Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Starring: James Franco, Andy Serkis, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Freida Pinto, Tom Felton
Directed by: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Drama, Science Fiction
2011

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A scientist (James Franco) raises a chimpanzee with hyper-intelligence due to a serum injected in his mother.

Review:

Tim: When I first heard they were making a new Planet of the Apes movie, I was pretty unconvinced. I didn't see why we needed another of these films. I admit the first trailer started to change my mind- so much so that I decided I needed to see it in theaters. What I wasn't prepared for was that Rise of the Planet of the Apes was one of the best movies of 2011. It was action-packed, emotional, and featured some incredible special effects. I was blown away by this movie. I was engaged, interested, and often on the edge of my seat. This movie is nothing short of incredible.

This movie roots the more outlandish aspects of the Planet of the Apes franchise in cutting-edge science and technology today. To help cure Alzheimer's, a scientist injects a serum into a chimpanzee. It makes the chimp smarter. This is within the realm of possibility, but it's the special effects that make this all so believable. This film features a truly stunning motion capture performance by Andy Serkis as Caesar. As Caesar grows, he takes on greater and great intelligence. This is portrayed brilliantly by Serkis. It is amazing and jaw-dropping to watch a chimpanzee take on increasingly human characteristics (the eyes were simply incredible). As you watch the movie, you believe the events of the film. That's a huge accomplishment.

James Franco was very well cast in the lead role. Franco isn't a great actor, but he does exactly what he needs to do in the role. This movie is really about Caesar, not about Franco. And yet, his character is certainly important and essential to the film. Franco is great in that supporting/leading role. I liked him a lot. Freida Pinto is good in a smaller supporting role. John Lithgow was brilliantly cast as Franco's father. I really enjoyed Lithgow here, and especially his interaction with the rest of the cast.

The difference in this film is that the movie approaches the story with intelligence and heart. It's really a story about an individual finding himself and his voice. In this instance, that individual happens to be a chimpanzee. The evolution of Caesar from smart chimpanzee to leader of a revolution is stunning to see unfold. What's amazing is that we actually root for him to succeed. The film features some terrific moments. The scenes of the chimpanzee sanctuary are fantastic, the escape is memorable, and the final climactic battle on the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most exciting, action-packed moments I've seen on screen in a long, long time.

I was blown away by Rise of the Planet of the Apes. It was expertly directed, had an incredible script, and features a very, very good cast. The special effects, though, are what separate the movie. Caesar's evolution is believable and because we see it unfold realistically on screen. Serkis is a genius, and this might be his greatest performance. I didn't expect to, but I absolutely loved this movie and would consider it among the very best of 2011.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Planet of the Apes