Movie Review: "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"

Seen on: August 10, 2011

The players: Director: Rupert Wyatt, Writers: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Cast: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Andy Serkis

Fact of interest: Charlton Heston (the star of the original “Planet of the Apes”) is shown in his role as Moses in “The Ten Commandments” on a TV in the background in one of the scenes.

The plot: An origin story of the “Planet of the Apes” films, explaining mankind’s downfall.

Our thoughts: In 1968, the movie “Planet of the Apes” introduced us to a world where mankind was considered an animal next to the evolved, civilized talking ape. It further blew our minds when (spoiler alert) at the end of that film, it is revealed that the planet is, in fact, our own, sometime in the near future.

Click to read more ...

New trailer for 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes'

Rupert Wyatt's "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" won't open until Aug. 5, 2011, but the folks at Yahoo! just debuted the brand-new feature trailer for the prequel starring James Franco, Tom Felton, Brian Cox, Andy Serkis and Freida Pinto. Check it out after the jump.

This is an origin story set in present day San Francisco, where man's own experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy. The trailer focuses largely on Serkis' super chimp character Caesar.

Click to read more ...

Sam Raimi's 'Oz: Great and Powerful' gets release date

It has been a few years since the release of Sam Raimi's critically acclaimed horror film "Drag Me To Hell." After spending some time producing episodes of TV's "Spartacus," it appears Raimi is going to be making his comeback to the big screen via "Oz: Great and Powerful."

This prequel to 1939's "The Wizard of Oz" is set to feature James Franco, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis. Rather than rush this one out to theaters as fast as possible, Disney is apparently going to let Raimi take his time with this one. A release date is set for March 8, 2013. 

Excellent new trailer for '127 Hours'

Who's looking forward to Danny Boyle's "127 Hours"? I certainly am, and after watching this brand-new trailer for the adventure, I'm even more stoked about the project. Make sure you check it out below.

"127 Hours" is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, who amputated his own arm and rescued himself after being trapped under a boulder for almost five days during a dangerous climb in Utah in 2003.

Much like the first trailer, this preview promises a bunch of drama and action mixed with a bit of comedy. I heard the film is incredibly tough to watch at times, but I feel that's exactly what will make it great.

Click to read more ...

Very cool trailer for Boyle's '127 Hours' debuts

The first trailer for Danny Boyle's next adventure "127 Hours" is now online, so check it out after the jump. It really delivers the goods, and it already has me hooked more than "Slumdog Millionaire."

"127 Hours" is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, who amputated his own arm and rescued himself after he got trapped under a boulder for almost five days during a big climb in Utah in 2003.

Simon Beaufoy, who also wrote Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire," penned the script. James Franco, Kate Mara and Amber Tamblyn star. The film hits theaters Nov. 5, 2010. Awesome trailer indeed!

Click to read more ...

Danny Boyle's '127 Hours' to open in November

Who's ready for Danny Boyle's next movie? No, it does not involve any dancing. It's a drama titled "127 Hours," and Fox Searchlight Pictures has announced it will unleash it into theaters Nov. 5, 2010.

"127 Hours" is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, who amputated his own arm and rescued himself after he got trapped under a boulder for almost five days during a big climb in Utah in 2003.

Simon Beaufoy, who also wrote Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire," penned the script. Boyle's directing credits also include "28 Days Later." James Franco is playing Ralston in "127 Hours." (via Coming Soon)

Casting: Freida Pinto confirmed for 'Apes'

Freida Pinto and John Lithgow have boarded 20th Century Fox's upcoming "Planet of the Apes" prequel "Rise of the Apes," which Rupert Wyatt will direct from a screenplay by Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa.

James Franco will play a scientist who is testing a drug against Alzheimer's on apes. One of the test subjects starts to evolve, and Franco's character vows to protect him from evil doctors, according to THR.

Lithgow plays Franco's father, and Pinto plays a primatologist. Pinto, one of the stars of "Slumdog Millionaire," is starring in "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger." Lithgow last starred in "Leap Year."

Trailer for 'Eat Pray Love' has arrived

Julia Roberts' next big movie is Ryan Murphy's "Eat Pray Love," the big-screen adaptation of the popular Elizabeth Gilbert novel. The film is set for release Aug. 13, 2010, and the first trailer has landed online. Check it out after the jump, and enjoy what looks to be a film driven by its superb cast. James Franco, Viola Davis, Javier Bardem, Richard Jenkins and Billy Crudup co-star. Do I really need to say more?

Of course, the story follows a married woman who sets out to discover herself after realizing the life she's leading is not really the life she wants. I have not read the book, so this trailer gives me a first look at what exactly Roberts' character is up to. Looks like a traditional quest story, even though I admit I feel the film could be quite enjoyable. Let's not forget Ryan Murphy, creator of "Nip/Tuck" and "Glee," helmed it.

Click to read more ...

Justin Theroux to play baddie in 'Your Highness'

Justin Theroux is the latest to join David Gordon Green's upcoming comedy “Your Highness," which also stars James Franco, Danny McBride, Natalie Portman and Zooey Deschanel. The film is already shooting, and I just posted an entry about a set photo potentially showing Portman earlier today.

But back to this story. The Hollywood Reporter says Theroux is on board to play a villain. Written by McBride and Ben Best, the film follows an arrogant prince (McBride) and his brother (Franco), who must show great courage and fulfill a perilous quest to secure the future of his dad’s kingdom.

Click to read more ...

Zooey Deschanel boards Green's 'Highness'

The lovely and talented Zooey Deschanel is the latest to board David Gordon Green's upcoming comedy “Your Highness" for Universal.

Written by McBride and Ben Best, the film follows an arrogant prince (McBride) and his brother (Franco), who must show great courage and fulfill a perilous quest to secure the future of his dad’s kingdom.

The Hollywood Reporter says Deschanel will play Belladonna, Franco's virginal bride. Also starring is Natalie Portman, who slips into the role of a badass princess McBride falls in love with.

"Highness" is a project I'm definitely looking forward to. Green did a fab job with "Pineapple Express," and the cast for this one keeps getting better as well.

Deschanel will soon be see in "500 Days of Summer." She also recently starred in the so-so "Yes Man" and ultra-crappy "The Happening."