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

2012: Week 28: The Intouchables

The Intouchables

Genre: Drama

Main Players: Francois Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot,

General Gist: After an accident that causes him to become a paraplegic, an aristocrat hires a young man from the projects as his caretaker.

Deb's Take: 
For those of you readers who may not know too much personal information about me, I am an Occupational Therapist.  (No that doesn’t mean I will find you a job).  My interest in this movie came from that fact.  Also, it is based on a true story, another high interest fact for me.

This movie was in French and subtitled.  I have never been to a movie with subtitles before, (I am not truly schooled in foreign films.)  I was a little worried because I am such an emotional movie watcher.  I am like the pitcher in “For the Love of the Game.”  Everything around me fades away and I am privately immersed in the film.  Thinking I was going to have to read subtitles while trying to immerse was questionable.  I found over time that the movie wasn’t too hard to get into even with reading the dialogue.  I was slightly distracted but all in all wasn’t too bad. 

I loved the story behind this movie.  The idea of seeing how two men,  from very different lifestyles, became friends and were able to influence each other so greatly.  I liked that the story was down to earth.  I liked that the movie reminded us that injury is not about pity, but rather life is life no matter what form or fashion it takes.  The movie had some good funny parts, but mostly it was just a meek story telling script.  I think that was maybe it’s only down fall, or maybe my downfall from being Americanized.  In the United States our movies are becoming bigger and bigger, more glitz, more glam..this movie was simple, yet the message was powerful.  There really wasn’t a lot of “acting” in my eyes.  The drama wasn’t there.  The movie kind of reminded me of “The Way”(you will remember one of my favorites from 2011.)  It was a good movie, but don't expect a lot of edge of your seat, high climax sort of stuff. 

Deb's Rate: Matinee

Tiff's Take:
I too was a little concerned about the subtitles with this one.  At first I found myself noticing having to look down to read them but by the end of the movie I didn't even realize I was doing it.  So don't let that scare you off from seeing this movie.
As Deb said, this movie definitely was not your typical Hollywood bigger is better movie.  Deb said that this was a downfall for her.  In my opinion, this was a reason I liked it so well.  Don't get me wrong.  I love big, hyped up movies.  I admit it.  I do.  But, I also love movies that are off the grid.  A little different.  A little artsy.  And I guess a little foreign.  There's something refreshing about it every once in a while.

The two main actors, Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy, were fantastic and had great chemistry.  They're sort of an unlikely pair that worked so well together.  The story itself was real.  Again, just like Deb said, it was simple yet powerful.  The lack of "drama" really added to the real factor for me.  What can I say, I loved it.              

Tiff's Rate: Friday Night or Opening Day??  Why not...Opening Day.

Preview: We're thinking a popcorn giveaway and yet another bonus review. 

Week 28: Monte Carlo

Sorry about the late post this week.  Vacation will do that to you.  We saw Monte Carlo for Week 28.  We saw this mainly because of my niece.  She was really excited about this movie.

This was sort of your classic teeny bopper movie that's really meant for girls ages 8-16.  But since I was a girl of this age once it worked.  Selena Gomez was the main actor in this movie.  She played a girl who takes a trip to Paris as a graduation present to herself.  While there she gets mistaken for a British socialite and takes over her life for a week.  Of course, she meets this guy who thinks she's the other girl and falls in love and then has to explain later why she lied about it.  Her sides kicks are played by Kate Cassidy (who I didn't recognize) and Leighton Meester.  Both good in their roles. 

Pretty classic really.  I feel like this type of movie has been made a million times but with slight variations.  But to be honest with you I still liked it.  It was fun and carefree and simple.  Makes you want to be a teenager again with no cares in the world.  And let me say my niece was beside herself with joy after the movie was over.  I guess I remember liking movies that much when I was young.  My mom would go with me and say it was cute.  I would get so mad at her for using that term.  Cute was for little girls.  Now I know how she feels.  I would probably say it was cute.  Oh the circle of life.

To Sum it up: Great scenery, fun plot and just plain cute.   

Oh and don't forget to enter our giveaway.  We'll be announcing the winners soon!