Pardon the cynical thought process but I imagine “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is only the first in what Hollywood will soon turn in to a series of three, maybe four films. Which is a shame, because ideally I wish “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” would be a single entry prequel in a classic science fiction film series. I say that not because it’s a bad film but because the writing wraps the entire film in to one clever self-contained little cinematic entry that it’s just too good to see ruined with a follow-up. While “Rise” is essentially about the emergence of a primitive ruler in a cruel world, there are so many Easter eggs included within the narrative that includes foreshadowing, winks to the audience, and a pretty great nod to the original “Planet of the Apes,” all of which are so subtle only the most eagle eyed genre geek will catch on to what the film is leading in to.
Monthly Archives: August 2012
Thelma & Louise (1991)
I can fondly recall in 1991 when “Thelma and Louise” stormed theaters how beloved the film initially was and how influential it’s been ever since its release. As a film it’s one of the templates for many rip-offs and wannabes to come years after it won over mostly female audiences. After watching it finally after so many years of hype and unbridled love, I’m still pretty horrified to see “Thelma & Louise” as such a violent and disturbing film that defines the notion of double standards in popular culture.
Predator 2 (1990)
Bafflingly, the sequel to the classic action science fiction film opts out of following our man Dutch in his further adventures against this alien hunter menace and chooses instead to focus on a brand new series of characters. And rather than continue its trek in to the jungles of Central America, it zeroes in on the city. The inner city. The crime ridden inner city. The crime ridden gang infested inner city. The concrete jungle if you will. If you don’t get the symbolism, don’t worry, “Predator 2” clubs you over the head with the clunky message that this is a new kind of jungle. A concrete jungle. “Predator 2” is sadly a loud, ugly, and irritating film that doesn’t do much to set itself apart from other films of its ilk.
Predator (1987)
Before “The Expendables” was ever put in to production, director John McTiernan had the foresight to include a roster of cinematic bad asses for a film that involved a bunch of mercenaries battling an unseen hunter in the jungles of Central America. From Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, Jesse Ventura, Sonny Landham and the one and only Arnold Schwarzenegger, “Predator” features a conglomerate of muscles and sweat that makes up one of the best casts of an action film ever. 1987 brought forth one of the most unique and innovative action thrillers ever conceived.
Surviving the Game (1994)
Yet another adaptation of Richard Connell’s fantastic short story, “Surviving the Game” takes the premise of his short “The Most Dangerous Game” and fixes it for modern times with a modern sensibility. While it’s often been derided mainly because it was a straight to video feature mostly, this 1994 feature is one of my favorite action thrillers of the decade. This time Ice T takes on the role of Jack Mason, a homeless man who has an unusual ability to survive even the harshest conditions on the street, and spends most of his days trying to find food to eat and live to see the next day. One fateful afternoon he’s confronted by aristocrat Walter Cole who refers him to big game hunter Thoms Burns who tests Jack’s agility and physical dexterity in exchange for money. What seems like an isolated game by a bored rich man turns in to an endeavor for Jack who is invited by Thomas and his friend Walter Cole (Charles Dutton in a rare villain role) to go along on a hunting trip with them and their group of business associates for a weekend hunting trip in the wilderness to act as their hunting guide.
Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
I’m of the opinion that had this film been created under its original title “Simon Says,” that it could have been a wonderful action thriller with a new franchise start. But as a continuation of the “Die Hard” series it’s a strong and unique sequel. Sure it drops off in the climax, but for the first half of this action thriller, “Die Hard with a Vengeance” is a unique and fresh new direction for a series in a rut. The first film is a classic, and the second is arguably entertaining, so it’s interesting that this film chooses instead to mostly be cerebral in its delivery and villain. Rather than John McClane crawling around ducts and hiding in corners, he spends the entirety of the film running around a crowded New York city during the summer trying to defuse brilliant bombs.
The Most Dangerous Game (1932)
Author Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game” is my favorite short story of all time. Accidentally spawning a brilliant concept for the perfect action film, author Connnell’s short story about two men matching wits in the jungle is fantastic and action packed. I still remember reading it so many years ago and being blown away by the vivid prose and deep characterization that was set within only fifteen to twenty pages. As with most Hollywood productions in the early 1900’s much of this cinematic adaptation is altered from the story source and sadly not always for the better. One of the most irritating changes to the story is allowing the character Rainesford a damsel in distress. With all due respect to the great Faye Wray (who is absolutely stunning in this picture), as the character Eve offers nothing as a supporting character except emotional bait for Rainesford to cling to while fighting for survival.