I went to watch the 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' recently with much anticipation. I had high expectations of this movie because the original storyline is a classic and because it stars one of my favourite actor James Edward Franco, or simply James Franco.
I did not watch any of the earlier versions except for the one a decade ago starring Mark Wahlberg etc. Compared to the 2001 version that involved time travel and had a ending that shocked me, this current one tells of a slightly different story of a chimpanzee Caesar born in a laboratory from its mother which was injected with a virus that stimulated the brain cells to regenerate itself, with the potential to cure Alzheimer.
Over time, Caesar developed an intelligence beyond that of other primates and possibly even beyond the humans. After a slew of incidents involving attacks on the neighbour, being caged and ill-treated and finally realizing that it could never fit into a world of humans, it hatched a plan to unit all the primates in San Francisco to escape to the Red Woods, which is a sanctuary for wildlife. And escape they did. The battle against the police was a test of wits, and although some primates perished, most made it to the destination.
Caesar was a victim of the situation but he was also frightening at times. The way he looked as he schemed a plot against the humans was just freakishly scary. Fortunately, his aim was not to take over the human race, but rather to find a home where he truly belonged to. He is an enemy that you wouldn't want to cross swords with. His parting words to his geneticist 'father' and raiser Will was "Caesar is home" and it was uttered with conviction and without regrets.
By the way, John Lithgow, whom I remember from 'Third Rock from the Sun', Tom Felton who is more famously known as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies, and Andy Serkis who played Caesar were part of the cast.
Finally, I caught the final installment of the movie. Surprisingly, it surpassed my expectations and the showdown between Voldemort, there is no need to refer to him as he who we shall not speak of because he is totally dead, and Harry Potter was fantastic.
There were lots of casualties, which is not unexpected of such a war between good and evil, and as always good triumphs over evil. What is funny to me is the part where they showed Harry Potter, his friends and their children 19 years later. I thought that scene was hilarious because I cannot picture them being parents to young kids half their age.
Anyway, I cannot stand Voldemort because as the dark lord, his looks and fashion sense were revolting. He should seriously wear a wig, go for a tan, have a nose job (rhinoplasty) and complete makeover in order to attract more followers.
Anyway, I am sure Daniel Radcliffe and gang are probably as glad as me that it all ends here. Good bye Harry, Hermione and Ron. It is time for these young actors and actress to walk out of their shadows and make more grown up movies.
Should I be happy that the Harry Potter series of movies is coming to an end soon? Written by J. K. Rowling, the book series became a huge phenomenon and was made into 8 movies that spanned a decade from 2001 to 2011.
I am sure the 3 child stars, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, who morphed into teenage starlets and have crossed the age of 20 in recent years, have enough of it already. They have come a long way and can now ride on their stardom and move on to make other films more suitable for their ages. I must admit that the squeaky clean, extremely beautiful and elegant Emma Watson is showing off lots of star power and I am sure she will make it as a great actress some day.
Enough is enough. Like the elf once said in the movie, Harry Potter must go home. It all ends here.
