Well we’re heading from a feast season into famine, and what better way to close out a wave of movies than with some good action fun. Zoe Saldana is out for revenge and is willing to do whatever it takes. The movie actually spends a good deal of time setting up young Zoe who, seeing her parents killed as a ten year old, starts with an awesome chase scene of her own. Saldana takes over and we’re happy to watch her, not only because she’s totally hot, but because she plots out some intricate as well as brutal attacks. Now this clearly isn’t a fine film, a couple points I think may have been cheesier than intended, but I was delighted with my choice nonetheless.

As a side note I completely spaced that I also saw The Help last week. A lovely cast takes on the story of a woman trying to tell the story of the unheard women who care for the white families. A pretty good movie, but what often elevates in the combination of drama, comedy, and some poignant moments ended up feeling a bit uneven.

Notable dvd releases 8/30:

• In A Better World – This Danish film garnered Oscar and Golden Globe so is perhaps worth a look, putting in the queue.
  
• Prom – Some teen thing that didn’t even hit my radar, pass.
• Tyler Perry’s Medea’s Big Happy Family – I assume if you watch these this is along those lines, pass.
• 90210 (S3) – I tried out of loyalty to the original but couldn’t get on board, pass.
• Cougar Town (S2) – This show has actually hit a funny stride, can’t wait for fall.
• Desperate Housewives (S7) – I can’t seem to stick with these soapy shows for more than a season or two, pass.
• Hell’s Kitchen (S5) – I don’t like the yeller, pass.
• House (S7) – Another season of diagnosis, I am begrudgingly still watching.
• Parenthood (S2) – This show also grew on me, enjoying the family drama.
• Running Wilde (S1) – Almost a good show if you like the quirky sort.
• Sons of Anarchy (S3) – If you’re not watching this show, get started now, a favorite.

If I’m using my sister’s rule that a movie should have a literal description this French thriller might be called Nurse’s Aid has a Killer Day. We follow this guy who is thrown into an incredible situation and does everything he can and more to save his pregnant wife. What makes it work in addition to the pretty nonstop fast pace is the situation and the characters. Who do you turn to when the criminals and the cops are after you? Not a revolutionary film but good fun all around.

Notable dvd releases 8/23:

• The Beaver – I think everyone missed this Mel Gibson uses a puppet movie for good reason.
• POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold – I’m actually remotely interested in Morgan Spurlock’s all product placement, maybe.
• Win Win – I actually meant to catch this Paul Giamatti odd comedy on release, going in the queue.
• Brothers & Sisters (S5) – Gave up on this season 1.
• The Event (S1) – I never cared what ‘the event’ was.
• Gossip Girl (S4) – Enjoyed it at first but some things weren’t meant to last.
• NCIS (S8) – I’m actually not sure I’ve ever seen an episode of this show.
• NCIS: LA (S2) – Not a bad procedural but I didn’t ever quite get on board with this version of military investigation.

I feel like we’re heading into the Daniel Craig season. This flick isn’t all that groundbreaking even with its mix of genres but it’s entertaining.

Daniel Craig can’t remember anything, but he shows up and is bad-ass enough to make us question his background, even without the space age bracelet. When the aliens attack, it brings out folks’ true colors. Is it just me or is it hard to believe that people as attractive as Daniel Craig and Olivia Wilde are compatible with 1873?

I was all aboard the people of different backgrounds coming together to fight the good fight. It didn’t really matter what they were fighting. Summer fun, plus I earned my $10 bonus on my AMC Rewards card so it was like it was free, you know except for the popcorn.

Notable dvd releases 8/16:

• The Conspirator – I couldn’t and can’t quite bring myself to be that interested in the President Lincoln trial, pass.
• Jane Eyre – Decently reviewed but I just can’t get that excited about the latest adaptation, pass.
• Priest – This post-apocalyptic vampire was almost up my alley but a little too dreadful looking to bother, pass.
• Something Borrowed – Good cast of Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin but romcoms shouldn’t be based on sleeping with your best friend’s fiancé, pass.
• Dexter (S5) – Will he almost get caught again, alas I do love the Dexter.

I’m not opposed to a standard sci fi action drama but was glad to see that this origins flick tried to be a little more. Before the apes ruled the world there was one. And I actually enjoyed the character of Caesar the ape, who at the hands of science, grows up right before our eyes. His awakening to his surroundings and his struggles through the movie are what really compel.

The people in the movie are all for the most part a little less dimensional. Franco is effective enough as the paternal scientist though at times his naiveté (or stupidity) is a little annoying. His pretty girlfriend, Freida Pinto, shows up just enough to make a few cautionary utterances, though mostly it seems like they don’t talk of anything happening that’s of import. And John Lithgow adds a lovely layer and emotional drive.

The special effects, primarily the apes all being cgi, is effectively done, although at times a little disconcerting when they’re just supposed to be apes. Maybe not perfect in either aspect there is both enough action as well as enough nods to a more complex allegory to keep me engaged.

Notable dvd releases 8/9:

• Jumping the Broom – Nothing compelling me to check out this two families conflict coming up to a wedding, pass.
• Mars Needs Moms – Animated space hijinks, pass.
• Paul – This sci fi spoof almost looks funny from the director of Superbad/Adventureland, probably pass.
• Super – Cast of Rainn Wilson, Liv Tyler, and Ellen Page almost make this this downtrodden man tries to be a superhero appealing, probably pass.
• Your Highness – Terrible reviews kept me away from this low-brow knights genre comedy, pass.