Kansas City’s Planet Comicon Is Back and Better Than Ever!

 

PHOTOS BY DAN LYBARGER

The past two years have not been good for fans of Pop Culture in Kansas City.  Due to COVID, 2020’s Planet Comicon was cancelled.  Last year’s event was well received but there was just something that felt a little off.  I attributed that feeling to the world still recovering from the issues of 2020.  With that being said, I’m happy to report that the 2022 Planet Comicon came and was a tremendous event.

Ralph Macchio addresses his fans.

One of the oldest, and premiere, events in the Midwest, Planet Comicon once again boasted an eclectic roster of celebrity guests, some making their first Kansas City appearance.  After William Zabka and Martin Kove greeted throngs of fans last year, the Karate Kid himself, Ralph Macchio, was a guest this year, completing the “Cobra Kai” triumvirate. 

Also making their first appearances this year were Brandon Routh (“Superman Returns”), Mark-Paul Gosselaar  (“NYPD Blue”) and former NSync member Joey Fatone.  As I made my way through the crowds I was amazed at the diversity of Pop Culture Planet Comicon features yearly.

As with every Planet Comicon, there was an amazing array of dealers offering everything from Pokemon trading cards to your very own R2-D2.  I’ve never had the nerve to attend the show as one of my favorite Pop Culture characters – though I think if you excused the beard I could pull off a good Chief Brody -but the range of Cosplay characters I saw was impressive.  That’s the beauty about this event.  You can be WHO you want to be.

If you’ve never attended Planet Comicon, I urge you to get in line now for next year’s show.  FYI, it will run March 17-19, 2023.  BE THERE!

“Star Trek: The Next Generation” co-stars John de Lancie and Gates McFadden answer fan questions.

Win Passes to the 2022 kansas City Planet Comicon

 

 

 

Media Mikes has teamed up with their friends at the Kansas City Planet Comicon to give (5) readers the chance for them and a guest to attend the show this weekend (April 22-24).

 

All you have to do is let us know below what celebrity guest you’d like to see at a future show.  Pretty simple.

 

(5) random entries will be chosen and those chosen will be contacted by email and advised how to receive their passes.   GOOD LUCK!

EVERY TIME I DIE SHARE NEW TRACK “PLANET SHIT”

NEW ALBUM RADICAL OUT OCTOBER 22

Photo By: Michael Watson

Buffalo-based hardcore heroes Every Time I Die have unveiled another track in anticipation of their ninth studio album Radical out October 22 via Epitaph. Today, the band unleash “Planet Shit,” which takes an unflinching look at the inevitable social upheaval born of generations of inequity. “I was just calling it like I was seeing it,” expresses vocalist Keith Buckley. The track follows the previously released “Post-Boredom,” “AWOL,” “A Colossal Wreck,” and “Desperate Pleasures.”

Produced and mixed by Will Putney (Acacia Strain, Body Count, The Amity Affliction), Radical is 16 tracks of peak-ETID, alchemized by a swampy summoning of southern rock and coarse poetry, the music swirls beneath sardonic and clever wordplay, cementing the band as leaders, not followers.

CHECK OUT “PLANET SHIT” NOW
WATCH | LISTEN

While inspired by the unrest and upheaval around the world over the past five years, Radical focuses on humanity, decency, self-worth, and even a bit of spirituality more so than politics.

“I’m dealing with difficult matters this time that isn’t only personal for me but are also universal and more communal experiences,” Keith explains. “The songs are realistic in that they acknowledge that things require a lot of work. But it’s ultimately a very hopeful and uplifting record.”

RADICAL TRACK LISTING
1. Dark Distance
2. Sly
3. Planet Shit
4. Post-Boredom
5. A Colossal Wreck
6. Desperate Pleasures
7. All This And War
8. Thing With Feathers
9. Hostile Architecture
10. AWOL
11. The Whip
12. White Void
13. Distress Rehearsal
14. sexsexsex
15. People Verses
16. We Go Together

Every Time I Die has a handful of tour dates throughout the rest of 2021 including their holiday extravaganza, ‘TID The Season taking place in their hometown of Buffalo, NY on December 10 & 11. The band has also just announced that they will support post-hardcore band Underoath on the road early next year. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit https://everytimeidie.net/.

EVERY TIME I DIE TOUR DATES
2021
9/23 Memphis, TN Growlers
9/24 Birmingham, AL Furnace Fest
12/10-11 Buffalo, NY ‘TID The Season

2022
supporting Underoath
2/18 Dallas, TX Southside Ballroom
2/19 Houston, TX Bayou Music Center
2/20 San Antonio, TX The Aztec Theatre
2/23 Phoenix, AZ The Van Buren
2/24 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
2/25 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
2/26 San Francisco, CA The Warfield
2/28 Seattle, WA Showbox SODO
3/1 Vancouver, BC The Vogue Theater
3/2 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
3/4 Salt Lake City, UT The Complex
3/5 Denver, CO The Ogden Theatre
3/7 Minneapolis, MN The Fillmore
3/8 Chicago, IL Radius
3/9 Detroit, MI The Fillmore
3/11 Toronto, ON History
3/12 Cleveland, OH Agora
3/13 Wallingford, CT The Dome
3/14 Boston, MA House of Blues
3/15 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
3/17 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Steel
3/18 Silver Spring, MD The Fillmore
3/19 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore
3/20 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
3/22 Cincinnati, OH ICON
3/23 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore
3/25 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle

Every Time I Die is Keith Buckley (vocals), Jordan Buckley (guitar), Andy Williams (guitar), Steve Micciche (bass), and Clayton “Goose” Holyoak (drums).

Win Passes to Planet Comicon Kansas City

If you’ve never experienced the biggest (and best) Comicon in the Midwest, Media Mikes is giving you the chance to win passes to the upcoming Planet Comicon Kansas City to see first hand what all of the fuss is about!

The event, which runs from August 20th through the 22nd, is an amazing gathering of fans of all mediums together under one roof. Whether you’re an avid comic book reader, fan of a certain television program or film or have a special celebrity you’ve always wanted to meet, Planet Comicon Kansas City is the place where you can do it all.

Celebrity guests this year include William Zabka and Martin Kove from “Cobra Kai,” 70’s television icons like “The Brady Bunch” star Barry Williams and “Laverne and Shirley’s” Cindy Williams to a film legend like Paul Sorvino. As I said, a little bit of something for everyone.

Thanks to our friends at Planet Comicon Kansas City – and I call them friends since I’ve been attending since the very first show in 1999 – we are giving away FIVE admit (2) passes to both Saturday and Sunday, August 21st and 22nd.

All you have to do is let us know below what celebrity guest you’d like to see at a future show. That’s it. Leave your choice, and also note which day you want to attend – Saturday or Sunday. It’s that easy!

Five (5) random names will be chosen and they will receive passes to the event. This contest runs through Wednesday, August 18th at 10:00 pm EST. Winners will be notified by email and told how to retrieve their passes. GOOD LUCK!

For further information about the Con, including a full list of Celebrity guests and ticket information, click HERE.

Which Star Wars planet is the best to live on?

There are billions of fascinating planets in the galaxy far, far away, but which one would make the best home?

The Star Wars universe is home to an incredible collection of planets. From the desert of Tatooine to the metropolis city of Coruscant, there are countless ways to live a life in the galaxy far, far away.

Of all the planets, though, which would provide the best place to live?

According to to research from Betway casino, we have complied a list of the planets and some pros and cons of living in each one.

BESPIN

Bespin is basically a giant ball of gas. The only thing keeping it hospitable is Cloud City. If you are wondering why it would be a good place to live is due to that fact that Lando Calrissian, the administrator, is the boss there and that dude definitely knows how to throw a party.

CORUSCANT

Coruscant is a bit more hoping that Bespin planet. Coruscant is entirely covered by a giant metropolis. It is also the home to the Jedi Council and the political centre of the galaxy. This is city life for sure 100%. If you are looking for the typical city life that this planet is where it is at.

There is a clear class system here on this planet though with over 1000 levels. So if your loaded with money it might be better for you than just the average worker, since the further down you go its like descending deeper and deeper into the pits of Hell.

ENDOR

Endor is the forest planet, which is also home to the Ewoks. Living here would be a nature lovers dream come true. It is blush with forest ands and trails. As long as you can get along with the little Ewoks, you will be happy here.

HOTH

I don’t know who would want to come to Hoth to be honest, which is a planet covered by snow and ice. Maybe if you were into winter sports, it would be nice otherwise outside of skiing, there is not much here to do. You also especially need to avoid the Wampas, who are very territorial.

NABOO

Naboo is likely one of the best planets in the Star Wars universe. It is the home of Queen Amidala, as well as Jar Jar Binks and the Gungans (which could be considered a problem if you hate Jar Jar like myself). The planet itself is full of culture and beautiful scenery. Honestly if Naboo is good enough for the Queen it is good enough for me to live.

As long as the Gungans don’t bother you too much, fun fact, Naboo was also the birthplace of the Emperor. As long as you can deal with those two facts, this planet might be the place to be if you can afford it that is.

TATOOINE

Tatooine is known best as being the home of Anakin and Luke Skywalker. When you think of Star Wars, this desert planet with two suns, is the first place that I think of. I think of the land as a farming community but everyone seems to earn their own way and I appreciate that.

Tatooine also has the cantinas, which can be a bit deadly if you don’t know how to work the crowds, but if you do it is the coolest of places to be.

ALDERAAN

Alderaan seems to be one of the most beautiful and desirable planets in the entire galaxy. It was also home of Princess Leia and the Organa family…that is until it was destroyed by the Death Star. Like Naboo, it was known for rolling hills, mountains, waterfalls. It was the planet that everyone wanted to live at, at least until it was blown up due to also being the unofficial home of the Rebel Alliance.

MUSTAFAR

Mustafar is a planet that no one wants to visit. It is comprised almost entirely of lava. It is also known as the planet where Anakin Skywaler was struck down by Obi-Wan Kenobi, setting up his new fate as Darth Vader. What is cool as hell is Darth Vader castle, which is located there but otherwise I couldn’t see a reason for visiting here.

DAGOBAH

Dagobah is a remote swamp planet where Yoda trained Luke Skywalker in the ways of the Force. Since it is a remote planet, there isn’t much population of places to live but if you are crafty like Yoda, you can make a hut and make it work in a very minimalist fashion.

There is no shortage of species though on Dagobah, some small and some big, so you got to pick your battles carefully. If you are looking for a smooth meditative place to get your force together and trained up this might be the place to go.

KASHYYYK

Last but not least is Kashyyyk, which is home to the Wookies. Kashyyyk is a jungle planet covered in giant trees. There are some beautiful beaches and treehouses for living it up and to relax at but there are some strange species here including giant slugs and spiders out there as well, so you better get some Wookies on your side to help keep you safe.

FASTEST GUITARIST ON THE PLANET MICHAEL ANGELO BATIO SET TO RELEASE NEW INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM MORE MACHINE THAN MAN ON JUNE 12th VIA RAT PAK RECORDS

Now Available for Pre-Order in Various Bundle Configurations www.ratpakrecords.com/michaelangelobatio

Shred guitar pioneer Michael Angelo Batio will release his 12th studio album More Machine Than Man on June 12th via Rat Pak Records. The album features 13 new studio tracks and is the highly anticipated follow up to 2013’s IntermezzoMore Machine Than Man is an all instrumental shred album from the Fastest Guitarist On The Planet that’s sure to resonate with past fans, as well as garner new fans along the way.  From the infectious guitar riffs from album openers “Laser Guided” and “The Badlands”, to the crushing bonus-track finale of “No Backup Plan” Michael has created something truly special and engaging. 

More Machine Than Man is available for pre-order in numerous bundle configurations here:  https://www.ratpakrecordsamerica.com/mcihaelangelobatio.

Mixed and Mastered by longtime Batio engineer Chris Wisco, the album also features guest performances by Chris Adler(Lamb of God), lending his drum skills on the tracks “More Machine Than Man” and “The Two Sirens”. Also appearing on the album is renowned bassist Victor Wooten who performs on “AVTD”, and guitar virtuoso Andrea Martongelli who guest solos on “The Countdown Is On”. 

Regarding the release, Michael comments, “This is the most “in your face” album I have ever recorded. I limited the use of keyboards so you can hear the detail and precision of the rhythm guitars. My goals were to write the best songs I could, keep the tracks as raw and natural as possible and make the grooves relentless! I’m borrowing a quote by NITRO singer Jim Gillette that I think describes this album perfectly – “If this album doesn’t rock your socks off, call the coroner ‘cause you must be dead!””

With heavy rhythm riffs, blazing guitar solos and rock-solid grooves More Machine Than Man delivers all the power and punch that one would expect from this high-level player and is sure to be a favorite of shred lovers around the globe!

A video trailer for the new album can be seen here: https://youtu.be/V9Asp196d2o

The track listing for More Machine Than Man is: 

1.  Laser Guided

2.  The Badlands

3.   Put All Fear Aside

4.  More Machine Than Man

5.  Dreamin’ of 1986

6.  Beyond the Outer Limits

7.  The Two Sirens

8.  AVTD

9.  The Countdown is On

10. Rhythm Reprise (I Pray the Lord)

Bonus Tracks (CD & Digital versions)

11. 21st Century Beck

12. Charlie Went To Chicago

13. No Backup Plan

Michael Angelo Batio showcased his guitar techniques and innovations for the first time with his early instructional programs, as well as in his live performances, which are now considered “standard techniques” amongst guitarists worldwide. Michael not only invented but was the world’s first player of the double-guitar and was also voted one of the World’s Top 100 Guitarists Of All Time by Guitar World Magazine.  He also holds the YouTube record for his instructional video “Speed Kills”, the highest views for a guitarist coming in at over 21 million! 

20th Annual Planet Comicon Kansas City a Rousing Success!

PHOTOS BY DAN LYBARGER

I had just begun my position as Director of Marketing for Dickinson Theatres in early 1999 when I received a phone call from a gentleman named Chris Jackson, who explained to me that he had an idea for a local convention that would continue to grow into something amazing. Wanting to be involved, I sent Chris a lot of promotion posters (I’m thinking THE MATRIX, THE MUMMY, and STAR WARS: EPISODE I were included) to give away. Chris even arranged for one of the guests, actor Kenny Baker – he played R2D2 in the various STAR WARS films, to sign some posters for me to use as a giveaway. And so it began.

This past weekend, Chris’ vision, PLANET COMICON KANSAS CITY, celebrated it’s 20th Anniversary with another convention that cements PCKC as not only the best convention in the Midwest, but one of the best in the country.

The guest list was a virtual honor role of some of the biggest celebrities in film and television. Such icons as Linda Blair, William Shatner and Henry Winkler made appearances (this was Winkler’s first visit to Kansas /City since early
2010, when he graciously became the first ever interview for Media Mikes).

Mr. Shatner had been at PCKC in the past,but you wouldn’t know it from the legion of fans that lined up to greet him. Other celebrity guests included Oscar-nominee Chris Sarandon, PRINCESS BRIDE co-stars Cary Elwes and Wallace Shawn, “Super-men” Dean Cain and Tom Welling as well as well as WWE Wrestling Hall of Famer Mick Foley.

Graphic art fans were also treated to a bevy of comic and graphic novel artists, and an amazing array of fans dressed as their favorite characters.

The vendor selection, as in the past, was varied, with tables offering pretty much everything for everyone.

All in all, it was an amazing weekend. I can’t wait to see what Chris Jackson has in store for the next 20 years!

 

Related Content

Win Passes to Kansas City’s Planet Comicon

Has it really been 20 years since Planet Comicon first appeared in Kansas City? Yes it has. I know because I’ve been to every one! And now we want to let some of our readers attend what has been described as “the best Convention in the Midwest!”

We are giving away (5) pair of passes to attend the convention on Sunday, March 31st. AND, we are giving away a pair of passes to attend all three days of the Con.

All you have to do is let us know below what celebrity guest you’d most like to meet at an upcoming Convention. Six random winners will be chosen and, from those six, one will be randomly chosen to wen the weekend passes. The others chosen will receive a pair of passes to attend on Sunday.

This giveaway ends at 8:00 pm on Wednesday, March 27. Winners will be chosen and will be emailed their passes. Good Luck!!

Win Passes to the 2018 Kansas City Planet Comicon

What if you could go to a party and chat with Alice Cooper, John Cusack, Jason Mamoa, Danny Trejo and others?  You’d jump at the chance, of course!

Media Mikes is giving (4) lucky readers the chance to win weekend passes to the 2018 Kansas City Planet Comicon.  If you’ve ever attended, or read our annual write-ups, you know that Planet Comicon is THE Midwest convention and the one that all of the others strive to be.

All you have to do is let us know below what guest you would like to see at a future convention.  On February 14, (4) random commenters will be chosen to receive (2) weekend passes to attend the show.

Planet Comicon runs from February 16 -19, 2018 and will be held at Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.  For more information click HERE

Good Luck!

“Forbidden Planet” to Invade Omaha


“Forbidden Planet,” the classic 1956 science-fiction classic, will be the 37th film to be presented by film historian Bruce Crawford at the upcoming Tribute to Classic Films, to be held on Friday, October 23, 2015 in Omaha, Nebraska. The screening will begin at 7:00 p.m.

The film, starring Walter Pidgeon, Leslie Nielsen, Anne Francis and the timeless Robby the Robot, is considered one of the best science-fiction films ever made and was a strong inspiration on such future projects as “Star Trek.” The screening will be held at the Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street in Omaha.

The evening’s special guest will be actor/author/producer Robert Dix, who played Crewman Grey in the film. Mr. Dix is the son of legendary silent film star Richard Dix, whose Westerns were among the most popular films of the time.

As with other Classic Film Tributes, artist Nicolosi will design a commemorative United States Postal Envelope honoring the film, with the original artwork being unveiled prior to the screening. You can purchase tickets for the event, which benefits the Nebraska Kidney Association, by visiting the customer service counters of all Omaha-area HyVee food stores. The cost is $24.00. For more information you can call (402) 932-7200 or visit www.omahafilmevent.com

Once Again, KC’s Planet Comicon is a Rousing Success!


Planet Comicon, one of the best and biggest fan-driven conventions in the country, ended another great session this past weekend in Kansas City.

With such celebrity guests as Cary Elwes, Michael Rooker and Scott Wilson, the lines for autographs were long (but moved quickly) and there were plenty of vendors ready to work a deal or two. Whether your love was movies, television, comics or toys, there was plenty to see and plenty to do. As in other years, many guests came in the guise of their favorite pop culture characters.

The “Behind the Mikes” podcast team of Moviemike, Loaf and Brett “Movie Quote” Coker, along with photographer Dan Lybarger, worked the vast expanse of Kansas City’s Bartle Hall, speaking with fans and capturing the sights of the event. Fans of every genre’ were encouraged to get on stage for trivia, hosted by a gentleman in an amazing looking suit!

A huge THANK YOU to Chris Jackson and his Planet Comicon staff for making this annual event one of the most anticipated each year!

Moviemike, Loaf and Brett (l-r) bright and early in the morning.

Midwest Wonder Woman

 

The artist with her signed painting

The Walking Dead’s” Scott Wilson

Photog Dan Lybarger and Michael Rooker

The trivia quiz master and his assistant.

Lady Avengers

Three of a kind

 

“Thank you, Walt Disney” trying to raise money to restore Walt’s original Kansas City studio.

Win Passes to 2015 Kansas City Planet Comicon [ENDED]

If the calendar says it’s March you know two things are certain. Spring is (hopefully) right around the corner. And Kansas City’s Planet Comicon is back!

One of the best, and most popular, conventions in the country, the KC Planet Comicon runs from Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15 at beautiful Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. This year’s announced guests include Cary Elwes, Scott Wilson, Michael Rooker, Erin Gray, Mitch Pileggi, Kent McCord and dozens of other celebrities in the film, television and graphics world.

Once again, our friends at Planet Comicon have given us (5) pair of passes to give away to the event. To be eligible to win them, just let us know below what celebrity guest you’d like to see at the next Planet Comicon. (5) random entries will be chosen to win a pair of passes to the KC Planet Comicon. This contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, March 8, 2015. Winners will be notified by email. Good luck!!

DVD Review “Gilligan’s Planet: The Complete Series”

Voices of: Bob Denver, Alan Hale, Jr., Russell Johnson, Jim Backus, Natalie Schafer, Dawn Wells
Directed by: Hal Sutherland
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 292 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When I saw that this was coming out on DVD, I honestly have never even heard of it. I used to watch “Gilligan’s Island” as a kid though, so I know the idea around the show. This was in fact the second animated spin-off of the popular sitcom “Gilligan’s Island”. The first, which was “The New Adventures of Gilligan” aired in 1974-1975. What is cool about this is that the cast of “Gilligan’s Island” actually returned to their respective roles except for Tina Louise who played Ginger Grant. Dawn Wells ended up pulling double duty voicing Ginger as well as her own original character, Mary Ann Summers. Not the greatest of the bunch of cartoons that were born in the 80’s. If you are a hardcore fan of “Gilligan’s Island” and remember this show, it might be worth picking up.

Official Premise: It’s a brand new story about The Castaways! Leaving their tiny island after years and months and days, they built a little spaceship, crude but it could fly. They left their home and lost their way, between the stars and sky, they went from an island to star, lost on Gilligan’s Planet.” It’s true – The Castaways are now lost in space! They’re all here, in this strange, new world, Gilligan (voice of Bob Denver), the Skipper (voice of Alan Hale, Jr.), the Millionaire (voice of Jim Backus), his Wife (voice of Natalie Schafer), the Movie Star (voice of Dawn Wells), the Professor (Russell Johnson) and Mary Ann (voice of Dawn Wells). Now joined by Gilligan’s alien sidekick Bumper, they begin a whole new life on a whole new world, while still trying to repair the now space-worthy SS Minnow and return home from their infinite three hour tour. It’s something old, something new in this Saturday morning cartoon sit-com sci-fi romp!

I can’t imagine why 😉 but this show only lasted for 13 episodes in one season. The episodes are “I Dream of Genie”; “Turnabout Is Fair Play”; “Let Sleeping Minnows Lie”; “Journey to the Center of Gilligan’s Planet”; “Amazing Colossal Gilligan”; “Bumper to Bumper”; “Road to Boom”; “Too Many Gilligans”; “Space Pirates”; “Invaders of the Lost Barque”; “Wings”; “Super Gilligan” & “Gilligan’s Army”. This complete series DVD release is a Manufacture-on-Demand (MOD) release and it is available exclusively through Warner’s online store and Amazon.com. So this also means that if you do want this DVD, I would get it quickly since you don’t know how long it is going to be produced for. The episodes looks as good as you would think they would for this lost show. They are presented in their original aspect ratio: 4 X 3 full frame – 1.37:1. There are no additional special features included besides the episodes.

Book Review “The Art of the Films: Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of Planet of the Apes”

Author: Matt Hurwitz
Hardcover: 173 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: July 8, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” was released in 2011, I was very upset when it didn’t have an art of companion book. All the work, all the visual effects that went into that film to make it amazing as it was needed to be shared with the world. Well with the release of “Dawn of Planet of the Apes”, we are now getting an art of book for both of them. The book is a literally amazing from the hard cover to the last page including tons of great production photography and concept art for both films. I absolutely love both of these films and if you do as well, this is a must own.

So it is kind of obvious what the focus of this book would be and that is the creation of the apes. I recently went back and re-watched “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” after seeing Dawn of Planet of the Apes” and if you look at the apes in the first film compared to the second, there has been such an improvement. I thought they looked amazing in “Rise” but “Dawn” really delivered 10x the visual effects. So this book includes some fantastic concept art, production stills, VFX renders and finished frames from these movies showcasing those aspects. You also have to remember that these apes aren’t just CGI effects they included state of the art technology mixed with motion capture performances from some very talented actors.

Aside from the apes creation, there are also tons of great locations that was focused on. From “Rise”, there is the lab, Will’s home, primate shelter and, of course, the Bridge. In “Dawn”, there was a bit more since it takes place 10 years after “Rise” and shows pretty much the wipe out of the human race a very degraded world. I really enjoyed this section quite a bit for sure. Between the apes lair and the human’s hold up in a run down San Francisco, it just shows how much work went into this film. Kudos again to Titan Books for releasing yet another gem and my wife is cursing you for us needing a gigantic coffee table since each book is better than the next.

Film Review “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”

Starring: Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman and Jason Clarke
Directed by: Matt Reeves
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 10 mins
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I’m currently co-authoring a book about the making of movie sequels. Among the earlier ones were the very successful “Planet of the Apes” films. Five in total, they took moviegoers to what they thought was a distant planet, underneath it, back to it and then finally watched the conquest of and the battle for it. Almost three decades after the last film, Tim Burton put his very puzzling stamp on a remake/reboot/reimagining of the original 1968 film. Another decade would pass before Hollywood went back to the well with the very well done “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” which did away with the time travel plot and brought the apes to us. Now that we’re all caught up, let’s talk about “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.”

The time is now. While the genetically evolved apes from the first film, led by Caesar (Serkis, in what should be an award winning performance) occupy the woods mankind, overwhelmed by the ravages of disease now lives in camps that were one time major cities. We find such a group of survivors in what used to be San Francisco. While on an exploration mission outside the city, a group of humans come across two young apes. A standoff occurs, broken when one of the group panics and fires his gun. The ape is only wounded but the shot of the gun brings out a shrewdness of apes (yes, dear readers, if you want to impress your friends tell them that a group of apes is referred to as a “shrewdness), led by Caesar. Caesar still remembers the kindness he received from some humans and brokers a peace between the two factions. This does not sit well with Koba (Toby Kebbell), a fellow ape who longs to battle. He will soon get his wish.

Much darker than “Rise,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” rises and falls on the large shoulders of Andy Serkis. He gives Caesar a quiet dignity and, if possible, almost makes him human in his emotions. He does not want war, even when those around him insist on it. Serkis conveys more with his eyes than many actors do with their words. From the anger or betrayal to the joy of holding his newborn son, Caesar is the strongest and best drawn out character in the film. Serkis is joined by other actors who also bring out the emotions under their computer generated fur. Kebbell is angry and bitter as Koba while Karin Konoval, as the gentle orangutan Maurice (a nice nod to the late Maurice Evans, who appeared in the original 1968 film), is kind and caring. On the human side, Clarke and Keri Russell do well as the leaders of the observation group, as does Kodi Smit-McPhee, as a young man who spends his time sketching his new simian friends. Oldman is a little over the top in his distrust of the furry fellows. Perhaps someone told him that Hollywood is actually a town run by apes.

Visually the film is outstanding. The apes and their world are rendered well as is the inner workings of what is left of the city of San Francisco. As for the 3D…once again it brought nothing to the film but a lot of blurry images in the foreground. I honestly think the process needs to be saved for animated films, where it seems to work the best.