RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

Rise of the Planet of the Apes—stands the test of time—works due to some terrific rewriting of the script. WOW! This movie plays with the third and fourth films of the original series and combines them into a more plausible story than the original series did. The upgrade completely works because it plays with current time for a launch into future events. Watch for terrific computer generated, realistic apes. The movie deserves its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This science fiction film is about: An intelligent ape who leads a group of apes into a rebellion against humans. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Rupert Wyatt for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Peter Chernin, Dylan Clark, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver for making the film possible. Cast includes: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, David Oyelowo, and Andy Serkis. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. What a concept! The movie completely satisfies Planet of the Ape movie fans. Watch for John Lithgow, James Franco, David Oyelowo as well as listening for the voicing of Andy Serkis for the character Caesar. One of the best remakes on par with the original series. Wow! Good job on turning the story inside/out. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

CLOVERFIELD PARADOX (Video Release USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.2|5.0 Starsììì

The Cloverfield Paradox needs more backstory to get off the ground and portray its very good concept. Despite good casting choices, like David Oyelowo, the story is difficult to follow and does not seem to transition well between its various events so that the audience can understand the ‘why’ for the events.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Ava Hamilton (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) works to establish a steady power source for earth from the space station, but events go horridly awry during an unexpected power surge.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Julius Onah for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Bryan Burk, Jon Cohen, Bob Dohrmann, Drew Goddard, Tommy Harper, and Matt Reeves for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kiel (David Oyelowo), Schmidt (Daniel Brühl), Monk (John Ortiz), Mundy (Chris O’Dowd), Volkov (Aksel Hennie), Tam (Ziyi Zhang), Jensen (Elizabeth Debicki), Michael (Roger Davies), Molly (Clover Nee), and Ayana Age 7 (Jordan Rivera).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Better choices for science fiction fans are: Knowing, Midnight Special, and, for the younger adult generation, Earth to Echo.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers