Film Review: Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

The fact that this movie manages not only to exceed expectations, albeit pretty low ones considering how many people (myself included) seriously questioned the need for another Planet of the Apes story especially after seeing its tacky initial previews, but also to warrant a new, rebooted franchise is incredible.  Although it fails to soar like the classic Charleton Heston-led original Planet of the Apes (1968), Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) is the next-best-thing as it breathes unimaginable life into the storied series that has seen some pretty bad lows (i.e. Tim Burton’s remake Planet of the Apes [2001]).  It has several flaws, including weak human character development and some narrative deficiencies (i.e. typical prequel problems like an abrupt ending).  However, it features remarkable special effects (the cheesy trailers don’t give the final product justice by any means), fairly compelling drama, and interesting continuity devices that ought to please fans.  Furthermore, and perhaps most cleverly, the film engages the audience to side with the apes rather than the humans, for the most part, as viewers will feel genuine emotion for Caesar, the movie’s true protagonist/lead character.  In short, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is more entertaining than you would expect and could imagine; it is one of this summer’s biggest surprise hits.

83rd Annual Academy Awards Nominations, Predictions, Polls, and Pre-Ceremony Analysis (UPDATED WITH RESULTS)

The 83^rd annual Academy Awards ceremony will be broadcast live on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 8 PM EST; James Franco and Anne Hathaway will host the presentation. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), largely comprised of filmmaking professionals and executives who vote on the Oscars, announced this year’s nominations on January 25, 2011. To view previous years’ nominees, winners, and analysis, click here.

Included below is the list of Oscar nominees. I ranked the nominees in order of how likely they are to win in their respective categories, NOT in order of my preferences. Nonetheless, I have written some thoughts, notes, and perspectives (under some categories) regarding the nominees’ chances, histories, and which are my favorites.

Also, DON’T FORGET TO VOTE! – Please vote as if you were an AMPAS member and casting your own ballot, regardless of my predictions and what you think will win. Vote for what/who you think is the best in each category.

* I shall update this post after the presentation on February 27, 2011 to highlight the winners (in red). *

Film Review: 127 Hours

127 Hours, Danny Boyle‘s follow-up to his Academy Award winning Slumdog Millionaire, is clearly a vehicle for actor James Franco. His portrayal of Aron Ralston is beautiful and appears to be a front-runner for “Best Actor.” Nevertheless, the film has much more than a great performance; 127 Hours is a powerfully inspirational film.