August 12, 2011

30 Minutes or Less (2011)



Director Ruben Fleischer and Jesse Eisenberg — an unwilling bank robber with a bomb strapped to him — don’t deliver another “Zombieland,” but there are some cool moments, like the bank robbery and “The Heat Is On” car chase in the middle 30 minutes.

d: Ruben Fleischer | imdb.com | trailer | This time, it's personal

August 10, 2011

The Help (2011)



Based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett, director Tate Taylor makes an overwrought tear-jerker with some bathroom humor about Southern black maids in the early 1960s. But the movie is well executed, thanks to good performances, especially by Viola Davis.

d: Tate Taylor | imdb.com | trailer | Charlie Rose
Let’s begin. | I need your help. | I got a job. | You is important.

August 5, 2011

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)



In this origin story and second “Planet” redux, scientist James Franco raises an ape with the help of a super drug. During Caesar’s maturation, the film does the near-impossible, humanizing the ape as it displays and elicits real emotions.

d: Rupert Wyatt | imdb.com | trailer | Ape escape | Charlie Rose