says it all really

la la lalala la la la lala la la its the return of the Smurfs

This summer sees the return of a classic childhood show but this time on the big screen.  Yup the little blue men and girl return in the all new The Smurfs in 3d.  While strolling out for some Smurf Fruit, Clumsy Smurf manages to lead Gargamel into the Smurf Village,  as the Smurfs scatter Clumsy manages to go the wrong way forcing Papa, Brainy, Gutsy, Grouchy and Smurfette chasing after him. Before you know they have managed to go through a blue moon vortex and landed in non other than New York City,  very Enchanted like, yet again Clumsy manages to be clumsy causing them to meet Grace and Patrick Winslow.  The Winslow's offer shelter to the Smurfs from Gargamel as they try to make it home.  The Smurfs also cause Patrick to go on his own little journey as he prepares for fatherhood.

Cast - Jayma Mays, Neil Patrick Harris, Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, Hank Azaria, Sofia Vergara, Jonathan Winters and more

The Smurfs puts you back into childhood.  The plot is another put to another world and desperate to get home type story but it is a kids film.  The infamous Smurf song will be stuck in your head as well as their version of Walk This Way.  You will also drive yourself mad replacing words with Smurf.

Rating 3/5  Its smurf good.

Oh no another Planet of the Apes Movie

 -Summary-

After Planet of The Apes which arguably could be Tim Burton's worst film ever, another attempt has been made in the Planet of the Apes franchise.  This time a prequel by British director Rupert Wyatt ( The Escapist).  The film sees Will Rodham ( James Franco) working on a cure for Alzheimer's with the testing of the drug on Chimps.  After the Chimp goes ape,  Will and his colleague stumble across  a baby chimp.  Over nine years Will and his father, a sufferer of Alzheimer's and a protagonist for Will and his endeavor played by John Lithgow,  raise the Chimp now known as Caesar to sign and think as a human being.  After a scuffle with a next door neighbour, Caesar is sent to a Monkey sanctuary, ran by John Landon (Bill Cox) and his son Dodge ( Harry Potters Tom Felton).  Dodge who sees the Apes as nothing more manages to get the Apes to turn on him and before you know it they go on a rampage with the help of Caesar and the Alzheimer drug.  

Verdict

Although a serious drama, one could not help but laugh at some dramatic moments.  At some points it lags and drags on and others just ridiculous for instance  In nine years Franco's character does not age one bit.  The plot itself cannot be faulted and the premise for the Ape uprising is indeed very modern and the motivation for Will to find this cure is indeed make you sympathetic.  

Acting

James Franco as the lead is a very weird choice.  Although not a great lover of Franco, you cannot fault his portrayal of the scientist.  It is brilliant.  The emotion of anguish as he tries to save his father and also the evident love he has for Caesar.  Franco should stick to roles like this instead of comedy and soap dramas. Lithgow portrayal of Will's father is also brilliant.  I have missed seeing LIthgow as a fan of 3rd Rock from the Sun and Footloose.  However the ape of the film hands down goes to Andy Serkis.

Serkis yet again shows us how to do it when it comes to motion capture and his portrayal of the ape Caesar gives the film more credibility cgi wise as it makes the relationships between the characters and Caesar more touching.   On his first film away from the Potter franchise, Felton shows us a clear break from playing a bad guy.  Oh yeah he doesnt.

Cast :  James  Franco, Andy Serkis, John LIthgow, Freida Pinto, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, David Oyelowo,

Rating - 4/5

looking good....

In Time - 

Immortals

Fright Nights

War Horse

The Ides of March

Classic Corner - Moonlight

Aired - 2007/2008
Cause of Cancellation - Ratings and Guild Strike of America
Starring Alex O'Loughlin, Sophia Myles, Jason Dohring, Shannyn Sossamon

Before the craze of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries there was Moonlight on CBS.  Moonlight stars O'Loughlin as Mick St John a private investigator with a difference.  He's an 85 year old Vampire.  Based in LA, he runs into Beth Turner (Myles) a reporter for Buzzwire who he just so happens to know as he saved her from his crazy ex.  The 16 episodes are based around Mick and Beth investigating both human and Vampire crimes and before you know it they have fallen in love ( through the death of her boyfriend and the return of Micks ex).  If it werent for the Strikes in 2008 this series would probably be in its fourth series at the moment.  The stories are gripping and the characters endearing.  Especially Dohring's portrayal of 400 and odd Vampire Joseph.  A rich vampire who does everything to keep the Vampire secret.  If your ever in town and see this on the shelf pick it up.  You will love it.

  Moonlight @ Play.com

Films this week

This weeks must see films

1.  Super 8
2.  Captain America
3.  Cars 2
4. Zookeeper
5.  releases this friday Cowboys & Aliens

US tv news weekly update

Charlie's Angels

Channel 4 today announced the acquisition of ABC's Charlie's Angels for sister channel E4.  Produced by Drew Barrymore and starring Annie Ilonzeh, Minka Kelly, Rachael Taylor and Ramon Rodgriguez will premier this fall in the US.  UK viewers can probably expect it in the old Glee slot ie early January as One Tree Hill is mid season this year.

Game of Thrones

The cast list for Season two of the great HBO hit program Game of Thrones is getting bigger this year with the addition of another old school Skins member.  Hannah Murray  who played Cass in season 1 and 2 will play Gilly a  young woman desperate to escape the oppression of wildling man Craster, according to TV Guide.