidelity, alcoholism among them) though McCarthy did this same buddy-buddy road trip thing last year with Jason Bateman in the hit "Identity Thief." Sarandon is a gifted, Oscar-winning actress that even with gray granny wig, can't overcome the fact that maybe she's miscast here, though she and McCarthy do have fun. Most of the stellar supporting cast, including Allison Janney, Dan Aykroyd, Collette, Faxon, Gary Cole and Sandra Oh, are considerably underused, though there are a couple of memorable roles inhabited by the always warm, low-key Mark Duplass and Oscar-winner Kathy Bates, the latter of whom plays a lesbian relative who basically sums up the movie in a line or two: grow up, though that's something we knew from the first frames of the film. "Tammy" is a fine yet hardly revelatory, vehicle for McCarthy (who can still generate some laugh-out loud moments) and her brand of rough, physical comedy, with the script lacking depth given the problems these two have. You've seen "Tammy" before, in just about everything that McCarthy has done preceding it, and while she's certainly good at it, it's high time that she consider branching out to something different.
Wes's Grade: C+
Entertaining but cliched "Tammy" has McCarthy doing the same schtick
Wes's Grade: C+
Saturday, June 28, 2014
La Bare - B
Rated R, 90 minutes
"La Bare" an entertaining, occasionally revealing look at the famous male strip club
"La Bare" is the real, untold story behind the dancers that helped inspire the Matthew McConaughey hit "Magic Mike." An enjoyable, behind the scenes documentary that's directed by actor Joe Manganiello ("Magic Mike" and "True Blood") in his debut as a director, the film goes behind the curtain, behind the stage and behind the magic of the world's most popular male strip club, La Bare right here in Dallas, Texas. Featuring a unique ensemble of the club's most popular dancers, the documentary takes a provocative look into their rockstar lifestyle and offers a front row seat to their lives, loves, laughs and losses. An entertaining, often fascinating look at the world of male stripping, "La Bare" is revealing in that it highlights the differences between men and women. Men are strictly visual and prefer big, busty women, while women prefer to enjoy a little show with their beefcake. It also highlights the many personalities and the reasons why these handsome men do what they do - some to earn a quick buck, some for the women, and others for legitimate business reasons. Speaking of which, one of the most fascinating characters Manganiello shows is Randy "Master Blaster" Ricks, who not only holds the Guinness World Record for longest consecutive male dancer (34 years and counting) but also takes it so seriously he mentors the younger guys and has his own successful male stripping business, with his own Mom answering the phones. Though the documentary was put into motion no doubt by the success of "Magic Mike," that film really owes its inspiration to these guys, who obviously know how to put on a show. Though "La Bare" often serves as an extended ad for the club itself, the documentary can be enjoyed by both sexes and is also an insightful look at the business of guys who take their clothes off for a living. Just put the dollar bills away until you get to the club.
Wes's Grade: B
"La Bare" an entertaining, occasionally revealing look at the famous male strip club
"La Bare" is the real, untold story behind the dancers that helped inspire the Matthew McConaughey hit "Magic Mike." An enjoyable, behind the scenes documentary that's directed by actor Joe Manganiello ("Magic Mike" and "True Blood") in his debut as a director, the film goes behind the curtain, behind the stage and behind the magic of the world's most popular male strip club, La Bare right here in Dallas, Texas. Featuring a unique ensemble of the club's most popular dancers, the documentary takes a provocative look into their rockstar lifestyle and offers a front row seat to their lives, loves, laughs and losses. An entertaining, often fascinating look at the world of male stripping, "La Bare" is revealing in that it highlights the differences between men and women. Men are strictly visual and prefer big, busty women, while women prefer to enjoy a little show with their beefcake. It also highlights the many personalities and the reasons why these handsome men do what they do - some to earn a quick buck, some for the women, and others for legitimate business reasons. Speaking of which, one of the most fascinating characters Manganiello shows is Randy "Master Blaster" Ricks, who not only holds the Guinness World Record for longest consecutive male dancer (34 years and counting) but also takes it so seriously he mentors the younger guys and has his own successful male stripping business, with his own Mom answering the phones. Though the documentary was put into motion no doubt by the success of "Magic Mike," that film really owes its inspiration to these guys, who obviously know how to put on a show. Though "La Bare" often serves as an extended ad for the club itself, the documentary can be enjoyed by both sexes and is also an insightful look at the business of guys who take their clothes off for a living. Just put the dollar bills away until you get to the club.
Wes's Grade: B
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