Movie Review: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Grade: A

I went into this experience a little dubious about a movie in which the main characters are CGI-created but left very pleased. Overall, one of the best movies this summer. Whether you have seen the original movie of 1968 or the most recent reboot in 2001 I think you will like it. The special effects, including CGI, where very good but not over the top to kill the movie. The human cast consisted of a few actors who were well developed. Action was mixed in with good plot development

This is a reboot of the Apes franchise, so to speak, that began with the classic Planet of the Apes (POA) movie of 1968 starring the late Charlton Heston. I'm definitely looking forward to the next one. First, a synopisis and then details.

Synopsis: A scientist Will Rodman (played by James Franco) is desperately trying to create a cure for Alzheimers to save his ailing father Charles (played by John Lithgow). The corporation he works for wants to make money. Will is using chimpanzees to test the drug. The story revolves around Will trying to balance his drive to save his father and apes, who he views as intelligent beings. He rescues a baby chimp named Caesar from the corporation when the plug is pulled on his research. Caesar has inherited increased intelligence on the level of a human. Without divulging anymore details the plot leads to the inevitable clash of man and ape (chimpanzee), leading to the beginning or rise of the ape civilization.

Nuggets or references to the original movie were sporadically dropped in which I liked.

The movie ending leads the moviegoer with a sense of anticipation. If you follow the story and the clues you can predict what might lie ahead for humans (those left) and apes.

Again, thumbs up. Remember movie watching is a sport.

Cowboys training camp daily observations WEEK 2

As a lifelong Cowboys fan this time of year brings optimism over a successful Cowboys season and hopeful return to the playoffs. A few things are certain: the Cowboys are broke AND the focus is on the coaching.

Jerry Jones' failure to fill in some gaps in the team lends me to believe that he is broke. The team has too much cap money tied up into HUGE signing bonuses and dead money tied up in Roy Williams. With the new CBA all teams must meet a firm cap of $120 million. Jerry is intensely loyal, to a fault at times, and tends to overspend. I'm not wishing they go out and throw money at just any big name but I do wish they would have done a better job (so far) at addressing spots on the roster. There are still some players on this roster that need to demonstrate they are worth their pay--Martellus Bennett, Terrance Newman, Anthony Spencer, and David Buehler.

Where are their deficiences? Safety, cornerback, and another outside linebacker that can rush the QB and take some of the heat off of DeMarcus Ware.

By not making a huge move Jerry has signaled that Wade Phillips failed as a head coach and a defensive coordinator. Essentially most of the same cards are in the deck. It's now a matter of using the wit and wisdom of head coach Jason Garrett, defensive coordinator Ryan, and the rest of the staff to get the most out of the players.