Thursday, Jan. 05, 2012

Recliner Reviews for January 5, 2012

Sometimes it’s a dilemma: what DVD should you rent or what movie should you stream or order-on-demand? Do you want a date flick, an action caper, or a goofy comedy? Weekly Surge is here to help with our reviews of recent at-home movie releases, which we've watched from the comfort of that favorite recliner.

“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”

Last year James Franco was the hardest working man in show business and college and soap operas and every other temp job he could wrangle. Forget “127 Hours,” this was his shining moment. But he couldn’t have done it without Andy Serkis – he’s the man who played Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings Trilogy” and made Kong such an expressive gorilla in “King Kong.” Serkis’ performance is layered with motion caption technology but his presence is what makes Caesar such an awesome character in this film. In a sense, it is the story of Caesar – his rise to power and the prequel to all those campy films of the `60s and ‘70s. But the material here is far from campy. It’s a valid sci-fi beginning to what may become a rebooted franchise that pays its dues to the original material without being shackled by it. Franco, it’s time to take some time off…you’re running yourself into the ground. Apes, it’s time for you to put your stinking paws all over a damn dirty sequel. Worth a watch.

“Water for Elephants”

Based on a novel by Sara Gruen, this is a historical romance film about carnies. Here’s the hitch…it stars Robert Pattinson – yes, the gloomy over-actor that made one/third of the terrible trio that makes the “Twilight” films so unbearable. But guess what? He’s bearable here. Still a little gloomy but teamed with Reese Witherspoon and Christolph Waltz, they make a trio of interesting characters. The story depicts the gritty existence of circus performers during the 1930s. Waltz is remarkable in every American role he accepts. Witherspoon has scaled back to about a movie a year and she makes them count, choosing roles that suit her but allow her to stretch a bit as an actress. For romance fans, this is one that won’t totally bore your dudes to sleep – worth a watch.

“Mr. Popper’s Penguins”

I think I’ve seen this film before, only there weren’t any penguins and it was called “Liar Liar.” Using the story context of a disappointed child who grows into a disillusioned adult, the movie makes it interesting for the kids but it has all been seen before. You have to give Jim Carrey props - he does try to vary roles and keep it fresh. His last few films have been strategic strikes in various locations. He’s done a straight-up comedy in “Yes Man”; he’s played a gay grifter in “I Love You, Phillip Morris”; and he did practically every other character in the recent animated version of “A Christmas Carol.” But Carrey seems to be repeating himself with this one...most of his comedies have been Carrey doing Carrey but his kids’ movies and dramas have usually tried something new. The penguins are cute enough for the kids but the rest of the movie lacks any pop – pass on this one.