The Help Review

There are a few of us that like to go out and see anything that smells like Oscar, there are also some of us that know a good movie when it's coming, and there are even more still that get suckered into a chick flick bound and gagged and find ourselves pleasantly surprised. We were all in attendance at this viewing.

Though the catch line of the film indicates that this is a story about the initiative of change, it is more about the lives of people living in the furthest reaches of progress, feeling the tidal wave of change, and overcoming their fear to be the wave through courage. I did not read the book, so you can feel safe that I'm not trying to sell you some crushed pulp, though I'm sure it would be good for you.

Emma Stone is the central vessel through which much of the story unfurls. To her credit she does a wonderful job bridging the perspectives of the story. She plays a budding journalistic novelist, Skeeter, that takes a big risk, but none more than her interviewees. In fact she is out-shined by these very talented actresses, dwarfed by their story. Though the arc of her story does find it's legs in the last quarter of the film.

It is the hard working maids of Jackson, who are still considered property among some circles in this small town, who give her the stories that convincingly sharpen a dangerous edge. It is this central theme that gives every suspicious look and every awkward bridge move an intensity that is tempered by the fantastic humor of Viola Davis and Octavia Spenser. They balance the chummy hardy laughs of women who know more than they let on with the exquisite somber moments of pain that draw tears consistently.

It seems like the entire town is under the watch of Hilly played by Bryce Dallas Howard, niece of Ron Howard. She is sensationally evil as a backward plastic who tries with every breath to make retreats in societal tolerance. This girl has a future in villainy who has also been typecast ever since she played Victoria in the Twilight Series. In fact she's a horrible girlfriend in the upcoming 50/50 (in a good way).

From beginning to end you find yourself involved and enriched by this period piece that is flawlessly delivered by what are sure to be Oscar hopefuls. As Octavia clearly says, even when it necessary, "Minny don't burn chicken."

9 out 10 perfectly cooked chickens

Lovely Wife: 9 "

Son (12 years): 7 "It's a chick flick!"

Son (11 years): 9 "Happy mixed with sad"

Rise of the Planet of the Apes Review

My wife and I caught this one at the midnight showing. I wore my Donkey Kong shirt in case you were interested. I know you are.

I was looking forward to this one after getting sucked in by the Andy Serkis and CGI tacking featurette I saw online, see below. Though, I was still reserved about how yet another apes movie would fare considering they've beaten the subject to chimp crazed pulp.

I was astounded to find that the featurette hype was right on. Though many might feel that the CGI isn't quite there, they do a FANTASTIC job of following Caesar from birth and showing his progression. I think that most complaints are from people who see an emotive ape and aren't used to it. The intelligent eyes and expression set them apart and though it's really what might make them look less believable in the end they hand hold you and explain that this part was very much intentional. They also cover their tracks by explaining that the eyes of the apes are changed by their genetic/mental alteration.

I must preface my score on this one by adding that though I've seen most of the PofA movies I don't consider myself a die hard fan and would be hard pressed to quote much more than the "damn dirty apes" line. Yet geekyness prevailed and I found myself in line at midnight.

James Franco and John Lithgow help give the movie a lot of its heart and crazy as a duo. Freida Pinto does well enough as the required female role. Tom Felton delivers one particular line that feels really really flat, but does well enough being a sniveling coward of a man. He's been typecast of course.

I don't like to give away much plot because personally the less I know about a movie the more I enjoy the experience. If you want a synopsis you can look it up on IMDB. One thing I will say is that this story line MAKES SENSE. Thank you ape script gods. Yup 99% of movie goers will feel like they know what happened. This is a movie that feels like an origin story should. It has 75% heart to 25% action but the action is fierce and well balanced. If you're expecting Ape on Man violence for 2 hours you'll be disappointed but if you want to find yourself genuinely caring for Caesar and rooting for his freedom, then strap in because this film grabs you.

It's a must see. 3.7 out of 4 bananas.