100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 91: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Director: Matt Reeves

Genre: Drama/ Action/ Adventure

Runtime: 130 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Calrke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Judy Greer

Description: In the wake of a disaster that changed the world, the growing and genetically evolving apes find themselves at a critical point with the human race.

 

Review: In “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” it’s ten years later then the happenings in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”. Almost all of mankind was wiped out due to a deadly virus. While the survivors are trying to rebuild their lives, they didn’t have any contact with the apes. And vice versa. They are almost out of power and they have to search for a power source. While they are looking for that, they cross the territory of the apes. And the apes have evolved further and their population has grown.

Leader of the group is Caesar, who we saw in the previous film bonding with a human. He hasn’t lost complete trust in humans en he wants them to live a life of peace, no war between people and apes. Caesar is even willing to help them, but not all the apes in his group feel the same way. One of them, Koba, has lost all his faith in humanity and is willing to fight for survival.

In “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” they use the performance capture technique. It amazes me that there were no real apes in this film, that’s how real they look. Every expression and movement looks realistic. This film has great visual effect.

Andy Serkis, who plays the role of Caesar, has worked with this technique many times. And as always, he’s the expert. He does an amazing job and you really empathize with Caesar. And the bond that is built between the apes and some of the humans is very convincing and it really touches you. In “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” there is not one bad side, it’s a two way street. The moral is that you should never totally focus on one side of a story.

This movie, directed by Matt Reeves, is worth your time. It looks amazing and is very exciting and touching. If I have to choose between “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” and “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”, I can’t.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Video of the Week (14)

I just found this amazing video of two surfers, who were acompanied by a seal. They were surfing close to the Northern East side of England when a curious seal came along. He also wanted to go for a surf. Super adorable and pretty damn awesome!

Movie Moments: "Jumanji"

I remember seeing this movie for the first time when I was a kid. It was a childhood friend’s birthday and we watched it on their couch with a big bowl of popcorn (well I don’t remember if that last part is true, but that’s how I picture it in my head). It was such a fun film. Although the special effects aren’t all that great, come on those monkeys look pretty fake, it’s still an entertaining film. I still enjoy it. Here are my favorite scenes from “Jumanji”.

Moment # 1: Alan finds a board game

After he’s just been beaten up by some kids, Alan hears drums. It’s coming from a construction site. When he follows the sound, he sees it’s a board game called ‘Jumanji’. He takes it with him, not yet knowing the consequences.

Moment # 2: Alan and Sarah play ‘Jumanji’

After his mom and dad have left, Sarah knocks on Alan’s door. Sarah is a girl Alan is in love with. He invites her for a board game, when she really isn’t that into games. Sarah agrees on playing. Soon they see this isn’t your ordinary game. After throwing 7, they start hearing a weird sound from the fireplace. Bats come flying out of it. And if that wasn’t scary enough Alan is sucked into the game, which leaves Sarah screaming and running for her life.

Moment # 3: Peter and Judy find the game

Peter and Judy, two kids now living in the old Parrish house, are ready for school. When their aunt leaves, they hear drums. They follow the sound and find the board game ‘Jumanji’. They decide to play it and soon they find out it’s nothing like any other board game they ever played. Mosquito’s, monkeys, a lion and grown up Alan Parrish appear. They have freed him from the game he was sucked into so many years ago.

Moment # 4: Peter, Judy and Alan play

Alan tells the kids the game has to be finished. When they start playing, they realize it’s not going to work, unless Sarah joins them too. And that’s not going to be easy.

Moment # 5: Jungle plants

Sarah has joined Alan, Peter and Judy against her will. It’s her turn and after her turn, the Parrish house turns into a jungle, filled with big, bright and beautiful flowers. But don’t let looks deceive you, they are quite dangerous.

Moment # 6: Stampede

It sounds like thunder, but… an enormous stampede of wild animals comes through the library and chases the foursome through the house. They manage to get away, but a pelican steals the board game.

Moment # 7: Peter tries to cheat

Because Peter is close to the finish line, he tries to cheat his way out of the game. But the game knows and as a punishment, turns Peter into a little monkey.

Moment # 8: Sir-Sav-A-Lot

Judy, Peter and Sarah go to a store, because that’s where the game is. And Van Pelt, who wants to take them down. But look out Van Pelt, you’re not safe either!

Moment # 9: Just a little rain

Finally back at the house, that has turned into a jungle, they continue the game. After throwing the dice, it starts to rain, but really poor out. And it also brings s crocodile.

Moment # 10: Quicksand and spiders After the rain has stopped, the four go up to the attic. And the next thing: quicksand. Alan is sucked in the floor and Sarah manages to grab him. But they are stuck and big spiders join them too.

Moment # 11: The game ends

One more shot, Alan has one more shot to end the game. When he throws the right number and says ‘Jumanji’, everything will go back to normal. And it does!

 

 

Favorite Moment: Moment # 3: Peter and Judy find the game

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 90: Mr. Morgan's Last Love

Director: Sandra Nettelbeck

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 116 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Michael Caine, Clémence Poésy, Justin Kirk, Jane Alexander, Gillian Anderson

Description: A look at the life-changing connection between the retired and widowed American philosophy professor Matthew Morgan (Michael Caine) and the young Parisian woman Pauline (Clémence Poésy).

Review: Life has lost its appeal for Matthew, living in Paris alone with his kids and grandkids on the other side of the world. But while taking the bus one day, his life changes. He meets the young Pauline, who walks him home. In the days that follow, Matthew and Pauline meet again and he takes part in one of her dance classes. The base for an extraordinary friendship is formed. Pauline is an orphan and feels a father-daughter connection when she is around Matthew. And Pauline reminds Matthew of his deceased wife.

“Mr. Morgan’s Last Love” is a heartwarming dramedy, based on the book “La Douceur Assassine”. If you love Paris, this movie shows us this beautiful city in the fall. The relationship between Pauline and Matthew is just as complex as it is simple. There is a deep friendship between the two and it’s completely believable. Michael Caine is touching as Matthew, who is trying his best to speak French but hardly ever succeeds. His young opponent Clémence Poésy portrays Pauline as a gentle, kindhearted, positive and sincere woman, with the believe that there is something good in every person. She can really put a smile on your face.

You really relate to the characters, but some parts where a bit rushed. The connection between Morgan’s son Miles and Pauline for instance. You can see it coming, but the build up to the moment isn’t executed the right way. And so is the reconciliation between Matthew and Miles. It all feels a bit rushed.

The movie only has some minor faults, but overall it’s a beautiful film full of heart. There is just something about this city that always warms my heart.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 89: Philomena

Director: Stephen Frears

Genre: Drama
Runtime: 98 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan

Description: World-weary political journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) picks up the story of Philomena Lee’s (Judi Dench) search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent.

Review: After fifty years Philomena Lee decides to tell her deepest secret. When she was very young, Philomena became pregnant. Because she didn’t know where to go, she went to an Irish convent. The nuns see it as a sin, so right after the birth of Philomena’s son the two are separated. They are allowed to see each other one hour a day. The child is then taken from her completely, when he joins another family. Fifty years later Philomena tells this story to her daughter, who enlists the help of journalist Martin Sixsmith. Together they try to find Philomena’s long lost son.

Even though Dame Judi Dench is close to 80, she’s still one of the finest actresses in the field. Dench proves that as Philomena, where she can show a bitter side but also manages to give her a humoristic edge. Dench is not the only one worth watching. Journalist Sixsmith is portrayed by Steve Coogan, who also wrote the script for the film. Coogan is a comedian and it’s great to see a heartfelt and more serious performance by him.

Especially the combination of the two characters is what makes this movie interesting. They both have a different way of thinking, but get a stronger band while they get closer to their goal. While Philomena still blames herself and not the nuns, Sixsmith sees hypercriticism and corruption from the Irish convent.

“Philomena” is based on a book by Martin Sixsmith: ‘The Lost Child of Philomena Lee’, from 2009. He wrote it based on actual facts. The movie keeps surprising you and has some funny twist and unexpected anecdotes. Keep your tissues ready, because it’s one of those films.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 88 Last Vegas

Director: John Turteltaub

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 105 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline, Mary Steenburgen, Jerry Ferrara, Romany Malco

Description: Three sixty-something friends take a break from their day-to-day lives to throw a bachelor party in Las Vegas for their last remaining single pal.

Review: In “Last Vegas” we follow four childhood friends, now all in their sixties. Billy is getting married and his three friends want to celebrate this to take him to Las Vegas and to really party. Archie recently had a stroke and can’t wait to get away from his overprotective son and to finally live a little. Sam is very unhappy in his condo in Florida and his wife gives him a free pass to commit adultery while in Vegas. Because what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Pat is still mourning over his wife Sophie and isn’t in the mood for partying. Especially because he doesn’t want to see Billy, who didn’t come to his wife’s funeral. And finally Billy, workaholic and ‘till now the eternal bachelor. He’s marrying the much younger Lisa. The four of them are in for one hell of a trip.

I love Robert De Niro, put it’s become a little painful to watch him in these everyday comedies. His characters aren’t as intense and deep as they used to be. Michael Douglas plays a character that is more relatable, but it’s Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline that steal all the jokes. They seemingly have a lot of fun in their cliché roles, it works like a charm.

“Last Vegas” is very watchable and we got to thank the good cast for that. However, it could have been a lot better though. The script is a bit bland and it lacks inspiration.

“Last Vegas” is a fun film, but pretty mediocre. It’s a missed shot, I know that many other directors would have done better with these four experienced actors. It’s still an enjoyable movie to watch.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Trailer Sunday (150)

Here are this weeks trailers, the 150th edition of the item. And there are some real great trailers!!!

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Description: The Company of Thorin has reached Smaug's lair; but can Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and the Dwarves reclaim Erebor and the treasure? And, if so, can they hold on to it?

Director: Peter Jackson

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Lee Pace, Evangeline Lilly, Cate Blanchett, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom

Trailer: Trailer "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" Trailer

Comment: Can't wait.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Description: Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage.

Director: Frances Lawrence

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Julianne Moore, Donald Sutherland, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Robert Knepper, Jena Malone, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci

Trailer: Trailer "The Hunger Games: Mockinjay Part 1" Trailer

Comment: Can't wait for this either.

The Longest Week

Description: Conrad Valmont (Jason Bateman) is a man easing into adulthood at the age of 40. The over-educated, under-employed heir to the Valmont Hotel fortune, Conrad is cut off from his allowance following his parents' abrupt divorce and tossed out into the unforgiving streets of the Upper West Side. Luckily, he is taken in by his old friend Dylan (Billy Crudup) and returns the favor by immediately falling for Dylan's girlfriend, Beatrice (Olivia Wilde). As Conrad attempts to woo Beatrice while keeping both their relationship and his bank balance secret, Dylan tries to set him up with Jocelyn (Jenny Slate). Ever committed to the charade that he eventually finds difficult to maintain, Conrad quickly realizes his charm can only extend so far.

Director: Peter Glanz

Starring: Jason Bateman, Olivia Wilde, Billy Crudup, Jenny Slate,

Trailer: Trailer "The Longest Week"

Comment: I'm not really sure about this, but I do like Jason Bateman.

Night at the Musuem: Secret of the Tomb

Description: Larry (Ben Stiller) spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever.

Director: Shawn Levy

Starring: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais, Ben Kingsley, Rebel Wilson, Dan Stevens

Trailer: Trailer "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb"

Comment: Not sure if we really need it, but I did like the previous two. They were funny.

Into the Woods

Description: A witch (Meryl Streep) conspires to teach important lessons to various characters of popular children's stories including Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel.

Director: Rob Marschall

Starring: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp, Lilla Crawford, Daniel Huttlestone, Tracey Ullman, Christine Baranski, MacKenzie Mauzy, Billy Magnussen, Tammy Blanchard, Lucy Punch, Richard Glover, Frances de la Tour, Simon Russell Beale, Joanna Riding, Annette Crosbie

Trailer:

Comment: Excited to see this, I love fairytale retellings!