What to watch instead of 'Transformers: Age of Extinction'

(Warner Bros.)


Save Story

Show 3 more videos

Leer en español

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

Despite the overwhelming consensus of critics that “Transformers: Age of Extinction” is absolutely terrible, the fourth installment in the Transformers series has made over half a billion dollars in just 12 days.

So here is our suggestion. Instead of throwing your money at what is arguably the worst movie of the summer, give one of these movies a chance.

In theaters — Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

The buzz surrounding “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” is pretty intense, and the critics are anticipating that this sequel will be even more successful than its predecessor, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

“Dawn” takes place 10 years after “Rise” and continues the story of Caesar, a chimpanzee that has been genetically enhanced and leads an expanding troop of monkeys in the woods outside of San Francisco.

Most of the hype surrounding this movie is focused on Andy Serkis, the actor who used motion-capture to portray the sentient Caesar on screen. Many critics, and even the director of the movie, expect some big awards for Serkis in the future for his incredible performance.

So, if you are looking for a night out at the movies this weekend, then look no further than “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.”

“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and brief strong language.

Redbox — Lone Survivor

If you are looking for an action movie but don’t want to fight the crowds at the theaters, stop by Redbox on your way home and pick up the 2013 military drama, “Lone Survivor.”

“Lone Survivor” is one of the best modern military movies out there. Based on the book by Marcus Luttrell titled, “Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10,” the movie tells the true story of Navy SEALS on a reconnaissance mission in Afghanistan in 2005.

It is a powerful movie and will deepen your respect for the men and women of the armed forces.

Starring Mark Wahlberg as Luttrell, the only survivor of the mission, this movie has quite a few scenes that are too intense for younger audiences. “Lone Survivor” is rated R for strong bloody war violence and pervasive language.

Netflix — Ghandi

Another great movie you can enjoy from home on Netflix is “Gandhi,” the 1982 biography of the incredible man who led India to its independence from the British Empire in 1947.

This movie beautifully depicts the historical significance of Gandhi’s nonviolent civil disobedience and his far-reaching influence on history and society today. Ben Kingsley, who deservedly won an Oscar for best actor, plays Gandhi impeccably well. There really aren’t very many historical or biographical dramas better than “Gandhi,” and it’s a must-see for anyone.

Rated PG for thematic material and mild violence, “Ghandi” has an Ok.com age appropriate rating of 7+, making it more family-friendly than the previous suggestions.

Amazon Instant Video/iTunes — The Lego Movie

If you or your kids haven’t seen “The Lego Movie,” you really don’t know what you have been missing. Lucky for you, it is available on Amazon Instant Video and iTunes for $4.99 to rent, or $19.99 to purchase.

This movie is witty and exciting from beginning to end, and has a really uplifting message for everyone, Lego-lover or not. Seriously, you can’t help yourself from having fun watching this movie.

The creativity of “The Lego Movie” is incredible. From the water animation to the wide variety of characters, there really is something that every person in the family can enjoy, but good luck getting the song out of your head.

“The Lego Movie” is rated PG for mild action and rude humor, and on Ok.com it is appropriate for ages 5+. Sarah Bringhurst is a recent graduate from Utah Valley University and currently an intern with Ok.com. EMAIL: sarah@ok.com

Most recent Entertainment stories

Related topics

Entertainment
Sarah Bringhurst for OK.com

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast