09-15-2011, 11:17 PM
At the Cinema: Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes
This was actually more fun than I feared it might be, and certainly more enjoyable than the Tim Burton version of a few years ago, and not for lack of trying by the cast & crew of the Burton film.
Of course, it is not necessary to have seen the original film to enjoy the new one, but it helps as Rise makes frequent, and sometimes rather amusing, reference to the original series of films. (One site claims there are 21 such references -- I did not count but did notice at least a dozen.)
The motion capture technology is getting better with each new project and although at times the apes look like CGI, there are also times when they seem very real indeed. Although there is some talk of an Oscar nomination for Andy Serkis in the role of the ape Caesar, that seems like a long shot at best. Indeed, I would be surprised of the Actor's branch of the Academy would support such a nomination ... at least not yet.
What is missing from the original films is the very innovative and imaginative make-up designed by John Chambers (and for which he received a well earned Oscar). That make-up coupled with the performances of the original's strong cast gives that old film a charm that is lacking from the new film using the latest technology.
That said ...
As with all such 'popcorn' movies the question is: Does it pass the kid test? The grandson liked it so consider it worth a discount matinee showing or video on the home theatre screen.
I should note that none of these films have the charm of the Broadway Musical, but then how can you top singing & dancing apes?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMnG3gOqigE
:wink:
Narukami
This was actually more fun than I feared it might be, and certainly more enjoyable than the Tim Burton version of a few years ago, and not for lack of trying by the cast & crew of the Burton film.
Of course, it is not necessary to have seen the original film to enjoy the new one, but it helps as Rise makes frequent, and sometimes rather amusing, reference to the original series of films. (One site claims there are 21 such references -- I did not count but did notice at least a dozen.)
The motion capture technology is getting better with each new project and although at times the apes look like CGI, there are also times when they seem very real indeed. Although there is some talk of an Oscar nomination for Andy Serkis in the role of the ape Caesar, that seems like a long shot at best. Indeed, I would be surprised of the Actor's branch of the Academy would support such a nomination ... at least not yet.
What is missing from the original films is the very innovative and imaginative make-up designed by John Chambers (and for which he received a well earned Oscar). That make-up coupled with the performances of the original's strong cast gives that old film a charm that is lacking from the new film using the latest technology.
That said ...
As with all such 'popcorn' movies the question is: Does it pass the kid test? The grandson liked it so consider it worth a discount matinee showing or video on the home theatre screen.
I should note that none of these films have the charm of the Broadway Musical, but then how can you top singing & dancing apes?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMnG3gOqigE
:wink:
Narukami
David Reinke
Burbank CA
Burbank CA
