Movie Review : The Help

Brief Summary - On the eve of the Civil Rights Movement in the early 1960’s a young, white, aspiring writer [Skeeter played by Emma Stone] embarks on a secret project with several black maids in Jackson, Mississippi. Their taboo collaboration is a risky undertaking, in spite of that it results in the formation of forbidden friendships, which paints a vivid picture of their lives.

Rating - on a scale of 1 -10 the Help is worthy of a 9.2

Movie Strengths - Viola Davis portrayal of Aibileen's character was so powerful it moved me to tears and I NEVER cry [for movies]

Movie Weaknesses - I feel as though the severity of the racial conflict and taboo nature of what transpired between Skeeter and the maids was downplayed.

Final Thoughts - THIS MOVIE IS WATCH WORTHY it may not be suited to everyone's pallet but its a substantive story worthy of your time and $$

Movie Review : Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Brief Summary - Will Rodman [James Franco] is an over zealous scientist, obsessed with finding a drug to cure Alzheimers. His experiment results in the creation of 'super' intelligent apes desirous of freedom.

Rating - on a scale of 1 to 10 the apes earned a 6!

Movie Strengths - Andy Serkis [voice of Gollum,from the Lord of the Rings trilogy] made Caesar's character very engaging.

Movie Weaknesses - After all  Caesar endured I expected him to go 'more' King Donkey Kong on the humans.

Final thoughts - This franchise is probably as old as time, but the directors managed to revive it without being too predictable.

Movie Review: Cowboys & Aliens

Brief Summary - Gold loving, body snatching aliens land near a desolate town named Absolution in 1875. Unfortunately [for the aliens] a few brazen Cowboys and Native Indians refuse to surrender quietly!

Rating - on a scale of 1 - 10 this sci-fi/western gets a 6.5 !

Movie Strengths - Daniel Craig is his usual barbaric spirited self, gangs of gun-slinging bounty hunters and spear wielding, trigger happy native Indians provide moderate action.

Movie Weaknesses -very subdued performance by Harrison Ford, cowardly aliens, mediocre story telling, non-existent scare factor, flaccid suspense.

Final Thoughts - I expected this movie to be an action masterpiece with Directors such as Spielberg and Favreau I had really high hopes and although I was not thoroughly disappointed I desperately wanted more than this movie offered!