Reel Critics

In this remake of “Planet of the Apes” the Apes really steal the show.

The makeup is so well done, that its easy to buy into them being the

superior race. And most of the interesting characters like Ari (Helena

Carter) the senators daughter, Thade (Tim Roth) the power hungry general

and Limbo (Paul Giamatti) the slave trader are all Apes.

The movie is filled with political overtones. When the slaves are sold

and Daena (Estella Warren) gets branded I thought of the Nazis treatment

of the Jews. There are also some familiar Hollywood messages like how

humans are the worst species and how technology can overcome an enemy’s

size and strength.

One of the weakest parts of the movie was the lack of interest you

felt for the humans. Even Wahlberg hardly notices Daena, in spite of her

skimpy outfits and other endearing qualities. And poor Kris

Kristofferson, playing her father, serves as a human punching bag for the

Apes. As for the rest of the humans they were just lifeless drones.

But the worst part was the end. When you see the movie, which I think

you should, ask yourself how these events could take place if Wahlberg

does what he does at the end.

And contrasting this to the original “Planet of the Apes” ending --

which was one of the greatest ever -- made it seem 10 times worst.

The part I enjoyed most, besides the Apes, was the unexpected twist

when they get to the forbidden part of the city. There is also is a good

subplot between two Ape warriors, and the love or lust triangle between

Ari, Leo and Thade.

I did like it, and recommend seeing it, if for nothing else, to see

how real the Apes look. You might leave the little ones home since the

Apes can be a little frightening. So on my viewing scale it gets a B. *

CLEM DOMINGUEZ, 57, is an aspiring screenwriter and film fanatic.

‘Jackpot’ hits the mark with wry humor

* Is the road to success paved with karaoke lyric sheets? The movie

“Jackpot” poses this question using wry humor and terrific acting.

Aspiring singer Sunny Holiday (John Gries) is a man crooning his way to

stardom one karaoke bar at a time. His manager Lester (Garrett Morris),

is there to guide Sunny on the path to fame and fortune. Lester knows

they could go to LA at any moment and make hundreds of thousands of

dollars. However, to be a truly big star and make millions of dollars you

must first develop a base of loyal fans. To cultivate those fans, Sunny

must sing karaoke in small town, hole-in-the-wall bars.

Throughout “Jackpot,” the story is told with flashes forward and

backward, giving you pieces to assemble on your own. Many of these focus

on a discussion between Sunny and his visibly irritated wife Bobbi (Daryl

Hannah). Another stylistic touch is the anonymous narrative voice that

periodically takes control. Unfortunately the voice-over sequences don’t

contribute to a greater understanding of the characters. When the voice

expounds on the nature of silence, or some other profoundly Zen-like

subject, it feels like a neon sign that says, “please contemplate

subtext.”

What makes “Jackpot” click is the great performances delivered by all

the actors. Gries brings human vulnerabilities to Sunny, which reflects

in every person he encounters. Morris is terrific as Lester and pretty

much steals the movie. Peggy Lipton, Mac Davis, Adam Baldwin, and “ER’s”

Anthony Edwards all have small roles with characters that look and feel

human and real. Crystal Bernard (remember “Wings?”), plays a drunken,

slutty, bimbo with bad hair extensions. No matter how absurd the

situation is, “Jackpot” plays it straight. There’s no mugging for the

camera, or other obvious ploys to let you know when you are supposed to

laugh. It’s up to you to decide what’s so ridiculous that it’s funny.

“Jackpot” is the second movie in a trilogy that began with “Twin Falls

Idaho.” It’s written and directed by Mark and Michael Polish, a.k.a the

Polish Brothers.

This is a smart movie with absurd situations and great acting. The

people in “Jackpot” aren’t surgically sculpted Hollywood models. They are

the people you see when you’re filling your gas tank. It’s easy to feel

empathy with them. People who frequent karaoke bars may feel a little

embarrassed when they see “Jackpot,” but won’t feel insulted. Those of us

who hate karaoke have plenty to laugh at as well.

* * JIM ERWIN, 39, is a technical writer and computer trainer.