Maltin on Movies Season 1 Episode 44 "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and "The Change-Up" Reviews

In this episode of Maltin on Movies, film critic Leonard Maltin and his daughter Jessie review two popular movies: "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and "The Change-Up."

First up is "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," a 2011 science fiction film directed by Rupert Wyatt and starring James Franco. The movie is a reboot of the popular "Planet of the Apes" series and explores the origins of how apes became intelligent and overthrew humans. Leonard and Jessie praise the film for its impressive special effects and thrilling action scenes, as well as the strong performance by Andy Serkis as Caesar, the leader of the apes. They also note the emotional depth of the story and the well-executed themes of empathy and compassion. Overall, they give the film a positive review and recommend it to fans of science fiction and action movies.

Next, the duo reviews "The Change-Up," a 2011 comedy directed by David Dobkin and starring Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman. The movie revolves around two friends who switch bodies after a night of heavy drinking and must navigate each other's lives while also dealing with personal problems. Leonard and Jessie have mixed feelings about the film, noting that while it has some funny moments, much of the humor is juvenile and relies heavily on crude jokes and gross-out gags. They also find the plot to be predictable and unoriginal, with little to set it apart from other body-swap comedies. Despite these criticisms, they acknowledge that the two lead actors have good chemistry and do their best to elevate the material. Ultimately, Leonard and Jessie suggest that "The Change-Up" may appeal to those who enjoy raunchy comedies, but caution that it's far from a classic of the genre.

Throughout the episode, Leonard and Jessie also discuss other movies and TV shows they've seen recently, as well as sharing anecdotes about their experiences in the film industry. They delve into topics such as the importance of music in movies, the rise of streaming services, and the impact of online reviews on moviegoing decisions. Their witty banter and insightful commentary makes for an entertaining and informative viewing experience.

Overall, this episode of Maltin on Movies offers a diverse range of movie reviews and industry insights, showcasing the expertise and passion of Leonard and Jessie Maltin. Whether you're a die-hard movie buff or a casual viewer looking for recommendations, this show has something for everyone.