Classic Reviews - Apes and WWll Vets

So you know that little classic list I posted
a little while ago? Well, I've gotten to see two films off of it so far. One of then may just crack my top 20 all-time.

Here we go...

Planet of the Apes ***1/2

I actually am sort of a fan of the 2001 Tim Burton version. I mean, as a little kiddie, I thought it was really cool, but on a viewing two years ago, I realized it wasn't that great. So then I thought I'd watch the "real thing" and I must say, it was miles better. It's such a cool, yet sort of simple, yet you have to think about it a little, plot. Unfortunately, this is my first Heston film, but I thought he played this role pretty darn well. His life sucked. Every time an ape would come on the screen, I'd get this weird excitement. They look disgusting, really. Some have like wacko-Jacko no-nose syndrome, but others are just like, all hair, like Cousin Itt. Anyway, on a serious note, this is a surprisingly smart, purely fun film that's a staple for any sci-fi extraordinaire.



The Best Years of Our Lives ****

I didn't expect to love this film as much as I did. Three hours of war vets, bitching about how civilian life sucks. Well, the film really isn't like that (at all), but it's an extremely simple plot that stays entertaining the whole way. Two things stick out to me, and they both contribute to an incredible aspect of this film. One is the acting. Simple. All the, maybe say six, starring characters are so good and realistic. Then the screenplay. Holy crap. Never, have I watched a screenplay, on screen, that portrays such amazing character action. Little meticulous actions shape the characters so well and tap into their personalities that they are very multi-dimensional. Both of those aspects? Thye contribute into making ridiculously good characters that you get to know. It's one of those films, kind of like Forrest Gump, It's A Wonderful Life, and, recently, There Will Be Blood (those just come to mind..) that by the end you just think "Boy, we've come a long way in this film". With the characters, story, relationships, all of it. A truly amazing film.



So I'm liking the classics, so far. A lot. I'll be seeing The Apartment and Sleuth pretty soon, as well. Yay...