Sunday, July 20, 2014

2014: Week 28: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi


Main Players:  Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke

General Gist: 
Genetically evolved Apes come to war with the human race. 

Deb's Take:
I am not a Planet of the Apes Fan.  After seeing this movie, I still am not a fan.  I don't feel like I can really give anyone a good review of this movie, because quite frankly, I thought it was stupid.  I couldn't get past the fact that these Apes were "human" and have evolved to a point where they were equal to man.   I just didn't like it.  So, since I went with my son and husband I will give you their opinions, beause they are more fans than me.  My husband said it was ok, he thought it was too drawn out and sort of boring.  He did think the premise of this one was good, and didn't say it was aweful just not great.  My 13 year old son was a different story.  The whole way home he tried to convince me that I really DID like the movie, but that I just didn't understand it.  UM, no, but good try.  Anyway, he really liked it.  The actors did good, I didn't realize the Apes were actually played by people so that was something interesting.  All in all though, just can't give it kudos.  Although, the 30 year old male who was sitting to my left was obviously touched because he cried through the whole last scene,  like for real....


Deb's Rate:  Don't bother unless you are a fan of Planet of the Apes, if so I suppose a Matinee would do.


Preview: When the Game Stands Tall

Monday, July 14, 2014

2014: Week 27: Tammy

Tammy

Genre: Comedy

Main Players:  Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon,

General Gist:  A woman loses her job, finds out her husband is cheating, and takes a road trip with her Grandma to run away from it all.

Tiff's Take:
I always look forward to Melissa McCarthy movies because let's face it, she's hilarious.  But time and time again her movies aren't really that great.  I had a feeling this one would be about the same.  Russ actually wanted to see this one because he loves nothing better than a good comedy.  Sadly, both of us were disappointed.  What is it about going to bad movies with Russ?  I swear he's never going to want to go with me again.       

So this one started off pretty funny and had a lot of laugh out loud moments.  But it sort of went downhill from there.  The serious parts just didn't do it for me and the funny parts didn't make up for it.  And although I like Susan Sarandon, I did not think she fit the grandma role.  I mean, at all.  The chemistry between the two just did not do it for me. Overall a bit bust in the casting department.  Actually, just a big bust overall.  My dad even fell asleep during part of it.   

Tiff's Rate: Rent It - only because I like Melissa McCarthy.  If it wasn't for her it would definitely be a Don't Bother.


Deb's Take: 
Melissa McCarthy has never really disappointed me in a movie.  She can always make me laugh.  I was looking for an easy going, comedy, no brainer this week, and with Tiff out of town I took the hubby.  (Little did I know Tiff was going to the same movie too!  We are so good.)  This movie had a little bit of everything.  There was romance, laughs, seriousness, relationships, and even a little action, (ok not much but some).  The movie wasn't anything in depth, it was just entertainment.  Susan Sarandon was good in this, she too doesn't disappoint often.  I liked how the movie took some serious issues, and made them important but not intense.  The whole story was a little off the rocker, but actually could have been real life to some.  If you are looking for some light entertainment, some laughs and a few touching moments this one is pretty good. I also liked that I could walk out of the theatre with some one liners...

Deb's Rate:  Matinee


Preview: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes