22 Jump Street (2014)

The sequel to 21 Jump Street and it is on par if may be even a little funnier than the first one. What makes it work well is the good chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum and the films self awareness of it being a sequel. The story is nothing to write home about and as the film consistently acknowledges, it's all the same shit again (but with a bigger budget!). but all that matters with this film is that it successfully sets out what it's meant to do and that is consistently deliver the laughs throughout. Also this film is very well shot with a nice use of split screen in places.
Overall a very fun comedy that does it's job very well.
***1/2

The Two Faces Of January (2014)

Here's decent slick thriller adapted from the novel of the same name. I found the story itself to be pretty standard but interesting enough to keep me engaged throughout. The film is also executed really well, has a good use of location, good performances and some really nice cinematography.
Overall it didn't wow me but the whole thing works well producing a rather decent thriller.
***

Ninja Kids!!! (2011)

Takashi Miike directs this super fun kids film that's based on the manga series and keeps the feel of a live action manga itself with it's inherent wackiness and cartoony vibes. It's just a good fun time filled with wacky gags that make the 100 minute run time just fly by.
A purely joyous fun film.
***1/2

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (2011)

The first film in an attempt to reboot the Planet Of The Apes franchise and it is definitely great. The film switches up the themes with more contempary ones and takes a somewhat more realistic approach than the rest of the series. The film is tense and engaging with a few powerful moments that make your hair stand on end. Andy Serkis pull off a great mocap performance as Ceasar and despite his small role John Lithgow is also fantastic in this movie. It's well shot, well structured and packed with a number of references to the original series.
Overall This film is just great and I can't wait for Dawn.
****

Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)

The last in the original series and definitely the weakest, it's all just straightforward and meh really. It lacks the same depth of the other films and it just feels lacking overall. I mean it's all kind of ok but that's about it really. It's clear that the creative drive of the series had begun to fade, it's a shame it ended on such a lackluster note considering how good Conquest was.
overall Just meh.
**1/2

Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes (1972)

A super solid film and by far the second best film of the series, containing once again a great ending and a great performance from Roddy McDowall.  I do feel that this film is may only be truly appreciated by fans of the actual series and that other people will possibly find the whole thing rather silly and not get behind it. But I do think they did a really good job with this movie and think it's very successful with it's intentions  and the themes of oppression and revolution come across really well.
A very entertaining and overall very solid film.
****

Escape From The Planet Of The Apes (1971)

The third film in the series and it's not too bad, it's mainly another great ending that brings this film up. Everything beforehand is passable and works and the film still deals with certain social issues. Overall it's still a rather enjoyable film if maybe a little lackluster.
***