1795 - This is 40

I'm a big fan of Judd Apatow - I like how much he throws himself into and this little empire and network of people that he's created - it's quite something.  Throw that and Paul Rudd into the mix and I'm a happy camper.  This is by no means a perfect film.  And it's not for everyone - if you like slice-of-life family drama that connects pretty deeply, you'll dig it - but if you like big stakes then I imagine a film about middle class white people not being able to afford their amazing lifestyle isn't going to quite do it for you.  And that's fine too.
The Apatow "method" of improv heavy films has never been quite so obvious as it is here - and I'm not passing judgement or suggesting that it doesn't largely work, but at the same time I find it difficult to justify the running time for this sort of film.  There's no need for a 2hr, 14 minute film about a mid-life crisis comedy.  Good for Judd for getting away with it, but I think that this is a film that could benefit from a good deal of pruning.  As it is I like it, but I probably could have loved it.
If you've liked his previous films, this one is worth checking out - although I feel like it's his less heart-filled film.  At the end I don't know if I felt like Pete and Debbie so much resolved their issues as they just stopped bitching at each other about their current problems.  I sound like I didn't like the film, but I swear I did.  Can't wait for the special features that'll be loaded to the tits on the BluRay.

1600 - Rise of the Planet of the Apes

I'm a fan of this series - I own the original boxset on VHS.  Damn straight!  This film serves, I suppose, as a reboot to the franchise.  Seeing how the original series went out of order (mostly out of necessity) this one is smart to start at the very beginning and tell a kind of origin story.
First off, for all those Ape geeks, this film pays wonderful homage to the original series, and in a lot of nice little touches - quick things that you may not even notice, like a young Caesar playing with a toy of the statue of liberty.  It has all the key moments that the film should have, even down to the famous, "Damn Dirty Ape" line.  But what this film also does is that it REALLY makes you give a shit about the apes.  Even though you know that their course of actions is going to destroy humanity, you're still cheering for them.  The CGI is pretty great, and I can't remember a single moment where I was pulled out of the film.  Andy Serkis is a marvel here and like many people are stating, I think he should definitely be recognized for his acting by the academy.    Tom Felton, on the other hand, really needs to stop playing manipulative mustache twirling villains.  Show some range!  He's laughable here and it hurts the film a tad.
This is a film without a lot of dialogue and it's a film full of wonderful imagery that's smart and advances the storyline.  My favorite is of a tree-lined suburban street, all is normal until you see leaves falling, not unlike a swarm of bees coming at you, until you realize - right - the apes must be moving right above us.  Brilliant.
I can only imagine, given the quality and talent from this, that they will continue on with this series reboot.  As they should.  I'd LOVE to know what happens next.  It's smart, fun, and full of energy inducing action flick.  If you like the original series at all, or have been reading the rave reviews and are curious, do yourself a favor and give into your curiosity.  It's worth it.

1574 - Leap Year

I don't know when or why I'd added this to my ziplist, but I suppose I did - more than likely due to a little crush I've got on Amy Adams - and I quite enjoy Matthew Goode as well.  So what we've got here is a by-the-numbers rom-com that has a dash of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles thrown in - but without the humor or emotion.  But it's enjoyable because of Adams and Goode despite you knowing exactly how it's going to go.  The ending actually veers towards something pretty unique - but then you realize it's the false ending and then they slap you with something that feels a bit tacked on and fake.  Given the talent involved, from the actors to Arnand Tucker directing it's just a shame and a waste of really good talent. 
Is it a terrible film?  No.  Not at all, but it's not something I'd recommend outside of someone wanting some rainy-day flick.  It might do well for that.
Leap Year  Leap Year [Blu-ray]