Lucy

Release Date: Jul 25, 2014 

Runtime: 1 hr. 28 min. 

Director: Luc Besson 

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Choi Min-Sik, Amr Waked.

It's often misconstrued that humans only use 10% of their brains...but that's all you'll really need to watch this mind-numbing excursion. From the man who brought us films such as "Léon: The Professional" and "The Fifth Element," comes a cerebral, sci-fi thriller that is far from believable. Scarlett Johansson stars as a woman living abroad, who gets duped into becoming a drug mule for a temperamental gangster. When she inadvertently absorbs the substance through a turn of events, she acquires powerful enhancements beyond human compulsion. It's another fantastical look at the seeds of evolution, but one that's unimaginative and all too familiar. Resembling the guise of "Limitless" and the abysmal "Transcendence," "Lucy" struggles to find novelty in a burgeoning spectrum. Contrary to appearance, the action is detracted, replaced by scientific theories and time manipulation. As Lucy grows stronger, the film grows weaker, as there's no viable threat to her infinite powers. Johansson, for her part, shows some moments of vulnerability but the supporting cast has little else to offer. Freeman's mainly there to speak his words of wisdom, while Choi Min-Sik as a villain is regretfully one dimensional. Through it all, plenty of philosophical questions are raised but not enough answered to keep it coherent. While Besson may get away with some neat visual attractions, it can't help save this muddled feature.

Rating: 1½ stars

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Release Date: Jul 11, 2014
Runtime: 2 hr. 10 min. 
Director: Matt Reeves 
Cast: Jason Clarke, Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Kodi Smit-McPhee.

If evolution has taught us anything in the past, it's that change is inevitable and oftentimes for the better. So it comes as no surprise that "Dawn" exceeds all odds, making it a far superior sequel to its praised predecessor. In the aftermath of the virus, the human population is now dwindling, ensuing in a standoff between survivors and apes. As nature threatens to harm their coexistence, it's up to Caesar to fight or willfully make peace. Matt Reeves takes over directing duties from Rupert Wyatt, expanding the visionary masterpiece that was "Rise of the Planet of the Apes." With the continuance of motion capture, the apes are more realistic than ever, as they commandeer the plot in every way possible. The brilliance of Andy Serkis, along with his fellow simian actors, is the very heart and soul of this pulse-pounding saga. Where there is tension and suspense, there is also a wealth of emotions, as every nuance is defined by their actions and movements. Reeves does a great job in building the story, from the variations of civilization to the surges of battle. Each character has his or her own place in the film – no human or ape disfavored for the other. As the drama surmounts, each sense is engaged, in an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride that never lets go. Of course, inevitability takes its course at the end of it all, with the only conclusion left to garner a sequel. But if "Dawn" proves one thing well, and one thing only, it's that there's always two sides to a story.

Rating: 4½ stars