Rise o' the Planet o' da Apes (o')

When I first heard about this movie being redone, or remade or whatever they call it now (re-imagining) I was skeptical. Tim Burton tried to do it about ten years ago (10 years ago already?). That remake was on FX the other day, man is it terrible. So, of course you're going to use the most recent version as your litmus test to answer "is this a good idea"?

They were doing okay by the title. It was just going to be "Ceasar" (our lead ape). Then I think it was something else and then the final ridiculous title. I have to say it is the worst part of the movie. What about "Rise of the Apes"? Do you really think people won't think of the 6 Planet of the Apes movies if you don't have "Planet" in the title? Anyhoo...

The movie itself is pretty good. You're always going to have trouble when you're supposed to root for something or someone other than humans. I think that's one of the reasons I don't really like the Hellboy movies. Lord knows, I tried.

One of our human leads is a scientist (James Franco, possibly getting a degree in "science" while filming this movie) who is working on a cure for Altzheimer's. This personal to him because his dad (John Lithgow) has the disease. Of course they're testing on apes. One of the strains works and then some. Mishaps happen (no spoilers) so he brings Ceasar home. He gets smart. He is aware he's not quite ape and not quite human. He longs to be free. Humans don't want that to happen. Battling ensues (a lot of which has been spoiled in the trailers, come on Fox).

It is entertaining and evokes emotions and the effects are great. I mean, you still realize they're CGI, but not enough where it bothers you or takes you out of the movie. Way to go, Summer 2011!

Did you enjoy it?
Yes.

Would you see it in theaters again?
Maybe. If the fall gets boring and it is still playing.

Would you buy it?
I smell a new collectors edition

Would you rent it?
Sure.

Would you watch it if you saw it was on TV?
Yes.

Cowboys 'n Aliens

Cowboys and Aliens is one of those projects that started with a pitch. In the evolution of the project, that simple idea stuck as the title. Americans want to know what they're getting. Cowboys and Aliens... what's that movie about? Ha Ha.

Our hero with no name wakes in the middle of the prairie with no memory. He wanders into town wearing "iron" around his wrist. He runs into trouble with the law and a local cattle mogul (Harrison Ford). Just when you think we're going to have trouble with these three groups, in come the aliens. They are from a planet close to the alien in "Super 8" (only in design, and only because I think they look alike). Oh, and then we get into with Indians. And then we find out there are other kinds of aliens (spoiler alert, the universe is vast).

The movie itself is...okay. That's the best I can muster. Having seen it a couple weeks ago I struggle to even recall if I liked it or not. The characters are wild west stereotypes. The villain arch is a simple one. This movie will mostly be remembered for high concept that is actually low (or simple) concept. Will this pave the way for "Cops and Sharks" or "Peanut Butter and Deadly Viruses"? Man I hope so.

Did you enjoy it?
Let's go with...sure.

Would you see it in theaters again?
Heavens no.

Would you buy it?
Golly jee whiz, no thank you.

Would you rent it?
Unlikely

Would you watch it if you saw it was on TV?
Probably not

Saturday's Alright

Man I saw a lot of good things tonight.

It is Lollapalooza, which of course means people trying to sneak into Lolla. As I was jogging on the Lakeshore path, I saw a kid jump the 10 foot fence, fall into the middle of Lakeshore Drive with oncoming traffic coming at him. Then he ran across the street (8 lanes of traffic) jumped another 4 foot fence. Meanwhile, security is running towards him. Then he jumps one more 10 foot fence and he's in. You got to give him credit for his moxy and tenacity.

As I continued I noticed a lot of people sitting on the harbor side of the path. Yep, they had set up camp in the perfect spot to see the south stage screens. We were serenaded by Cee Lo. My arrival was fortuitous because I got to hear "Bright Lights, Bigger City" and "F**k You".

On my way back from the Field Museum (part of my regular loop) I came upon the "Poor Man's Yacht Club" [actual title]. Basically its people who are still pretty rich partying dressed in all white on one of the docks by Monroe Harbor. Looked like a good time. Someone was dressed as Jack Sparrow.

Witnessed a newly wedded couple getting their photos taken on the path as well. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the man was half the height of the woman. Ahhh love, you fickle beast.

Finally, as I returned home by the River Walk I got to see people enjoying a wedding reception at the River Walk Art Center. Looks like they were having fun. Nothing special about it, just reminds me I'm getting married two weeks from today.

Also, I lost 4.2 pounds this week. Wii says I need to lose 30 more. Let's shoot for 20 more by Christmas.

Honeymoon Hat Poll

With 11 votes each, the hat race (sorry hat 2, you suck) is over. It has been decided that Hat 1 (pictured right) will be a "city" hat and Hat 3 (which can be smashed and packed in my luggage) will accompany my new bride and I to Europe. 

Thanks for all that voted!