REVIEW: DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Sequels... prequels... reboots... Movies like these are abundant nowadays that I sometimes get a little fed-up and tired of it. However, rarely there will be a film that will capture the imagination and attention of the audience. One such film is Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011). The film is meant to be a reboot and prequel of the Planet of the Apes franchise which spawned 5 films from 1968 to 1973. The franchise received a remake via director Tim Burton with the same title Planet of the Apes (2001) but was not met well with many critics and audience. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (from here will shorten to RotPotA) was well received by both critics and audiences. I personally liked it very much. A sequel to that film was released this year.

The title of the film is Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. The film is directed by Matt Reeves (Cloverfield). The cast of actors consist of Jason Clarke, Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, and Judy Greer. Writing partners Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver who scripted the previous films returns to pen the story while Mark Bomback joins the team.

Will this sequel be better than its predecessor? Do read on...

The community of apes living in the nearby jungle

SYNOPSIS:

Several years after a worldwide virus outbreak, humans are forced to survive on very limited resources from day to day. As a community in San Francisco feels the strain of living, a group of people ventures into the mountains to repair a dam that could help provide electricity. Along their venture, they encounter a group of apes and accidentally injure on of them. The group of apes is lead by Caesar whom at the end of the previous film has been let into the wilderness. To the groups surprise, Caesar (Andy Serkis) can communicate in English. As both human and ape groups try to work together and find a compromising solution to obtain resources, deceitful individuals within each group plot to see the opposing sides vanquish. It is up to the leader of the group of humans Malcolm (Jason Clarke) and Caesar to find a way to co-exist.

Andy Serkis returns in the lead role of ape leader Caesar

SCRIPT:

Solid and emotionally strong. From start to finish, each scenes evolve into more excitement as the film progresses. I found myself glued to the story line wanting to know more. The plot is not complicated and pretty straightforward. The story unravels bit by bit pretty neatly. Good characterization for lead roles. Despite this being a sequel, there is a little bit of continuation from the previous film but all is explained from the start of the film. There very good underlying moral themes in this movie. I also loved the fact that these themes parallel what we would go through in real life.

The cast of new human characters lead by Malcolm (Jason Clarke, middle)

ACTING:

Now, this is tough to evaluate. The focus of this movie is about the apes. The previous film RotPotA was highly praised for the almost realistic expressions of the apes. The same goes with this film. Their expressions were not only equal than the previous film, it was even better as now the apes have more purpose in this film. Jason Clarke and Gary Oldman performed well in this film but I couldn't say much for the rest. Praises also go to Toby Kebbell who played Koba, an antagonist ape against Caesar's protagonist.

Filming a scene with Andy Serkis on the horse and Jason Clarke on the ground

FILMING:

Excellent and revolutionary. The apes are created entirely using Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) with the assistance of motion capture from the actors. For those unfamiliar with motion capture, it is a method where the body movements and facials expressions of actors are digitized in the computer to created the necessary emotions either physically or facially. Once again, WETA Digital, the New Zealand based company responsible for the CGI did exceptionally well. This time, there are more visual effects compared to the previous film. This film may look like it is out to showcase the visual effects but what I REALLY felt is that the visual effects was more technical support in order to enhance the story. Most films with heavy CGI tend to go all out in designing extravagant stuff but not this film. I feel a visual effects should only function as an enhancement of the story and this is exactly what this film did.

Toby Kebbell (center) plays Koba, an antagonist among the apes

PACING:

A little slow in the beginning as it tries to establish some information for those who didn't watch the previous film. It picks up well in the middle and builds to a good climactic ending.

TONE (MOOD):
It is a battle between man and animal as they try reach an understanding while questioning their own personal moral values and loyalty. 

Gary Oldman plays Dreyfus, the leader of the human colony in San Francisco

DOWNSIDE:

The pacing was a little slow. If you did not watch the previous film, you might not understand.

UPSIDE:
Great visual effects and great story. There are a lot of emotional resonance that could make a strong positive impact for those watching.

L-R: Andy Serkis (Caesar). Toby Kebbell (Koba), Jason Clarke (Malcolm)

OVERALL:

A must-watch. What I really love is that the film-makers did not got all out to showcase their wonderful visual effects but more using the visual effects as a tool to enhance the story.

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RATING:
8.5 out of 10

REVIEW: DELIVER US FROM EVIL

Taking a break from all the big budget Hollywood blockbuster extravaganza, I am gonna review a much smaller movie. Well, this film is definitely smaller in terms of budget and the genre has a particular interest to me. I have always been fascinated with the paranormal and the supernatural, so a horror film in cinemas is something I look forward to.

The film is titled Deliver Us From Evil and it is directed by Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Sinister). Australian actor Eric Bana headlines the film with supporting actors Edgar Ramirez, Olivia Munn, and Joel McHale rounding up the cast. Famed film mogul Jerry Bruckheimer is the producer which I believe is his first foray into the horror genre after many action-adventure and drama films. The story is inspired by the true story of Ralph Sarchie and the script is adapted from Sarchie’s book Beware The Night. Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman wrote the screenplay. Coincidentally around this time last year, I reviewed a supernatural horror film title The Conjuring. The film was also inspired by a true story and I liked that film.

Will this year’s supernatural horror thriller be a film that I like? Do read on…

The real Ralph Sarchie in which the movie is inspired from.

SYNOPSIS:

Ralph Sarchie (Eric Bana) is a veteran New York police detective who is well-respected among his peers. One day, he and his partner (Joel McHale) gets a case which involves a woman throwing her baby at a lion’s den in a zoo. While he and his partner investigates the case, they notice certain connections to events they cannot explain. Together with the help of the woman’s ‘medical consultant’ named Father Mendoza (Edgar Ramirez), Sarchie discovers a world he is very unfamiliar and probably not prepared to face.

Eric Bana portrays the real life character Ralph Sarchie

SCRIPT:

Straight forward and mild. The story was pretty basic. It is your usual cop drama with added elements of the supernatural. The subject matter deals with demons and possession. Usually, films like this needs a strong back-story but this one was touched quite minimally. As the film progresses, it became more of a biographical drama of Ralph Sarchie rather than a horror movie like it was marketed. Good character development for the male lead roles but less on the female. I would have liked to see more. Great climactic ending if you are a fan of demonology and the occult.

Father Mendoza (Edgar Ramirez) and Ralph Sarchie (Eric Bana) team-up

ACTING:

Films like this usually give the opportunity for the actors to showcase their talent as stories like these usually involves intensity and danger. However, the acting was pretty much mediocre at best. I was expecting more from Eric Bana since he is quite an established actor. Joel McHale did well in his supporting role which also doubles as a light comic relief. Edgar Ramirez did reasonably well in one of his first lead roles after being a supporting one in other films for quite some time. I would have loved to see more of Oliver Munn.

Olivia Munn as Jen Sarchie

                                                                                                                       

FILMING:

Director Scott Derrickson has so far been successful in providing good scare moments for the audience but somehow this film lacked of it. There were some moments but too few to warrant what I feel is a supernatural horror film. He focused more on the film being a biographical drama rather than a horror film and he didn't quite find the right balance. I liked the cinematography as it gave a bleak and dark look like in horror films. High praises to the prosthetic make-up effects and visual effects.

Scott Derrickson (middle) on set with Bana and Ramirez

PACING:

A little too slow for my liking. It had a very good start but withered down towards the middle but build up to the good climactic ending. The middle part of the film felt a little draggy.

TONE (MOOD):

A veteran law enforcer who is grounded in reality and skeptic in the spiritual battles new villains that he cannot see or feel with the help of an unlikely source.

Eric Bana and Joel McHale play parter in crime.

DOWNSIDE:

The pacing is a little draggy. More drama than horror.

UPSIDE:

Good intense climactic ending.

Ralp Sarchie (Eric Bana) apprehending a suspect

OVERALL:

It was an okay. Not that scary but has it moments. If you want to know more about demonology (which is different from ghost hunting), this film might suit you.

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RATING:

6.0 out of 10

REVIEW: TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION

The summer blockbuster everyone has been waiting for. Well, at least for me it is. Just by looking at my avatar profile picture, you could tell I am a big fan of the popular toy and cartoon franchise Transformers. It has been 3 years since the giant transforming robots appeared on cinema screens. They have now returned in a fourth film in the franchise with a new group of cast members and redesigned robots. I won’t be bias in this review. The only thing I would be bias is including more movie stills than my other movie review postings.

Autobots (L-R): Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, Drift, Crosshairs, and Hound

The title for the new film is Transformers: Age of Extinction. The director from the previous three films, Michael Bay, returns in the hot seat. Ehren Kruger, who previously wrote the second and third film, also returns to write the script. The cast of newcomers consists of superstar Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, Kelsey Grammer, Titus Welliver, Sophia Myles, Li Bingbing, T.J. Miller, and Peter Cullen as the voice of Optimus Prime. Lorenzo DiBonaventura and Ian Bryce return as producers.

Autobots (L-R): Hound, Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, Drift, and Crosshairs with their human counterparts.

How will this fourth installment fair up to previous films? Do read on…

Mark Wahlberg takes over the lead role from Shia LaBeouf

SYNOPSIS:

Several years after the events of the last film, the good faction known as the Autobots are currently in hiding. Despite saving the planet from annihilation, the Autobots are blamed for all destruction caused in the city of Chicago. A covert branch of the C.I.A. led by Harold Attinger (Kelsey Grammer) is hunting down all Transformers both the good faction and also the bad faction known as Decepticons, Attinger’s primary target is capturing Autobot leader Optimus Prime who is now in hiding under the roof of inventor Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg) and his teenage daughter Tessa (Nicola Peltz). Cade and Tessa form a partnership with Optimus Prime and a few surviving Autobots to battle Attinger who has form an alliance with a quirky scientist (Stanley Tucci) and a mysterious villain.

Cade Yeager (Wahlberg) discovers a beaten-up Optimus Prime in a design which is a tribute to his cartoon look

SCRIPT:

Disoriented and messy. As much as it is a science fiction film and logic is thrown out the window, the writer’s attempt at giving it some sort of ‘believability’ failed. The scientific references were not established firmly thus making it difficult to follow. The script was bombarded with too much scientific jargon that even a fan-boy like me was questioning what the hell are they trying to explain. There were too many story motifs which made for difficulty to follow. Characterization was mediocre with the exception of Wahlberg’s lead character. Speaking of characters, there were too many of them and some roles felt unnecessary to the movie. After the negative feedback from the 2^nd film (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen) and mediocre feedback from the 3^rd film (Transformers: Dark of the Moon), I find it surprising that the studio and producers are still hiring Ehren Kruger to write this installment. There were too many main villains in this movie. Having too many main villains in a movie has ruined films such as Spider-Man 3 (2007) and The Amazing Spider-man 2 (2014).

Cade Yeager (Wahlberg) and Shane Dyson (Jack Reynor) with the Autobots

ACTING:                                                                                                                                 

The film does not showcase much of the acting despite having quality and established actors in Wahlberg, Tucci, and Grammer. Peltz and Reynor didn’t do much to excite me too. The only positive point when it comes to acting performances is I would rather have Wahlberg’s lead character than Shia LaBeouf’s annoying Sam Witwicky from the previous films. For Transformers fans, it was nice to see legendary voice actor Frank Welker in the role of Galvatron battling Optimus Prime. This echoes those many fights they have encountered and even sweeter when you here the original voices being used. Though I won’t equate acting to the performance of the robots, the main villain Lockdown (voiced by Mark Ryan, Jetfire from the second film) was really bad-ass and menacing.

Tessa Yeager (Nicola Peltz) screaming for help while...

...while Optimus Prime protects her from Galvatron

FILMING:

The only plus point in the movie is the visual effects. Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) has improved tremendously and upped the stakes from film to film. I like the newly redesigned robots and their movements have more ‘fluidity’ compared to previous films. More ‘fluidity’ meaning the action scenes felt more like motion-capture but in reality it is not. There were more scenes created totally from scratch rather than using natural settings as background. However, I sincerely symphatize with all the creative animators and graphic artists at ILM for their efforts are over-shadowed by bad scripting and bad editing. The music had different feel to it which is nice and as with most Transformers films, the sound designs and sound effects are top notch. Again, the horrible storyline over-shadowed these achievements.

Director Michael Bay filming in China

PACING:

This is the longest film in terms of duration of all Transformers films which runs at 2 hours and 45 minutes including credits. Director Michael Bay is known for making films of long duration and rarely does the pacing feel draggy. For this film, it was draggy. It had a slow start, picked up a little bit in the middle, and mellowed down towards the end. As the film reached its end, I lost my interest as the horrible storyline took a toll on me.

Stanley Tucci and Li Bingbing sharing a scene

TONE (MOOD):

A group of rejected robotic alien heroes together with their unlikely human partners must band together to decide whether to fight the authority figures or save Earth from another potential annihilation.

Peltz, Wahlberg, Reynor, and Tucci on the run with an item I would not reveal for it is a spoiler

DOWNSIDE:

Very very bad script and draggy almost throughout.

Father and daughter exiting Bumblebee

UPSIDE:

Stunning visual effects, stunts, and fight scenes in the usual Michael Bay style.

Irish actor Jack Reynor, a relative newcomer to the acting world.

OVERALL:

I admit, I was disappointed in this film. Going into this film, or any summer popcorn film for that matter, I would care less about the story and focus on the fun. It is still a family fun film as Michael Bay has cut down a little on his crude adult themed humour. Somehow, the script insulted my intelligence as a movie-goer. Watch it only, and ONLY if you are a die-hard Transformers fan.

Michael Bay at work

RATING:

5.5 out of 10

REVIEW: EDGE OF TOMORROW

What is science-fiction? How would you define the science-fiction genre? Allow me to write me own definition. Science-fiction is the challenge of our mental and physical strength in order to create a better self for a better society by exploring situations we never thought possible. Okay, some might argue with me on the account of the word ‘fiction’. The word itself has a very straight-forward meaning; make-believe, fake, imagination, unreal, and whatever word belonging within those context. However, my argument is, by believing what is unreal in the future, we can create goals and targets for ourselves to achieve and aspire.

For a moment there, I sounded like a college professor or a philosopher, but I believe it does have some truth to it. These themes and values are explored in the film I am about to review.

The two leads; Emily Blunt as Rita Vratask and Tom Cruise as William Cage

The film is titled Edge of Tomorrow. This science-fiction drama is directed by one of the most underrated and often reclusive directors in Hollywood, Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Jumper, Fair Game). The cast comprises of Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson, and Noah Taylor. The film is written by Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects), Jez Butterworth, and John Henry-Butterworth. The script is an adaptation from the Japanese novel All You Need Is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka.

Will another science-fiction film be ridiculous to watch? Or will it be good and requires a repeat viewing? Do read on…

William Cage (Tom Cruise) waking up in unfamiliar surroundings

SYNOPSIS:

Somewhere in the near future, our planet Earth has been invaded by aliens and slowly colonizing our world. Meanwhile in London, an American military officer named William Cage (Tom Cruise), is stationed to the British army. Cage’s duties involves public relations and has never experienced a day of combat in his life. Against his wishes and very reluctantly, Cage is thrust into combat action against the invading aliens. After being killed by one of them, Cage mysteriously finds himself repeating the day over and over again in a time-loop. As the process repeats, he discovers a war hero named Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) who might help him to be a better soldier. Together, they discover that they can defeat the alien invaders.

William Cage (Tom Cruise) reluctantly thrust into battle

SCRIPT:

Clever and entertaining. The story has been and will draw similarities to a comedy classic Groundhog Day (1993). Despite the script being adapted from a previously published material, it felt original and fresh as we don’t often get to see a time-loop as a story. It came as no surprise to me how predictable the film’s plot was as the marketing made it quite obvious. Despite the predictability, it slowly became unpredictable which makes it fun and engaging for the audience. The dialogue doesn’t bore you with futuristic science-fiction word jargon which was great for it makes it more understandable. It felt slick and intelligent and keeps you wanting more. There was great addition of comedy and it came the right moments of the film. However, ending climax felt a little incomplete and could have been improve even better. It is not so much a cliffhanger but even films with cliffhanger gives some sort of resolution of the entire film’s plot. This is the only drawback about the film. Characterization of roles were focused a lot on William Cage. I don’t find it surprise as Cruise headlines the movie. I would have loved to see a little more back-story on Emily Blunt.

William Cage (Tom Cruise) about to battle some alien invaders

ACTING:                                                                                                                                 

I think this one of Tom Cruise’s best acting performance. The role he plays required multi-faceted emotions such as confusion, angry, frustration, determination, and many more. He did well in balancing the action hero persona and the comedic outcome stemming for his awkward repetitive state of being. Emily Blunt is billed (credited) as the lead actress but her character was more a supporting role. She also did well when she was on screen and was convincing as the rugged female military hero. It was nice to see underrated Bill Paxton in there to provide some comic relief. I think he was good but his character could have expended even further. Brendan Gleeson and Noah Taylor were reasonably good.

William Cage (Tom Cruise) attempting to escape from death

FILMING:

Director Doug Liman doesn’t have a particular filming style but his past films are known to contain that sleek and smooth ‘attitude’ in them. He does this by making his movie scenes short and compact while his actors deliver short lines and avoid long dialogue delivery. In addition, some slight upbeat musical score plays in the background to enhance the mood. He brought this trademark again in this film but kept more to a minimal. The focus was more on the visual effects and editing. The editing was quite good as the cuts were quick and exciting from scene to scene. The visual effects were not too bad but mostly quite brief. I would have liked to see more of the alien villains of the film. I particular liked the sound design and sound effects editing. Anyone who are enthusiasts in the world of sound might like this film. The production design, in particular costume and props, managed to capture the ‘look’ of a future not so far away from now.

Doug Liman (holding camera) directing Tom Cruise on set

PACING:

The pacing was not too bad. It didn’t feel too long and built up quite well to the ending. There was brief slow pace in the middle but it was more to establish relationship between William and Rita. For a futuristic action-packed science fiction movie, it had a very decent pace.

TONE (MOOD):

Two unlikely heroes collaborate to fight alien invaders by using unfamiliar methods in a futuristic setting where all hopes of winning seems to be depleted.

Bill Paxton as an army sergeant for new recruits

DOWNSIDE:

I didn’t like the ending so much. It was just okay. It felt unresolved. It can or cannot be a cliffhanger but to me it had that feeling of “Is that all?” to the whole movie.

UPSIDE:

Great action sequence and stylistic filmmaking. Fresh choice of story among many other science fiction films. Good underlying “If at first you don’t succeed, then try and try again.” themes throughout the film.

Brendan Gleeson as a British Army General

OVERALL:

This film might just be a surprise hit this summer for Hollywood and for Tom Cruise after several misses from his last few films. The story may be a little bit predictable but the technical aspects (especially editing) is very commendable. My thoughts on the ending won’t destroy the exciting experience you went through from the beginning. It is worth a watch in cinemas with all the big ‘bangs’ and ‘booms’ but you won’t feel like gripping the edge of your seat like there is no tomorrow.

William Cage (Tom Cruise) waking up in unfamiliar surroundings

William Cage (Tom Cruise) reluctantly thrust into battle

William Cage (Tom Cruise) about to battle some alien invaders

William Cage (Tom Cruise) attempting to escape from death

William Cage (Tom Cruise) waking up in unfamiliar surroundings

William Cage (Tom Cruise) reluctantly thrust into battle

William Cage (Tom Cruise) about to battle some alien invaders

William Cage (Tom Cruise) attempting to escape from death

William Cage (Tom Cruise) waking up in unfamiliar surroundings

William Cage (Tom Cruise) reluctantly thrust into battle

William Cage (Tom Cruise) about to battle some alien invaders

William Cage (Tom Cruise) attempting to escape from death

William Cage (Tom Cruise) waking up in unfamiliar surroundings

William Cage (Tom Cruise) reluctantly thrust into battle

William Cage (Tom Cruise) about to battle some alien invaders

William Cage (Tom Cruise) attempting to escape from death

William Cage (Tom Cruise) waking up in unfamiliar surroundings

William Cage (Tom Cruise) reluctantly thrust into battle

William Cage (Tom Cruise) about to battle some alien invaders

William Cage (Tom Cruise) attempting to escape from death

RATING:

8.0 out of 10