Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Caesar, the leader of a thriving band of genetically enhanced apes, struggles to prevent war between his community and the dwindling human population gathered in what's left of downtown San Francisco.

This is an amazingly intense and well crafted film.  It almost reminds me of a mafia movie, disguised as a Planet of the Apes movie; lots of back-stabbing, rivalry and all-out war.  The performances of the apes, done by the actors in motion-capture suits and then brushed up and plussed by animators, is what really shines here.  What they've done is revolutionary and game-changing as far as special effects go.  The apes are 100% believable and photo-realistic.  Motion capture has been done before in many films, most notably with Golum in the Lord of the Rings, Avatar, King Kong and this movies predecessor, Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The difference here is they were able to do motion capture outside, in real locations and not in the confines of a special, green screen motion capture studio.  It really is astounding what they were able to accomplish.

The story is very interesting and keeps you wanting to know how the apes and humans will react to the others move.  The evolution we see of the apes use of sign language mixed with broken English and traditional ape communication is pulled off quite well, although I do feel they pushed the humanistic side of the apes a little too far in some small moments, although it's a necessary step, as the apes in these prequels will eventually all be walking upright and speaking fluent English, as these movies link up to the 1968 classic, Planet of the Apes, starring Charlton Heston.

***1/2 Must See

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Hiccup and Toothless are back, older, stronger and more epic than ever.  Their home of Burke is now a peaceful, flourishing dragon training haven, until the discovery of an ice cave, hundreds of new dragons and a mysterious dragon rider, threatens their entire existence.

As with most sequels, this doesn't quite soar to the heights of its predecessor, but that is no jab, this movie definitely soars.  The original film is one of the better animated films of the past 10 years in my book and definitely the best in the long line of films to come out of DreamWorks.  Great action, fun comedy and plenty of heart.  This one will leave you excited to see the next chapter.

***1/2 Must See

X-Men: Days of Future Past

Mutants, good and evil unite to send Wolverine into the past to stop a force that will destroy humans and mutants.

This is the best X-Men movie to date.  The casts of both the original X-Men movies and their prequel counterparts are present and all do a fine job.  There's plenty of fun, engaging action and the story is deeper than any other film in the cannon so far.   Also has some of the better use of time travel in recent movie history.

**** Must See

Godzilla

The king of the monsters, Godzilla faces off against equally terrifying monsters that thrive on our arrogant scientific mistakes of the past, while humanity races to survive and figure out a way to stop them.

This is a monster movie done very, very well.  Which is rather amazing, yet somewhat expected, considering it's only the director, Gareth Edwards, second film.  His first being Monsters, a very low budget monster movie for which Edwards did all of the special effects himself on his home computer.  Godzilla is a patient movie and it thrives because of it.  Comparisons of Jaws are definitely deserving as far as action, suspense and patience in revealing the monster.  Although it doesn't quite reach the character heights of said classic, that's not to say the characters aren't interesting and well acted, they do a fine job and there's plenty of heart to make you care about the characters.

The special effects are jaw dropping, some of the best of the year.  Obviously this film is right up my alley, as I am a huge monster movie fan, but I think there's enough here to enjoy for any movie goer.  There is a great nod and oneupmanship to fellow movie monster, King Kong close to the end of the film.

**** Must See

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

It has been ten years since the outbreak of the ALZ-113 virus which has spread across the globe and all but wiped out the human race. While humans, existing in a state of chaos, struggle to survive, the ape population has thrived and developed. In a final effort to save a small community of humans occupying what was once the city of San Francisco, an expedition of scientists venture into the woods in hopes of revitalizing a dam to obtain electricity. However their last hope for survival is in the middle of a territory that is now run by Caesar.

This was awkwardly entertaining. The story, albeit predictable, was well done and engaging. It’s kind of like Dances with Wolves meets First Blood. Now, having said that, there is this uncomfortable schmaltziness that comes along for the ride, this again, makes it a tad awkward. I mean I am all for the suspension of reality – I am on board with the Apes taking over the world and going all Rambo on the Human race – nevertheless, don’t force some heavy handed sentimentality on me and turn into Steel Magnolias. I don’t want to see monkeys cry – that’s just silly.

The special effects are absolutely amazing and for that alone it is worth taking the time to see this flick.



*** Must See

Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)

Tammy

Tammy has lost her job, her car, and her husband all in one horrific day. In an effort to escape and start over she hits the road with her profane alcoholic grandmother.

So this was a disappointment. I am not sure what I was expecting but certainly not a lackluster female version of Tommy Boy. Melissa McCarthy is always funny but the script is boring. Even with her quirky style and perfect timing the story itself is drab, predictable, and flat. Having said that, there are some very clever and funny moments sprinkled throughout the film but not enough to make it memorable as a whole.



** Rentable

Rated R (for language and sexual content)