A Minor Primate Uprising

Gen-Sys, a pharma company based in San Francisco, is developing a new drug that offers a possible cure to Alzheimer’s. However, plans to move to human testing are abruptly cut short on account of a (misinterpreted) act of animal violence. The testing specimens are put to rest – except one baby chimpanzee – Caesar – adopted by scientist Will Rodman (James Franco). A violent episode against a neighbor consigns Caesar to an animal sanctuary, where he gets a first taste of human cruelty. Eventually, Caesar manages to break free from confinement and empower his primate fellow-inmates, with more than just the average drug. So far so good. What follows is acts of wanton ape vandalism that belies all expectations from a drug that apparently enhances intelligence. And that is where the movie falls apart. Far from getting to anything dystopian or ominous, Rise of the Planet of the Apes ends as a minor skirmish between man and a few slighted apes. Similarly shallow is the role of Caroline Aranha (Frieda Pinto), who manages to duly express affection and consternation in measured doses without attempting anything remarkable

11/20

Tell me no Lies

The irrepressible and egoistical Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) challenges the world at large to Lie to Me (TV Series), as the Lightman Group uses visual clues to uncover human deception. With a team consisting of partner Gillian Foster (Kelli Williams), Eli Loker (Brendan Hines), Ria Torres (Monica Raymund), and the occasional appearances of Lightman’s ex-wife Zoe (Jennifer Beals), Lightman uses natural talent at interpreting microexpressions, and applied psychology, to solve anything from hostage situations and other national crises, to marital disputes. Cal’s character is loosely based upon the character of pre-eminent applied psychologist Paul Ekman, and the series widely uses the Facial Action Coding System and other branches of applied psychology. I was hooked by the first few episodes – which was the general reaction to the series, as well. On the other hand, Lie to Me does begin to flag into the third season, with a marked paucity of ideas for underlying cases, and a hackneyed cast

16/20

Punishment and (then) Crime

Good guy Henry (Keanu Reeves) finds himself framed by “friends” – a fall guy for a bank robbery he did not commit, in Henry's Crime. Losing his wife, and three years of his life in jail, Henry returns to attempt the robbery he did not commit. His accomplices – fellow convict Max (James Caan), buddy Joe (Eddie Hoch), security guard Frank (Bill Duke), and the charming Julie (Vera Farmiga) who becomes the object of Henry’s affection. The plot is straightforward, with the attempt at drawing analogies to Chekov’s The Cherry Orchard’s themes of loss and moving on being applied to situations that are not entirely contextual. Reasonable fare with moments of genuine humor, and of thespian brilliance from the mercurial Julie

12/20