Planet of the Apes (Anthology)

Me and the Mrs. just finished watching the Planet of the Apes Anthology starting with the first movie made in 1968. (No we didn't watch the sequel yet...well I haven't anyway.) This set of films requires the viewer to forget about what is logical. Yes, suspend that disbelief mode we humans love to be in especially when being critical of something. Instead think of the films as you would a fable from a storybook. The first and second films have Charlton Heston playing a role which is nice to see. He is aging but gets the chance to tote around a beloved rifle in the film. I could only think of his stint as President of the NRA when watching him with gun in hand. The films are all centered around the plot element of apes having a cognitive ability. I have watched these earlier in life so it is interesting to return now to them. The collection was started in 1968 with the film Planet of the Apes. Echoes of the peace movement and the Vietnam war could be seen in the general theme of when nature goes amok due to human's greed and enslavement of others. The anthology consists of five films. They start with a classic and gently erode into nothingness. Still if you get a chance at least watching the first film is required viewing for any film goer. If nothing else the set of films advanced the creation of new movie makeup techniques which are still in use to this day.

Pillow Talk

Okay, this one is a dated movie during the heyday of Hugh Hefner set in the 1950's. If you can't get over the generational gap then keep moving on. Pillow Talk pairs Doris Day and Rock Hudson together in a potential relationship. A very clever storyline fills the film with scenes of "boy wants girl", "boy loses girl". Even the crying, (sure to be a part of any meaningful romance), brings laughter to the viewer. It is a very dated look at New York City in the mid-century and reminds one of how carefree life back then appeared. As a male I can say this film is good for a night with a girlfriend who has at least half a brain. How did Rock Hudson end up gay or what if it was known I can't even guess. If your girlfriend gets bored then try a Twilight movie or put on the Jonas Brothers. I have watched this film several times and liked it each time. The plot is very easy to follow and you will learn nothing other than how to laugh at others love problems.

Gallipoli

War films today are dominated by enormous amounts of blood and very little action outside the battlefield. The Australian movie Gallipoli takes the viewer down a different road. The film is traditional in displaying nationalism, bravery, and heartache found on the front but still manages to show the viewer a frail human side of war. Through what would have to be called ignorance and naivety the audience is shown young men on the cusp of adulthood as they join in World War I. Although no pride is lost by the characters' most viewers will likely raise doubt regarding the necessity of war. Poetically and sadly the film shows a battle which is forgotten by most people. The makes the actions which took place even deeper upon the viewer's psyche. This film will stand up through time reminding us a part of our forgotten past. What is equally odd is that media mogul Rupert Murdoch bankrolled much of the film. This is surprising given his pushing of moral conservative values in America through his ownership of the Fox channel. Gallipoli is well worth watching for people who want more than seeing blood splattered on the lens in between enormous fireballs.

The acting is very good and draws you into the storyline. A youthful Mel Gibson plays one of the main characters and delivers a believable performance. Philip Glass did some of the music. His synthesizer hit "Oxygen" can be heard several times. It is odd to hear it in such an early period of the 20th century. I do recommend a viewing of it and think most people will be entertained.