Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Random Pick: Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back



Why we picked this film:  We were left at the hands of movie bingo!

Beeps:  I like this film, just as much, if not more than episode 4.  It's a great continuation of the epic story.  This one has one of the single greatest film shocker moments for anyone who has not seen it.  As for the movie itself, it's very similar to episode 4, (Yes, Luke is still annoying and whiny).  We get introduced to Yoda, as well as the Emperor in this episode.  I feel so odd reviewing these films individually as it's such a wide sweeping story, but nonetheless this film is fantastic, if you've not seen it, what are you waiting for???  4 Stars!

Apes: This is not my favorite movie... Yeah you get to meet my favorite character in this one and there is a really good surprise. I don't know why I'm just not as into this film as I am the others... MEH I give it 3 stars because it is still GOOD and because you have to watch it for the series to make sense.

Overall we give this film 3 1/2 stars

~Beeps and Apes

Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope

Random Pick: Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope




Why we picked this film: We are making an attempt to watch all of Blockbuster 100 most loved movies through the crazy use of my Random Movie BINGO! We landed on D2 so we've begun the Star Wars Series in release order because that is the PROPER way to watch them! (And should we ever have crotch fruit the way we will make our children watch them)

Beeps:  Hooray for random movie bingo.  It's only fitting that the single greatest science fiction epic, be selected for us on our first attempt.  This film really did stand up well to the test of time.  A few minor annoyances aside, (God, does Luke have to be so whiny?)  this movie is the quintessential science fiction film.  It has everything that you'd want in an epic, and it is just as awesome now as it was back then.  It's interesting, but this may be the first time I've ever been speechless in a review, I mean c'mon it's Star Wars... everyone should watch it at least once.  The hardcore nerds among us, have probably seen it 10 times or more. (present company included)  If you haven't seen this film, stop what you are doing, and invest the time.  4 Stars!

Apes: It truly has been FOREVER since I had seen this, and it remains as much a classic today as it was when I first saw it. I love how the story is just as EPIC in subsequent viewings. The characters develop strong, the plot is easy to follow, and the acting is great for the time period and not to bad for modern day. Even the special effects aren't terrible 30 years later. I really, really enjoyed watching this again. I give it 4 stars for being a classic and holding up to the test of time!

Overall we give this film 4 stars

~Beeps and Apes

Tron: Legacy

Apes Pick: Tron: Legacy



Why I picked this film: We watched the original and well, I wasn't a fan, but I wanted to see what 30 years of special effects development could do for a movie.

Beeps:  Hmmm...  Not too shabby.  I really enjoyed this.  I'd consider it a relatively mindless romp through a neon future world, although technically I suppose it's inside of a computer system.  It lacks an epic feel to it, but still is totally successful as a popcorn flick.  I don't know if I'd necessarily yearn to see it again, but it's definitely worth a watch.  Even if you absolutely hated the first movie.  Bonus points for the smokin' hot Olivia Wilde.  Yowsers!  3 Stars!

Apes: This is WAY better than the first one, but still manages to pay homage to the original with out sacrificing its own style and special effects. This was definitely a special effects over load kind of film. Still way too much neon, but much more enjoyable. Don't expect life changing, mind boggling, creativity, but if you just want to kick you heals up and vedge out this a good film. I give it 3 stars.

Overall we give this film 3 stars!

~Beeps and Apes

Tron

Beeps Pick: Tron: The Original Classic



Why I picked this film: I like to torture Apes with old "sci-fi" movies.  But seriously though, We're planning on watching Tron: Legacy pretty soon, and I'm all about knowing my roots.

Beeps:  It took all my self control to keep from shutting this off after about 10 minutes.  Not because it was terrible, but because it made me realize that you could say anything about computers in 1982, and no one would know or care.  I find this to be a recurring theme in lots of popular shows with "computer specialists" in them, and it enrages me just as much today.  Tron is the story of computer programs fighting off a super program that wants to add their uniqueness to its own.  Think The Matrix meets the Borg from Star Trek, only one tenth as cool or exciting.  The movie is hard to watch 30 years later, no doubt about it, but I actually sorta liked the story.  Those effects aren't very special anymore though... 2 Stars!

Apes: Wow... WOW... WOW... Things really have come along way in 30 years. Now we demand good acting, solid plots, less neon, and a little more SPECIAL in our EFFECTS! For the age of the movie I wasn't expecting anything crazy awesome in the technology I knew what I was getting my self into, but the story its self is TERRIBLE. I'm a big fan of watching the original before a new version or a sequel come out, but in this case just skip it! The neon space invader pacman mash up just isn't worth it. My mind has been turned to mush by the flashing strobe lights, poor story, less than stellar plot, and mediocre acting. I give it 1 1/2 stars for um... because its old and because you really should watch the old version to truly appreciate the new ones.

Overall we give this film 2 stars.

~Beeps and Apes

Inside Job

Beeps Pick: Inside Job



Why we picked this film:  I had heard about this on the radio as being a good film that explained the causes of the financial meltdown of the late 2000's.  So I decided to give it a whirl.

Beeps:  I guess the purpose of a documentary is to inform you of the subject in a manner that is somewhat entertaining.  To that end, mission accomplished.  After watching this film, I am now aware of how things ended up going so wrong in the economy.  The movie is dry, but there's a great story here that keeps you hanging on.  After watching this, I felt so jaded and disgusted by the greed of individuals, and then to see where those individuals are now... Wow.  It's a very good film.  It's a GREAT documentary.  If you have any interest at all in why we're in the financial druthers we're in now, go watch this film.  4 Stars!

Apes: This film will make you ANGRY... at least it should. Its crazy and informative. Like all documentaries I was a little hesitant, but agreed to watch this one. I'm really glad I did, but once again it only strengthened my doubt in humanity. How could so many people turn their backs on so many people it really is DISGUSTING. I recommend you watch this so I wont be the only angry person out there. Plus it really is informative about what a joke the government is. I give this film 4 stars for being informative, interesting, and having Matt Damon as the narrator.

Overall we give this film 4 stars.

~Beeps and Apes

Princess Mononoke

Beeps Pick: Princess Mononoke



Why I picked this film:  Another day, another Studio Ghibli film.  I picked this one because Apes has gotten so into Miyazaki's films, I wanted to share with her, the first one that I had the pleasure of watching. 

Beeps:  As I mentioned above, this was the first Miyazaki film that I watched, and for that, it will always hold a very special place in my heart.  Unlike the majority of his other films, I would classify this as not for children, as it is quite graphic at times.  The movie starts off with a bang, as our young hero, Ashitaka shows his bravery as he does battle with a foul beast attacking his village.  There isn't much time in the beginning to develop a bond with the characters, that happens later in the film.  This is okay, it's just a little different.  I think the movie suffers a bit from its length, it runs 2 hours and 14 minutes, but could probably be clipped at around 2 hours, as the ending just seems to drag on forever.  It's not a bad movie though, and if you're looking for an animated movie that tells an epic story that's not futuristic, give this one a try, you'll probably like it.  4 Stars!


Apes:  As I'm sure its GLARINGLY obvious by now I really do LOVE Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. What they do with anime is truly art. However, I wasn't a die hard fan of this one. The story is very hug a tree, save the forest, and talking animals. Anyone who knows much about me knows I HATE talking animals. I'm not really sure why. Its probably some irrational childhood fear or some other deep seated issue. As always the art and animation are amazing, but its a little too drawn out and a little too we love nature for me. This definitely isn't a kids movie some of the graphics are gross and there is lots of blood and death. I'd watch it again and give it another shot but for now I give it 3 stars. (but seriously watch Totoro!)

Overall we give this film 3 1/2 Stars.

~Beeps and Apes