Rise of the Planet of the Apes

I have been a fan of the Apes movies since a child and was so glad to see this 2011 film made. It was originally titled "Rise of the Apes", glad they made that change. This film is a reincarnation of the original "Planet of the Apes" film series, primarily based off the fourth film "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" which was released in 1972. It is not a direct remake in any way, though there are many references to the original films through out the movie. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is intended to act as the foundation for a new series of films, with it's own origin story line.

The film was released in the United States, Canada, and India on August 5, 2011 and will be released on Blue-ray and DVD on December 13, 2011. Just in time to give it to that Scifi fan you love for Christmas. The film received positive reviews and became a box office success bringing in over $480 million, off of a $93 million budget. Money well spent in my opinion. The effects are clean and realistic, all most too much so. The story itself is well written with plenty of action and a good dose of heart. Casting was perfect with James Franco as the lead human Will Rodman, the man that starts it all trying to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, of which his father Charles (John Lithgow) is suffering from. Applause to Lithgow for a superb performance in a very difficult role. I also have to give a hand to Tyler Labine for his role as chimp handler Robert Franklin, he does the role almost too well. And lets not forget Caesar's favorite primatologist Caroline Aranha, portrayed by Freida Pinto, whom brought the character to life in vivid color, and most likely increased admissions into the zoos all over the United States.

I'm not going to give any spoilers, everything ties together far too well, and I don't want to ruin the film for those that have not yet seen it. So on that note, if you are one of the unlucky and have not seen "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"... I say run, don't walk, or even jog out to the store of your choice on December 13, 2011 and buy your copy. You can rent it if you want, but you will most likely end up purchasing it anyway, so why waste the extra cash.

I am going to end this post by saying that Rupert Wyatt did a wonderful job directing the film, and Andrew Lesnie hit the nail on the head when it came to the cinematography. I also want to give Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver big pats on the backs for their writing expertise. I for one (and I know many others) am going to be waiting on pins and needles for the next installment of the new and improved Planet of the Apes franchise. So with out any doubt I have to give "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" a solid and well deserved 5 stars.

Underworld: Awakening

That's right boys and girls, Kate Beckinsale is back as the butt kicking vamp Selene. The film is to hit theaters 01-20-2012, and is in 3D. But what isn't in 3D anymore.

Plot:
Selene escapes imprisonment to find herself in a new world, a world where humans know that both vampire and werewolves exist, and have declared all out war to eradicate both immortal species.

Underwold: Awakening brings on a new cast staring Sandrine Holt, Michael Ealy, and India Eisley. And if you were wondering if Michael Corvin is going to be at Selene's side... well he's not.

Check out this little taste, it's sure to make you hungry for more.

New Look For One Man's Reviews

Well I did it, changed the blog up a little. Gave it more color and character, and hopefully more pleasing for my viewers. But I'll let you be the judge... Comment to let me know what you think of the new design, good or bad, just be honest.

Priest

On May 13, 2011 in the US and Canada, after many postponements, "Priest" unleashed its furry in the theaters. Shot on a $60 million budget, and only grossing a little over $76 million world wide, "Priest" was not a smash hit. Regardless of the box office totals and the critics trashing the film, I believe "Priest" is worth your time. If you think all vampires should be like Edward, then this movie isn't for you, but if you have an open mind this flick is. "Priest" is loosely based off of the Korean comics with the same title, by Min Woo Hyung, an has a post apocalyptic feel to it.

The film takes place in an alternate Earth where humans and vampires have always existed, an been at war. The Vampires being much stronger and faster had the upper hand for centuries. But then the humans found their ultimate weapon within the catholic church. Humans with special abilities were taken in by the church, taught the word of god, and trained to defeat the vampire menace. These special people, humanities warriors, were called Priest. The Warrior Priest did as they were trained, wiped out the vampires hive by hive. Those few Vamps that remained were locked away in camps ( or reservations) out in the wastelands. With the world safe there was no more need for these Priest. They were ordered back into society where they were feared and loathed by the people they protected.

Then one night a pack of rogue vampires attack a family in the wastelands. The father (Stephen Moyer) left for dead, mother killed, and the young girl (Lily Collins) taken. The girl's boy friend and wasteland sheriff (Cam Gigandet) seeks out the girl's uncle, one of the warrior Priest (Paul Bettany). When the Monsignor (Christopher Plummer) denies the Priest's request to go after the girl, he turns his back on the church, and the battle begins.

The special effects and CGI in this film are great, and by the way, all the vampires are done in CGI - except Black Hat (Karl Urban), the new leader of the vampires, and former Priest. The vampires are not typical, other than their thrust for human blood. They are animalistic, eyeless cave dwellers, with a pack mentality, and ruled by a queen. The sun is still a foe, but not deadly. A human that has been bitten, and survived, is know as a familiar. They are neither vampire or human, but something in between. The only exception is Black Hat.

But enough of the spoilers... "Priest" is packed full of action, with very few, and brief slow points. The cinematography is a wonder on the eyes, the writing is great, and the film is topped off with strong performances by all. Don't be fooled by the critics, as many are, if you like action, blood thirst vamps, and a real honest to god hero that knows how to kick ass, "Priest" will deliver.

"Priest" also stars Maggie Q as the warrior priestess, was written by Cory Goodman, and directed by Scott Stewart. "Priest" stands as the most expensive production from Screen Gems, to date.

I give "Priest" 4 1/2 stars...

Paul the Movie

This 2011 British-American hybrid science fiction comedy film, kicks butt. It is now out on DVD and Blue-ray, and well with the purchase price. "Paul" is one of those DVDs you will watch over and over again. Written by and starring the British comedy team of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, this is a laugh fest of a flick. The story is about to British scifi geeks, Graeme Willy (Simon Pegg) and Clive Gollings (Nick Frost), that come to America to the San Diego Comic-Con International, and travel across the US in a rented RV, checking out all the notorious alien hot-spots. One night after hitting the road they are running for their lives from what they think are two red-neck bullies. As the car finally over takes them, they realize that it's not the bullies and start to relax. Just as they do the car looses control and starts rolling right in front of them. When they stop to check on the driver, head lamps strapped on, they find Paul (voice of Seth Rogen). Or should I say he finds them. When Paul joins them on the trip the real adventure begins, and so do the laughs.

This is comedy at it's best, with wonderful CGI effects, and great acting talent. Also starring: Kristen Wiig as Ruth Buggs, a one eyed, bible thumping shut in that helps run a RV park with her Father. Jason Bateman as Special Agent Lorenzo Zoil, and Sigourney Weaver.

However I do not recommend the film for younger children, do to some language, and sexually suggestive dialog.

Pegg and Frost have described the film as a love letter to Steven Spielberg, who's voice makes a guest appearance in the film talking to Paul about a certain alien movie.

Both Nick Frost and Simon Pegg have stated they would like to return for another film. Pegg also has said if there were to be a sequel, it would be called "Pauls".

The film had a $40 million budget, and grossed over $94 million at the box office. It also won Best Comedy at the National Movie Awards.

If I were to give this DVD a rating, it would be no less than 5 stars. So that is all I am going to say about the film, you will have to rent or buy it for the rest. But be warned, I do not recommend eating popcorn during "Paul"...