Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Don't Miss It

Rating:

*****

By: Da'Mon Guy 



     Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a multi-faceted, compelling chronicle that creatively utilizes a sci-fi premise to bring to life an engrossing story of emancipation and liberation. The movie is an absorbing, imaginative commingling of sci-fi and sci-fact that reinforces the desire of every living thing: freedom. The movie is a prequel to the classic 1968 movie, Planet of the Apes. The movie stars James Franco (127 Hours), John Lithgow (Leap Year), Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings Trilogy), Freda Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire), Brian Cox (RED), Tom Felton (Harry Potter series of films), and David Oyelowo (The Help).

   

   "Rise" is an enjoyable precursor that serves as an origin story for the 1968 classic film, Planet of the Apes. Much in the same as that film, both are based on the 1963 classic novel, Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle. This the (7th) movie in the series of films that are based upon the book. This film is the latest take on the book and arguably the possibly the second best, only being surpassed by the original. “Rise” aptly connects the dots that leads up to the return of Taylor (Charleton Heston) to Earth. It answers many of the questions that were raised by the story of the first film.

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S.W.A.T: Firefight: A Direct-to-DVD Disaster

Rating:

**1/2

By: Da'Mon Guy

     S.W.A.T: Firefight is a below average, incoherent flicker of entertainment that infuses some stereotypical, overused character archetypes with some pathetic, random action sequences to produce a lackluster crime thriller. The latest incarnation is a mundane experience that utilizes a number of clichés and stereotypes that are merged with a dreary story of an elite police squad. The film stars Gabriel Macht (Love & Other Drugs), Kristinna Loken (In The Name of the King), Carly Pope (Stuntmen), Giancarlo Esposito (Rabbit Hole), Robert Patrick (The Men Who Stare at Goats), and Shannon Kane (Madea's Big Happy Family).

     S.W.A.T: Firefight is a lackluster, sad attempt to use an existing brand name to seduce movie lovers into to enduring this catastrophe of an action movie. The newest iteration is a direct-to-DVD follow-up to the S.W.A.T. film that debuted in (2003). Both films are based on the classic television show from the 1970’s.

Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: S.W.A.T: Firefight: A Direct-to-DVD disaster - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-s-w-a-t-firefight-a-direct-to-dvd-disaster-review#ixzz1WRs5RWHu

Rio: A Heartfelt Story of Self Discovery and Love

Rating:

****

By: Da'Mon Guy

     Rio is a heartwarming, charismatic, family-friendly convergence of genres. This enjoyable extravaganza is a sweet love story embedded within a kid’s animated feature. The movie is highlighted by an all-star voice cast, featuring the likes of Jessie Eisenberg (Valentine's Day), Will I Am (X:Men Origins: Wolverine), Tracy Morgan (Cop Out), and Jamie Foxx (Horrible Bosses).

     Rio is a humorous, multifaceted animated feature with universal appeal. It tells the story of the last male Macaw who has been domesticated and then becomes an unlikely hero as he finds true love and his own identity. Blue (Eisenberg), the last male Macaw, travels to Rio to meet and procreate with Jewel (Hathaway), a female Macaw in captivity. Blue, a flightless bird, who has been raised by his human friend Lisa. He lives a very sheltered life in Minnesota. The two birds have a contrast of perceptions about humans: Blue is trusting of humans because of his relationship with Lisa and Jewel is extremely distrusting of them because of her time in the wild and terrible experiences with humans.


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Take Me Home Tonight: A Disappointing, Lackluster Return to the 80's

Rating:

**1/2

By: Da'Mon Guy



     Take Me Home Tonight is moderately humorous, humdrum trip into the recent past. The movie is a lackluster disappointment of a comedy attempts to entertain its audience by whisking its them back into the 1980’s to showcase a wild night of partying through the eyes of four individuals who attended the same high school. The movie stars Topher Grace (Predators), Dan Fogler (Balls of Fire), Anna Farris (What's Your Number), Teresa Palmer (I Am Number Four), and Michael Biehn (Planet Terror).

     Take Me Home Tonight is a humor depraved, second-rate effort to produce a comedy. This disappointment is the story of hopes, dreams, missed opportunities. The film focuses on the lies and misconceptions that people tell in order to impress others.The film has no where near the comedic value that was insinuated from the trailers. Take Me Home Tonight uses the 1980’s as the setting to crime scene for this comically challenged assault on viewers. The film brings back the 80’s and places them on full display.

    
Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Take Me Home Tonight: A disappointing return to the 80's - Baltimore Movies | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/dvd-review-take-me-home-tonight-a-disappointing-return-to-the-80-s-review#ixzz1VqlXfP00

Ultimate Avengers:A Creative Reimagining of the Orgin of The Avengers

Rating:

****

By: Da'Mon Guy

     Ultimate Avengers: The Movie is an innovative, action-packed full-length animated feature that showcases an alternative perspective of the story of the formation of Marvel Comics super team of heroes, The Avengers. The film features many of the characters that will be showcased in the upcoming live-action movie, The Avengers. The movie features the voice talents of Justin Gross, Grey Delisle (G.I. Joe: Resolute), Michael Masse (The Resident), Olivia D’Abo (Green Lantern: First Flight), Marc Worden (The Invincible Iron Man), Nan McNamara (Criminal Minds: TV show), Nolan North (Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths), Andre Ware (Hotel For Dogs), David Boat (Super Hero Squad: TV show), Fred Tatascoire (Tangled), and Jim Ward (Toy Story 3).

      Ultimate Avengers is a inventive, highly enjoyable animated film that was released in 2006. It’s a full length animated feature based on the Marvel comics mini-series called the Ultimates that premiered in 2002. It is by far one of the best animated films to be released by Marvel Animation Studios. The film and comic gives an alternate modern perspective on the creation of Marvel’s long standing super team, The Avengers.

    Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: Ultimate Avengers (2006): A reimagining of Marvel's super team - Baltimore Animation | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/animation-in-baltimore/dvd-review-ultimate-avengers-2006-review#ixzz1VqkPdunm



The Lincoln Lawyer: An Engrossing, Performance-Driven Story of Manipulation and Redemption

Rating:

***1/2

By: Da'Mon Guy

     The Lincoln Lawyer is a performance-driven, suspenseful story of atonement, redemption, and perseverance. The movie is a compelling whodunit that exhibits an unparalleled level of manipulation of the law by the individuals who abuse the criminal justice system for personal gain. The film utilizes the talents of an all star cast headlined by Matthew McConaughey (Ghosts of Girlfriend‘s Past), Ryan Phillipe (MacGrubber), and Marisa Tomei (Crazy, Stupid, Love). It also stars William H. Macy (Wild Hogs), Josh Lucas (Shadows and Lies), Michael Pena (Battle: LA), John Leguizamo (Vanishing on 7th Street), Michael Pare’ (Rampage), Bob Guyton (Fracture), and Francis Fisher (The Roommate).

     The Lincoln Lawyer is an entertaining, engaging, crime story that focuses on a high profile, smooth talking lawyer who operates from the backseat of his vintage Ford Lincoln but loses sight of the true meaning of being a defense lawyer in his pursuit of fame, recognition, and money. The film is a great suspense-filled mystery about the “Lincoln Lawyer” as he finally meets his match in another individual whose manipulation of the law forces him to question his moral compass. As he begins to confront his professional and personal demons, the daunting choices he has made begins to haunt him. The movie is based upon the best selling novel from Michael Connelly that was released in 2005.


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Big Momma's Like Father, Like Son: A Bad Idea that has Gotten Worse with Each Film

Rating:

*

By: Da'Mon Guy

    
     Big Momma’s: Like Father, Like Son is a life-diminishing, maddening attempt at comedic entertainment. The movie is a haphazard, putrid effort to unite two generations of movie goers. The film stars Martin Lawrence (Death at a Funeral), Brandon T. Jackson (Lottery Ticket), Jessica Lucas (Cloverfield), Michelle Ang (My Wedding and Other Secrets), Portia Double Day (Youth In Revolt), Tony Curran (Underworld: Evolution), Faison Love (Couples Retreat), and Ken Jeong (The Hangover pt. 2).

     Big Momma’s: Like Father, Like Son is a disappointing, inexcusable film that tries to infuse a youthful perspective with some of the outdated comedic antics of Martin Lawrence. The movie is the abysmal third appearance by Lawrence as the now defunct character, Hattie May (Big Momma) Pearson. This newest addition is even less entertaining than the last film to showcase Lawrence as the character.
     This disappointing calamity makes some ridiculous attempts to entertain the audience with some adolescent-like humor. Big Momma’s House 3 isn’t as funny as the second dismal film in this unbearable waste of resources. The whole concept of “Big Momma” is even less entertaining in this addition. The laughs are few and between within the framework of this dismal tragedy.


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Arthur 2010: A Miserable, Unwarranted Wastes of Resources

Rating:

*

By: Da'Mon Guy



     Arthur is an substandard, moronic happenstance that attempts to entertain its audience though a multitude of idiotic, unfunny circumstances. The film is a thankless mishap that offers some brief flickers of the warm story that is embedded within the madness. The film stars Russell Brand (Get Him to the Greek), Hellen Mirren (State of Play), Greta Gerwig (No Strings Attached), Jennifer Garner (The Kingdom), Nick Nolte (Zoo Keeper), and Luis Guizmen (The Taking of Pelham 123 2009).

     Arthur is a remake of a 1980’s movie of the same name that starred Dudley Moore in the title role. This latest incarnation uses Russell Brand as the instrument of chaotic, comedic carnage. The movie poses a rousing question as it attempts to entertain with the idiotic, child-like behavior of Arthur. Money or love? Arthur is forced to make the choice as we’re forced to intake this disaster.



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G.I. Joe: Resolute: The Best take on the G.I.Joe Universe

Rating:

*****

By: Da'Mon Guy



G.I. Joe: Resolute is an extremely enjoyable, action packed adaptation of the classic characters from the highly adored toys by Hasbro. This is the best incarnation of the highly revered characters of the 1980’s, even better than the beloved television series of the 1980’s. The film features the voice talents of Steve Blum (Transformers: Prime), Charles Adler (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), Eric Bauza (Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated), and Grey Delisle (Batman: The Brave and the Bold).

     G.I. Joe: Resolute is an entertaining, alternative perception of the popular characters of the 1980’s cartoon series. G.I. Joe: Resolute is a collection of anime shorts that were melded together into a full length feature that was released in 2009. It offers an unmatched level of realism that has never been utilized with the use of the occupants of the G.I. Joe universe. The film epitomizes and captures the true essence of what the cartoon and comic books were all about. It captures the true essence of the characters.


Continue reading on Examiner.com DVD review: G.I. Joe: Resolute (2009): The best take on the G.I. Joe universe - Baltimore Animation | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/animation-in-baltimore/dvd-review-g-i-joe-resolute-2009-review#ixzz1US776dUO