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Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
When I saw the original Planet of the apes, I felt it made a strong statement on where we are as a civilized world. The film allowed us to look at ourselves from an outside perspective, and see our successions and mistakes from the point of view of an "alien" viewer. It doesn't degrade us or applaud us it just says here we are, what do you think.
Now in the very well done prequel in 2011 we can stand back and unlike the other Plant of the Apes films we can view the films hero Caesar as our outside "alien" but with the added benefit of him living in a place that is "alien" to him and not to us. In Tim Burtons version and the original our protagonist was human in an unfamiliar world, but in an all to well familiar society. So this new ability allows us to sympathies with an ape rather then a human, and look at the modern day world from Caesars outside perspective.
Since this film is a prequel we know it is moving slowly towards its predecessors, and we begin to notice it in Dawn of the Plant of the Apes (what a duzy of a title). The story begins a little after the last one ended. Most of the modern world (from what we can see) is gone, assuming because of the deadly virus that shows no affects on apes except for an extreme increase in intelligence. And as we see in most apocalyptic setting in Hollywood there are survivors, and they live in the ruins of San Francisco. On the other side of "pond", in the redwood is where Caesar has built a growing and thriving empire. It has many of the same characteristics of some of man's early empires, and the apes wield many familiar weapons. The conflict arises when the humans must fix a power dam to regenerate the city electricity, but the dam is located within the apes boarders. Caesar negotiates a deal to allow humans within the boarder to fix the dam, understanding the humans need it too live. Now we see that both society's feel fear and can view the risk to there livelihood and well being. It is at this time we begin to notice our similarities to the apes. In a time of great risk comes large decisions which is ensued by politics, greed, corruption and a lust for absolute power. This all blends with the panic and hysteria of the citizens to create a portrait how a general war begins.
This is an extremely entertaining film which properly works through the characters ability to grip you with emotion and suspense, while keeping an underlying theme all the way through. It is a true blockbuster that knows how to properly mix an investment on characters, story and beautiful CGI that compliments the film greatly.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
A completely satisfying and entertaining second film
"Such is the nature of evil, in time all foul things come forth". This has never been more true then in the Desolation of Smaug. It clearly reveals itself as more of an action-pact film over the first, and it seems to waste no-time in getting you completely immersed in the landscape, and complex fighting scenes.
It carries us into the Shapeshifter "Beorn" lair, and pulls us threw the dark, complex and deceiving Mirkwood forest, while keeping us on our edge as we behold the more unwanted guests to the forest, some who you may not expect. This is all of-course before they enter the mountain. Where the legend and tales of Smaug serve no justice, to what you will behold as he wakes from his gold bedded slumber, and shows his immense figure with his truly haunting voice.
Yes, The Desolation of Smaug, is a great action filled movie, but it also holds many of the same undertones about war and greed that we see in the other Lord Of The Rings films, and that reflect us humans in a big way. I very much enjoyed how many more great characters are revealed, giving the story very valid points against the dwarfs mission. When we arrive in Laketown, we actually begin to understand why people would not "deem it wise" to enter the mountain, and as the story comes to a close, that statement has never been more true. Also the darker turn that I felt this film trilogy will take is beginning to show its ugly head. As Gandalf enters dol guldur, he is presented with a force of which one of the most powerful wizards can not handle, and may never will for a long time.
This is a great epic film, and despite its long running time, the action makes you want to see more, especially after the ending, which will leave you on the edge of your feet thinking "oh sh*t".
Movie 43 (2013)
A big Film troll
What, or, how could I possibly explain Movie 43. Some will hate it and some will love it. This is certainly not a comedy for the whole family, nor is it one for a husband and wife. Which means this is generally geared towards goofy teenagers looking for nudity, trashy language, and the wolverine with balls on his chin. For that, I identify this film as a masterpiece.
Most of the critics have said this is without a doubt the worst film ever made, but I will not say that, because that is undoubtedly what this film wants. It is a simple f**ck you to the mainstream, because, well they have the mainstream. They have accomplished finding some of the most critically acclaimed actors in today's pulp culture and put them into an overwhelmingly filthy movie. I applaud them.
So threw all the scenes in the film, it wasn't so much the jokes that made me laugh, it was more so the people playing them. Where else will you find Hugh Jackman with balls on his chin, or Chloe Grace Moretz on her period. You will see Jason Sudeikis in a Batman costume, Halle Berry in crazy truth or dare contest, and watch as Dennis Quaid turns to violence after being driven insane from being shunned out of Hollywood. Yes this film is pointless, yes its stupid and dirty, but this is Movie 43, and it is truly, one of a kind.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
This is a true classic
There are two few action-adventure movies now a days that delivers such original characters, played by a truly incredible cast. When I first saw The Curse of the Black Pearl as a boy I was fascinated. There where Pirates, cannons, sword fights, treasures funny monkey's and a beautiful girl, What more could you possibly ask for.
I can still remember when I saw Jack Sparrow for the first time. He may not of had the typical "hero" qualities that would see in somebody like say William Turner, but that is what made jack so undeniably brilliant, he wasn't somebody we have experienced before. He was a witty, drunk, Sword fighting Pirate, with a flare for the dramatic. Seen for the first time in possibly the greatest hero entranced ever made. I glanced my stunned eye's at the screen to behold the one they called Jack Sparrow, or should I say "Captain" Jack Sparrow. There he stood in all his glory, the anthem soundtrack blared as he stood on top of his wooden sinking ship, or boat... As he floats by the pirate outlaws hung by there necks, with a sign on them that states "pirates Ye Be Warned" he stops bailing his sinking boat in time to offer a kind salute, to his fellow dead pirates.
Its not long in till we are swept away by a amazing story of a two men desperately trying to find the loves of there life. One a Pirate after his stolen ship, and the other, a working hard blacksmith boy, trying to find his true love. Luckily for them, both loves have been taken by the "crew of the dammed". Barbossa, the fearless pirate with a pet monkey, yes a pet monkey. It soon becomes apparent that everyone in the story wants something, and they will screw and back-stab anyone who gets in there way, honestly this film there are know such thing as true friends, everyone will become an enemy in time.
After years of watching this film, it still reveals itself as nothing more but a great adventure movie, just plain fun. So why not give it ten out of ten. There is everything you want in an adventure movie, girls, fights and a little magic and mystery. Not to mention some of the best 1-liners you will ever hear, "you best start believing in ghost stories miss turner, you're in one", and my personal favourite, the very last line in the film, as Jack prepares to embark on more of his adventures he quotes "bring me that horizon" as the ship sales off into the sunset.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
I enjoyed this film
When I watch a Peter Jackson film, I tend to find them much better when in a theatre. The LOTR trilogy and King Kong were both great epic's. The large beautiful landscape, the massive battles with dinosaurs, giant bats and orcs riding overwhelmingly huge elephants. These are tails fit for the big screen. I watched The Hobbit in a theatre, and I felt the same. It had huge landscapes, and creatures that are only fit for fantasy, and, in certain scenes it delivered that powerful emotional dialogue, combined with an awe inspiring backdrop. That which we seen in Sam's speech on the side of mount doom in the Return of the King, and when Ann Darrow sleeps in Kongs hand while the sun sets over skull islands horizon. It seems to take all of the intense energy, and horrifying reality's, slows it down, and crafts it into a truly beautiful scene. I certainly felt this majestic feeling in some scenes of The Hobbit.
Truth be told, this is the perfect film for an 10 year old kid, it is much less dark then the Fellowship and is much more of a humorous, light hearted adventure tail, which is what The Hobbit is. Tolkien originally wrote this story for young readers, before he built it into the Lord of the Rings. Saying that, I do feel as though this film trilogy will darken,and become bigger then what is seen here. It kinda feels like how Harry Potter starts off, light with charm full character's, and then it matures, as do the characters.It will be interesting to see were Peter takes Tolkien's great story, as it always is.