The big movie of the week is Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the what, like three-hundredth take on the apes-rule-the-Earth franchise. A prequel\reboot\potential franchise re-starter (gosh, Hollywood filmmaking is so difficult to label nowadays) stars James Franco and Frieda Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire) and Andy Serkis, continuing his great motion-capture essay on acting like everyone except people, he was the guy behind Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and Kong in King Kong. The shocking and startling thing is that the film, which for a while seemed almost invisible in marketing and general interest, in actually getting really good buzz, and strong reviews. Perhaps a nod to the low expectations and general shrugs greeted by the movies arrival, or a tribute to effects branch behind (its effects come from Weta, the same effects company behind Lord of the Rings, King Kong and Avatar), maybe, just maybe a successful, bonafide good popcorn movie will come out on top this summer. Then again, nearly ten years ago to the weekend, Tim Burton came out his dull interpretation to the ape legend that still leaves a cinematic grudge on the franchise.
Also opening this weekend:
The Change-Up- Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman switch bodies after urinating.
Bellflower- Sundance hit being described as an apocalyptic revenge fantasy (in limited release.)
The Future- Writer\director\actor Miranda July returns with her latest oddity (in limited release.)
The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll- Pretty boys Jason Ritter and Kevin Zegers star is this grungy music road movie.
Opening Wednesday:
The Help- Based on the best selling novel about a young Southern woman who writes a book from the perspective of the African American maids in her community during the 1960s. The performances of the sprawling ensemble cast-- Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jessica Chastian, Cicely Tyson, Allison Janney and Sissy Spacek-- are already garnering awards buzz.
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