Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, starring Kevin Durand as Proximus Caeser (Abigal), Owen Teague as (Noa) (It Chapter 2), Freya Allan as (Mae) (The Witcher) and directed by Wes Ball (The Maze Runner 2014), takes place generations after the death of Caesar, the Leader of the original ape rebellion.
In a future world where Apes are supreme while humanity dwells as a minority within the shadows of the earth, the adventure begins with a young Ape named Noa. Noa strives to be part of the group as he embarks upon a journey to take part in a cultural ritual to obtain an eagle egg to raise it within his clan. His journey to be among his clan eventually propels him to be marked as a leader. As the world moves into the future, we see a variety of ape clans and civilizations strive to fight for survival, rule, freedom, and peace.
Noa and his eagle clan family are on the verge of captivity by fellow apes; meanwhile, he and his companion (Raka) stumble upon a human (Mae) who has an agenda of her own to bring the world of human dominion back from the grave.
The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes was a cinematic adventure that brought all the elements of past franchise films into full swing. The world of the Apes was truly a sight to behold. The cinematic environment powerfully depicted how the earth has evolved from human expansion. The creativity behind the climate was a magical experience as I had a deeper appreciation and understanding of how fragile our earthly environment is. For this movie to only be carried by one or two “humans,” I must say that the storytelling process delivered as it drew me into the world and the characters within. The special effects were believable and done with grace and accuracy, the score added to the film, and the movie’s overall tone moved the franchise into a new realm of story while still staying true to the overall legacy of Caesar’s reign.
This movie was enjoyable. I gave this film four stars for the thrill, special effects, and adventure.
TWD: The Ones Who Live, directed by Bert and Bertie Ellwood and starring Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira, continues the epic love story of the famous Colt Python slinger Rick Grimes and the Katana Sword-wielding Michonne. This story takes place in two different locations, as our main characters face a multitude of challenges, obstacles, and interesting circumstances along their journey to find each other. Rick’s journey to the CRM started after he blew up the bridge outside of Alexandria; Jadis found him near death on the edge of the river. Then we see Rick riding off into the world of the unknown in a helicopter with Jadis in tow.
Unsatisfied with their search efforts, Michone found herself going out to find Rick, feeling in her heart that he was not dead. She set out to expand her search beyond the borders of their walled community. On her travels, she ran into a man named Virgil in connection to a mysterious boat. The boat contained Rick’s Boots, a cell phone with an etched photograph of her and Judith, and a message written in Japanese, which were clues to prove that Rick was alive.
Their journey to each other leads them on a path to a much bigger and broken world.
Rick finds himself in a community held against his will and does everything he can to reunite with his love, Michonne, including attempting to escape several times.
Episode 1 takes us inside the CRM as we see the life that Rick Grimes is living. He tries to hang on to the love and life of his past while his hope for finding his family and the future he envisions slowly fades away.
Rick’s newfound relationships appear to be established with great caution as Okafor (portrayed by Craig Tate) tries to push Rick into a major Leadership role within the CRM. During this recruitment process, we learn that Rick undergoes extensive Military training. We see Rick do everything from hand-to-hand combat training to Walker extraction and flight training. While receiving this training, he mentally resists the idea of being a CRM leader. He finds himself amid an internal rebellion whose purpose is to change the inner workings of the CRM.
Rick’s resistance leads him on a path of four failed escape attempts, with his last effort finally bringing his comic book character storyline to life with the mutilation of his left hand.
By the end of the episode, Rick tries to let go of the idea that he will return to Michonne and his family. As he tries to open himself to the possibility of a new future, unexpected firepower suddenly takes down a routine supply run with Okafor’s group in one of the very helicopters that he has learned to fly. He crashes into a nearby field. Rick escapes the aircraft to an even more dangerous situation. Rick’s protective mask is taken off to reveal his face, while the individual who killed the others in his group is shown to be none other than his one true love, Michonne.
They stare at each other for several long moments as their mouths are dropped in awe.
This episode was by far one of the best episodes that the TWD Universe has presented to us. The storytelling process and the spectacular cinematography have created a fresh take and a different perspective on how Rick’s adventure has continued through his long absence within the universe. The world of the CRM and the secrets they hold create a more detailed idea of the puzzle pieces that the CRM has left us throughout this time. Andy Lincoln’s portrayal of Rick Grimes is award-winning, bringing us back to when TWD was all about Rick since season 1, episode 1, Days Gone By. The entire production was done amazingly. The new Costume designs tell a story within themselves and add to the experience of drawing us into Rick’s life. The “what if “scenes with Michonne and Rick were captivating and very special. Seeing them engage with each other in a new way was magical. The supporting cast meshed well throughout the episode and did an excellent job blending their fresh take with Rick’s story.
It is going to be fantastic to see how this unfolds.
Episode 1 of The Ones Who Live was a great start to this new thrill ride, and I am all in!!!
Ten stars!!
L.L.
Check out the trailer below. The Who Live airs Sundays on AMC at 9:00
Equalizer 3, directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and starring Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning, was a great action-packed film that gave fans everything they wanted in a thrilling Denzel Washington cinematic adventure.
This time, we find our anti-hero assassin, Robert McCall (Denzel Washington), on the beautiful banks of Italy as he deals with some unfinished business. That unfinished business leads him on the path of retirement. But before he can actually sit back and relax. He soon finds himself once again protecting the people he loves.
Entangled in a world of the Italian Mob, Robert partners up with CIA Agent Emma Collins (Dakota Fanning) as they work together to bring down the powerful organization that has been constantly terrorizing the citizens of a quaint Italian community.
Equalizer 3 was well-balanced and presented moviegoers with a familiar yet fresh take on character expansion while delivering a tone that ties in trauma, loyalty, and purpose. The story and action sequences were captivating. Denzel’s performance was magnetic; the second he appears on screen, you are drawn to his character. The effects were wild, and the reunion and chemistry between Denzel and Dakota were fantastic. The supporting cast added to the depth of the storytelling process while providing fans with a level of connection that creates an emotional reality based on the understanding that dark times won’t last forever.
This is a must-see action film. The director‘s perspective and the magic of the cinematography connected all the elements to make this movie a spectacular Labor Day weekend Blockbuster.
John Wick Chapter 4, directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Keanu Reeves, continues the saga of the legendary hitman as he battles his way to free himself from The High Table and all the expectations that come with it.
This movie is the definition of high-octane action. We are once again drawn into a world of international luxury where the darkness of high society rules the world and where no one is safe from escape. The complicated story of The High Table becomes more intense as John attempts to face his inner and outer demons.
John Wick Chapter 4 is a fast-paced film, yet it flows nicely to where you can follow the direction as to where John Wick is going. He meets old friends and new enemies throughout his journey as he maintains his classic style and calculated nature.
This movie, by far, is one of the best Keanu Reeves action films I have ever seen. The fight sequences, fantastic choreography, stunning backdrops, fabulous fashion, and diverse casting created a visual experience like no other. Almost every scene is unforgettable, and the film establishes a tone of familiarity while still able to evolve into a new elemental force within the genre.
I hate to admit that John Wick Chapter 4 was the first movie in the franchise I’ve seen in the theater, and I must say that it was such an exciting adventure that I couldn’t stop thinking about it ever after it was over.
The cast was chosen to create an interlocking ensemble that united the storytelling process. In addition, each character delivered a performance that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
John Wick Chapter 4 is a film that must be experienced in the theater. It was amazing and did not disappoint. This movie will take you all over the world. The draw-dropping scenery is a character in its own right. John Wick Chapter 4 pushes the limits of high-energy concepts and displays a variety of fighting styles. We see John Wick explore different weapons as well as diversify his world while giving movie-goers a thrill ride filled with new reveals, the exposure of deeper secrets, and shocking moments that will surely rock your world.
The official summer Blockbuster movie season kicked off with the release of Iron Man 3 this past May.
There is a long list of movies expected to be released this summer, but I have compiled a list of a few that I think will be worth watching.
I’m a big super hero fan, so the first movie on my list is
Man of Steel-June 14 starring Henry Cavill
World War Z- June 21 starring Brad Pitt
White House Down-June 28 starring Jamie Foxx
The Lone Ranger-July 3 starring Johnny Depp
The Conjuring-July 19 starring Patrick Wilson
Elysium-August 9 starring Matt Damon
I’ve seen all of the trailers to these films and feel that they will all take their audiences on a thrill ride of adventure.
I expect that they will do very well at the box office.
As I continue to search for summer movies I may add to my list in the near future.
Enjoy your weekend at the movies!
L.L
The World According to LaTaeya 