Rise of the Planet of the Apes Review

Film-o-Rama Review by August Meyer

Strolling into the theater with a good friend of mine, I knew for sure that "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" was going to be a good time, but had understandably low expectations for the overall quality of the film. What with all of the recent action-movie blockbusters (*cough* Transformers, *cough*), I couldn't help myself from targeting the film with considerable cynicism. Luckily, I was in for a pleasant surprise...for the most part.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a direct prequel to the original, starring one of America's biggest up and coming movie stars; James Franco. Even though Franco's name headlined the cast, upon seeing the trailer for the movie months ago I found myself doubting his devotion to the film, thinking he had sold out in a way. I was absolutely positive it would not come within a mile of his powerhouse performance in 127 Hours, and his completely acceptable role in the first two Spiderman movies...let's just pretend the third one never happened.

As it turned out, my prediction was right. Franco's performance is stale, and without a doubt could be played by any number of generic actors. Channing Tatum would have sufficed. But it isn't the humans in the movie you should pay attention to; it's the apes. Andy Serkis's motion-capture performance as Caesar, the lead ape in the film, is ridiculously brilliant. He brings just as much powerful emotion and complex psychology to the role as he did with "Kong" in Peter Jackson's King Kong a few years back, and as "Gollum" in Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. His beyond spectacular job should bring serious consideration from the Academy towards including such currently trending "non-live-screentime" performances in their annual awards ceremony from now on. If Serkis doesn't receive a nomination, it would be an unforgivable atrocity on the Academy's part.

Serkis isn't the only stellar human-ape-actor. The entire cast of motion-captured mammals deserves some major credit. Who knew watching a bunch of apes running rampant in San Francisco could be so well done and intensely entertaining?

Director Rubert Wyatt proves to audiences everywhere that even AFTER Tim Burton's disgrace of a remake, the Planet of the Apes saga is not over yet and leaves us itching for a sequel...a rare occurrence in today's film environment. The movie does what it set out to do effectively. It makes us think, and brings us on one hell of a ride while it's at it. Though the human cast is mediocre, the apes more than make up for it with shining excellence. And the fact that a certain character in the film fantastically delivers Charlton Heston's eternal words, "Get your paws off me, you damn dirty ape!", doesn't hurt either.

Super 8 Review

Film-o-Rama Review by August Meyer

Super 8 is not a movie unlike any we have ever seen. Rather, it a confection of multiple films, blended into one completely enjoyable mixture that perfectly suits our current movie season.

Through his prowess at the director's chair, J.J. Abrams brings forth a wonderful monster movie, with the heart of films of an era almost forgotten. With blatant notions of movies such as Stand By Me, E.T., and Cloverfield, an odd mix by anyone's standards, Super 8 accomplishes what it sets out to do...be a great, albeit slightly predictable film.

Abrams' attention to detail is almost uncanny...almost. The setting is beautifully quaint. Taking place in a 1970's suburb in Chicago, Super 8 follows the escapades of a group of children faced with a mystery none of them could ever begin to imagine alone, but some minor plot points feel a little underdeveloped. I will not go into detail here, being as it will give away certain parts of the movie, take my word for it that some things just don't seem to add up. As you may have seen in the trailers that have as of late been violently shoved down our throats through almost every media outlet, a train crashes and consequently explodes while "the gang" is filming a cheesy zombie flick in the middle of the night. What follows is a series of events that mostly involves this group of children riding around on their bicycles observing and quietly discussing the aftermath of this "accident". This entails a disgruntled and shady Air Force lieutenant arriving with a battalion of discreet soldiers, strange disappearances throughout their small town, and an unlikely, and undeniably adorable friendship that takes shape between the childhood innocence-ridden protagonist, Joe, and the local girl who everyone seems to have a crush on, Alice.

As the plot unfolds, we are drawn into a totally engaging storyline, but once the film reaches it's one hour mark, things start to fall apart...script AND story-wise. We completely expect what happens throughout the remainder of the film, although the inclusion of sleek and chaotic (in all the right ways) special effects is nice. No main character loses his or her life, and obviously *SPOILER ALERT*, the thing plaguing the town is a giant, albeit intelligent and kindhearted, Cloverfield look-a-like monster.

Super 8 is absolutely enjoyable and is a terrific popcorn flick, just don't expect anything amazing. J.J. Abrams and his pal Steven Spielberg bring a monster movie to theaters with a heart of gold; a welcome requiem from atrocious films such as "Something Borrowed" and "Fast Five". Do yourself a favor and watch it. Do yourself another by staying until after the credits.

Jumping The Broom Review

Film-o-Rama Review by August Meyer

Jumping The Broom is a frivolous, dim-witted, but undeniably fun movie. Posing as some sort Madea-esque, slightly serious wedding comedy with a half-hearted soul, Jumping the Broom comes off as insincere and superficial. With a cast that does nothing but leave much to be desired, the film doesn’t really pull anything off at all, aside from acting as a cheap escape for about two hours. With that, it shines, but that’s really not saying much with all of the other mediocre, yet entertaining movies currently released. What Jumping The Broom ultimately brings to the table is dull dialogue, completely forgettable characters, and an even more forgettable storyline. For a matinee, it’s passable, but for a full-priced ticket, don’t even think about it. Truth be told, you’ll get more for your money with movies like Fast Five…and even the dreadfully dumb Something Borrowed.

The Lincoln Lawyer Review

Film-o-Rama Review by August Meyer

Walking into a movie with virtually no expectations at all has it’s upsides, and it’s downsides. One of the upsides is movies like The Lincoln Lawyer. At first thought, the notion that Matthew McConaughey is actually in a decent movie this time around sounds absolutely absurd. But believe it. McConaughey gives such a powerful and surprising performance, that it just about redeems him for some of his past transgressions (i.e. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past and Fool’s Gold).

The Lincoln Lawyer kicks off with Mick Haller, a slick, hotshot lawyer keeping the dregs of society out of prison and on the streets, where he convinces juries they belong…for the right price. Maggie McPherson, played by the always fantastic Marisa Tomei, is his prosecutor ex, who is the single mother to their young daughter. Enter Louis Roulet, the spoiled rich boy accused of brutal assault who asks specifically for Haller to represent him, given his subjectively stellar track record with cases like his. At first this is all fun and games for Mick, who sees this as just another case, but one thing leads to another, and his life is consumed with lies, deceit, betrayal, and murder.

Although McConaughey delivers a commanding performance, it is the supporting cast that really makes the movie. Marisa Tomei brings a performance with comparable gusto and sensuality to her role in The Wrestler. William H. Macy and John Leguizamo also appear in small, yet satisfying roles that add a little extra oomph to this powerhouse of a movie.

The Lincoln Lawyer is in no way in the running for an Academy Award, but it does pack enough smarts and class to have movie-goers come out satisfied and itching for more. This film is a welcome reminder that not all movies have to sell their souls to fill theater seats. Fast Five on the other hand…