kellygfullmer

It so nice to have a good, summer popcorn movie like this to go and see. With movies in theaters that are fun to see that viewers look forward to seeing becoming more scarce, we had a blast going to this movie as a family. We watched the three prequel movies to add to our enjoyment and appreciation of Kingdom, and glad we did because we enjoyed and appreciated this film. The plot is a little thin with a few holes, but the special effects helped characterize and differentiate the individual apes so that it was possible to empathize and care about them, if only a little. Not a perfect movie, not a critical wonder, but fun and entertaining and all you can ask of a summer popcorn movie.

If you're looking for be innovative excellence in film making, you won't find it here. But just for fun, this is a great popcorn movie. Jake Gyllenhaal is the coolest of customers bringing memories of Steve McQueen and Clint Eastwood back from the 70's. Connor McGregor is no better than expected but no worse either. The bands behind the chicken wire each night had me Googling for more and of their songs. Derivative, conventional, yes. Flavorful, fun, and entertaining, also yes. The characters at best are unobtrusive, and other than Gyllenhaal's charm, forgettable. It's violent but not realistic enough to feel graphic. Looking for brainless fun on a Friday night? You'll find it in Road House.

Kitchen's Foyle is intensely catatonic in his understatement. Week's Sam is heart breakingly adorable in her earnest unsinkability. Together they make one of the best TV pairings of all time. The intriguing plots set against backdrop of WWII and its aftermath in England make for top notch British TV. Low res of early seasons is a little tiring for modern hi-res spoiled eyes, but it gets better each subsequent season. Spending time with Sam and Foyle each night got to be like spending time with comfortable old friends at night over the last few months for my wife and me. We'll miss them. Sad it's over.