4 out of 5. I think Rupert Wyatt's RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES washed a bad taste out of most people's mouths that the sequels of the original left. I mean, if I was truly being honest aside, other than the killer score by Jerry Goldsmith, the Planet of the Apes is a well-made B-movie. This one however was a great popcorn flick. It had a nice story set-up, great set-pieces, and characters who's actions were believable given the extraordinary circumstances. It delivers on all cylinders and doesn't leave you with an empty stomach like most tent-pole movies. It was a wild ride that you didn't want to stop. The motion-capture and stunt acting is tremendous. What are you doing right? GO WATCH THIS, ALREADY!
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3 out of 5. In CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa spin a very fun tale that doesn't leave your brain at the door. This is one of those films where the casting works so well for the story that the chemistry sparkles between the actors. It shows yet another facet of Ryan Gosling's abilities if you're tired of the gloom and morose work he's done lately. But really all the acting is quite good. I think the only thing that probably worked against this film is the title. In a sea of "like" marketing it's easy to miss this great little film when it's up against Eat. Pray. Oh, and the ending is actually pretty damn good.
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3 out of 5. RAMPART by director Oren Moverman and co-written with James Ellroy should have been the sequel to BAD LIEUTENANT. Well, Woody Harrelson's character is not that depraved, but he plays a cop who can't help himself. His very nature is corrupt, manipulative, controlling and violent. This is a great role and it's nice to see Ned Beatty along with a veteran cast of very talented actors. The directing at first was off-putting but the camerawork and cinematography is unique and the voice of the story comes across loud and clear. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this character portrait.
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3 OUT OF 5. Paddy Considine's TYRANNOSAUR burns white-hot with some great acting It's interesting when good actors direct other good actors. The fidelity of truthfulness comes across with amazing texture. The story of this film is creatively veiled and reveals itself slowly over time. This in itself is quite rewarding. There's a terrific moment of discovery when your perception is rocked and things just come crashing down. Very raw and powerful stuff. The dialect is a bit strong and at times you lose a lot of what is said but it is well worth it. If you like the strength of Todd Field's filmmaking you'll really dig this.
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4 out of 5. Maybe recommending Nicolas Winding
Refn's film DRIVE is a bit out of character for me but I'd hate for
this to be missed. This is an excellent example of deliberate control in
filmmaking. This is an iconic tone poem
about the 80s. A love for Michael Mann films...like Thief and
Collateral...and an excellent blend of holding on shots. Waiting for the
right moments. Film school is open!
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