X-Men

Apes Pick:X-Men [Blu-ray]




Why we picked this film: I like the X-men movies - or well I remember liking them so I figured it was time to watch them again! Plus I haven't seen First Class or Origins yet, so I figured this would give me a nice refresher course.

Beeps:  In a word?  Awesome.  It'd been a really long time since I watched this, and I'm happy to report that this film has lost absolutely nothing in the 10+ years since it's release.  I've seen a lot of X-Men movies throughout the years, and I kept getting scenes from other movies confused with what transpires during this film.  That being said, this is a great introduction to the series and is a must see for anyone who's a fan of action movies.  In today's environment, movie adaptations from comic books are a dime a dozen, and they are that way because movies like this one paved the way.  Fantastic film, I'm so glad it's in my Blu-Ray collection.  5 Stars!

Apes: Let me start by saying thank God the series doesn't end here. If I knew this was all there was to watch I would be disappointed and angry, but not because this movie lacked anything. Actually, just the opposite, because this movie had just about everything that I love and want in a movie, but mostly it left me wanting more. The characters are developed just enough in this movie, but I want more, and in the back of my head I get excited because I know there is more to come. The main characters rock my socks - except for Cyclops because he is just not manly enough for me; especially, when standing next to Wolverine. (Swoon) This hour and a half flies by super fast, full of action, with enough wit and humor to make it fun. I thoroughly enjoyed this flick and look forward to the rest of the series - 4 stars.

Overall we give this film 4 1/2 stars

~Beeps and Apes

300

Apes Pick: 300



Why we picked this film: I let Beeps set up his surround sound system (an early birthday present) and we NEEDED to test it out using one of our new Blu-Rays... So I figured this was one of the best movies we owned to test this beast out!

Beeps:  Ah 300.  What's there not to love?  A bearded Spartan maniac king leading his people to battle outnumbered 300 to 1,000,000+  That's the makings of an epic, but there's something lacking here.  We're thrust into the heart of the story with only a glossing over of the Spartans, and young Leonidas.  I'd have liked to seen more character development, so that I can become invested in the fates of these men.  I will say that the film is extremely stylized, and that particular style doesn't do it 100% for me.  It's alright, but it leaves the video quality a bit grainy.  Would the movie still have the same charm that it does if it were filmed like Gladiator?  It probably would, and so I think the style detracts overall from the movie itself.  The story is solid, and the acting is fine, unfortunately the character development is lacking and so it doesn't have an overall epic feel to me.  The action scenes are very good, and most often shown in slow motion for emphasis on the beauty of the Spartan war machine.  I enjoy the film very much, and it is a great popcorn flick, and definitely worth purchasing.  4 Stars!

Apes: This is probably the 3rd or 4th time I've seen this movie, and it is still truly amazing. The way it is filmed, scripted, and edited is nothing short of art. The movie is violent and graphic, but comes across as artistic and beautiful. The way the battle scenes are shot in almost a sepia hue with the only real color being the crimson of the Spartan colors and blood make what could be gruesome much more palatable. The fight scenes look like epic ball room dances. Every time I watch this I am moved by the beauty, the simplicity, the effortlessness, and the whole experience. Every part of this movie is well done. The cast, script, music, choreography, and editing are perfect. I give this movie 5 stars for not only being bad ass, but for being epicly moving and beautiful. (but don't forget bad ass!) I can see this staying in my collection for a very, very long time.

Overall we give this film 4 and 1/2 stars!

~Beeps and Apes

My Neighbor Totoro

Apes Pick: My Neighbor Totoro



Why I picked this film: Apes = Anime Dork! Is that a good enough reason? I've said it before thanks to Beeps I'm a huge anime dork and Studio Ghibli mark. So its now my mission to see all the films! Which means I'll be reviewing them all here! Plus it came back to the library so I checked it out! (Support your local library yo!)

Beeps:  This movie gets a free pass in my book.  I'll explain more later, but as Apes mentioned above, I have sparked her interest in anime and more specifically the films of Studio Ghibli.  If you've seen any of Miyazaki's other films you know that they typically involve a character who starts off a bit of a brat, and then matures over the course of the film.  This is somewhat true for this film, although in a completely different way.  On to that free pass.  My Neighbor Totoro has no real action to speak of, I mean theoretically it should be an extremely boring film.  Yet, there's an incomprehensible cuteness about the characters that make it too endearing to not like.  This movie would make an excellent choice for anyone interested in getting started with anime, or someone who wants a family friendly animated movie to enjoy.  Be advised there is a scene in which the 2 girls take a bath with their father, which seems odd in our culture, but is normal in Japanese culture.  This is the only scene that would be even remotely objectionable, and I really don't see it as a big deal.  Just mentioning it in case you decide to show it to your kids, or your neighbor's kids.  4 Stars!

Apes: This movie gives me such a sweet, cuddly, warm, and fuzzy feel just thinking about it! Theres not a lot of dialog, no action, nothing crazy, but I honestly feel like I could watch this movie OVER AND OVER! Its just a peaceful film and such an adventure into child like imagination! I almost want to have kids just so I can share this with them ALMOST! The animation as always is great, the story is cotton candy sweet, and I'm now some how in love with Totoro! Its simple, peaceful, and wonderful! Check it out! I give it 4 1/2 stars for the emotion it makes you feel while watching it and the way saying Totoro will now and forever make me smile!

Overall we give this film 4 1/2 Stars

~Beeps and Apes

Dune - (2000)

Beeps Pick: Dune (the one from 2000)




Why I picked this film: I blame Hayner!  While working at Blockbuster during the early 2000's, my buddy Anthony and I stumbled across this gem from the Sci-Fi channel (before they changed the name to SyFy), and we totally loved the movie.  He reminded me of this flick last week and he told me I had to make Apes watch it.  I have the books on my e-reader and so I thought this might kick start me into finally reading them.

Beeps:  Sometimes it is so easy to forget how bad something is...  Fortunately, this is only partially true for this film.  I'll expound upon that a bit more, later.  If you read my review of Akira, you know that my problem with that film is that they didn't really tell a full story from the source material.  If you've ever seen the 1984 version of this film you know exactly what I'm talking about.  The 1984 version of this film runs 2 hours and 17 minutes, this version runs a glorious 4 hours and 25 minutes.  Thankfully, the movie does not drag at all.  It is an epic tale that encompasses everything that you would expect.  The movie is full of  love, murder, revenge, politics, religion, action, and adventure, all rolled into 3 DVD's.  I love the fact that the film is split that way, it's roughly an hour and a half per disc, so it's easy to watch in pieces, or all at once, if you fancy that sort of thing.  The only detraction that I can say is that this is most assuredly a low budget production.  Most of the scenes are filmed on a sound stage and it shows.  There are plenty of scenes that it is very clear they are standing in front of a backdrop.  If you can repress that, and suspend disbelief, like you would if watching a theater performance, do yourself a favor and invest the time to watch this movie.  It is that good.  4 Stars!

Apes: Okay, so I'll admit I was totally dreading this! Four and a half hours of an "old" Sci-Fi film... uggh... However, I was very pleasantly surprised. The story is EPIC and the entire movie has that epic film feel in the same vein as Lord of the Rings and on a much more grown up level Harry Potter. The acting is well done and the special effects aren't too shabby (despite them reusing a few of the explosion scenes). This is one of those films with an iconic quote "The Spice Must Flow" that I've known for years and even used in dorky random conversations, but had never seen. I'm really glad I took the time to watch this film. Its definitely a way better use of my time than the 4 hours I gave to Napoleon Dynamite... Uggh. I'd recommend spacing this movie out over a couple of days, on a day where you are home sick and ready to vedge out, or using it as an AMAZING stall tactic like " Yeah honey I'll pick up your mother as soon as this movie is over." No matter how or why you decide to watch this film just make sure you DO indeed get around to watching it! Its definitely a must see film. I give it 4 1/2 stars (one for every hour and because I truly LOVED it)

Overall we give this film 4 and a half stars!

~Beeps and Apes

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Apes' Pick: Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief



Why I picked this film: As with Alice in Wonderland this too has been tormenting me as I enter our local wholesale super store Sams. I actually stood there in awe one day while TV shopping to see what trailer they were playing. I really enjoyed the few minutes I caught hear and there of this film so I decided to pick this as my pick. It looks good in a Stardust, Harry Potter, and The Seeker sort of way.

Beeps: When I saw in the opening credits that this was directed by Chris Columbus, I was immediately excited, as I am a huge fan of how he handled the first two (my favorite) Harry Potter films.  (He didn't direct 3, 4, or 5 of that series).  It's easy to draw similarities in this film to that of the boy wizard, but I felt like this was different enough that I'll end that discussion now.  That being said, if you enjoy 2 young men, with a young girl, going on an epic adventure against the supernatural, then I think you'll be pleased with this choice.  This film is a fantastic popcorn flick, and very highly recommended!  4 stars. 

Apes:  "Its like 300 meets the Mickey Mouse Club" said, Beeps in the beginning of the movie. If you watch them both you'll see why. I really, really enjoyed this film. It was action and adventure, but still good clean fun. I was excited, wowed, and wanting more. You should know that I really enjoy mythology and films about myths. I know this film has been compared to the Potter films, but I declare that there is no comparison. Percy Jackson kicks Potter's wussy, winy, and weaselly butt!! I give this film 4 1/2 Stars.

Overall we give this film 4 1/2 Stars.

~Beeps and Apes