First off, let me say that I found the original overrated. Not bad, but not a 'classic'. When I heard they were remaking it, with Cameron at the helm, I was extremely worried (I dislike everything the man's done in the 90's, with the exception of True Lies, which was fun). When it turned out to be Tim Burton, I felt that maybe he could make this movie truly 'relevant', with sharp satire, and perhaps a little human development. Alas, it wasn't to be.
Understand that I think that Burton is a director who's style often overwhelms the substance of any film he's shooting (note, see Sleepy Hollow). That said, he brings enormous creative energy to the film, and is to be respected for massing the talented crew he has. I'm glad to hear the people mentioned Danny Elfman's score, his best. It hooks you from beginning to end, and has the strength to become a contender at this year's oscars. Thunderous, rousing, brilliant, the score is better written then the script for eliciting a dramatic response. Special credit must be given to Rick Baker, the only Hollywood make-up artist whom I've heard of (he's acheived a celebrity status if you will). His simian creations are remarkable, and allow the actors to act through their make-up.
Well, that would be more true if the actors had something to act. The script makes no attempt to achieve any form of nuance or subtlety. It eschews what could have been a satire, and asks us to accept fight scenes and stunt work. Discussing the stunt work, it is phenomenal as well. Again, the technical achievements of this film are not to be ignored.
The film is fairly entertaining UNTIL..... The climax. What is supposed to be a pulse-pounding scene proves to be a series of cliches, and a horrible use of deux ex machina, and the ending is fairly silly and unnecessary. As for the actors, many attempt to act, but many have nothing to do (the humans). However, the performances by Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Roth are excellent. No kidding, but I think Roth deserves an oscar nomination (as it stands now). His scenery chewing performance as General Thade is energetic and outstanding.
Having said that, expect this to win a make-up oscar, and receive a nomination for best score, but it's not a film to rush out and see.
Understand that I think that Burton is a director who's style often overwhelms the substance of any film he's shooting (note, see Sleepy Hollow). That said, he brings enormous creative energy to the film, and is to be respected for massing the talented crew he has. I'm glad to hear the people mentioned Danny Elfman's score, his best. It hooks you from beginning to end, and has the strength to become a contender at this year's oscars. Thunderous, rousing, brilliant, the score is better written then the script for eliciting a dramatic response. Special credit must be given to Rick Baker, the only Hollywood make-up artist whom I've heard of (he's acheived a celebrity status if you will). His simian creations are remarkable, and allow the actors to act through their make-up.
Well, that would be more true if the actors had something to act. The script makes no attempt to achieve any form of nuance or subtlety. It eschews what could have been a satire, and asks us to accept fight scenes and stunt work. Discussing the stunt work, it is phenomenal as well. Again, the technical achievements of this film are not to be ignored.
The film is fairly entertaining UNTIL..... The climax. What is supposed to be a pulse-pounding scene proves to be a series of cliches, and a horrible use of deux ex machina, and the ending is fairly silly and unnecessary. As for the actors, many attempt to act, but many have nothing to do (the humans). However, the performances by Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Roth are excellent. No kidding, but I think Roth deserves an oscar nomination (as it stands now). His scenery chewing performance as General Thade is energetic and outstanding.
Having said that, expect this to win a make-up oscar, and receive a nomination for best score, but it's not a film to rush out and see.
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