Matthew R. Reis: Film and TV Critic

Apetastic? Nope. (Now on DVD) 2 Stars Blog Exclusive! Charlton Heston's performance as Colonel George Taylor in 1968s "Planet of the Apes" was iconic. In 2001 Mark Wahlberg's turn as Captain Leo Davidson in the "Planet of the Apes" remake was ghastly. Now actor, director and Yale student James Franco has to deal with an ape infestation of his own in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes." So how does all this monkey business translate to the big screen this time around? Not well. Not well at all. As a prequel a lot of people already know how “Rise” will end before the projector even warms up. Due to the film's lack of quality content "Rise" offers nothing worthwhile and fails to justify why a prequel was needed in the first place. Both diehard franchise fans and virgins of the series will be disappointed. Besides above average acting and terrific visual effects this film is trash. The biggest problem stems from Rupert Wyatt's ...

Here, there, everywhere... (Now on DVD) 2 Stars As featured in: The Ithacan As of late movies such as the “Green Zone” and “The Bourne Ultimatum” have featured actor Matt Damon running from federal agents, jumping off of bridges and avoiding friendly fire on a giant scale. But Damon goes back to his roots as a dramatic actor in the much more restrained “Hereafter.” “Hereafter” features an interwoven story arc revolving around three characters — George (Matt Damon) a retired physic in the United States, Marie (Cécile de France) a French TV anchor and Marcus (George McLaren) a young boy reeling because of the death of his twin brother in England — who happen to run into each other despite the odds. Each lead actors performance is terrific in its own way. De France brings a vulnerability to Marie that is sexy and realistic. Damon rules the screen with his presence. He reeks of sorrow, yet carries himself confidently, especially when it comes to dealing with women, throughout the pic...