Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Violence
| Director: | Rupert Wyatt |
| Actors: | James Franco, Freida Pinto, Andy Serkis, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tyler Labine, Tom Felton |
RISE OF THE APES is an origin story in the truest sense of the term. Set in present day San Francisco, the film is a reality-based cautionary tale, a science fiction/science fact blend, where Man’s experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 120mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Chimpanzee that
by Simon Miraudo, 15/08/2011 11:45:00 AM
That a film about an ape revolution could feature one of the most heart-stopping and gasp-inducing cinematic moments of the year means I have to re-evaluate everything I thought I knew about cinema. Surely these kind of powerful sequences belong exclusively in the domain of auteurs such as Terrence Malick, or, if they are found in big budget blockbusters, they’re not in reboots of 1960s sci-fi cult favourites. Rupert Wyatt’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes is – shockingly - a subtle, thoughtful and understated action movie with a big emotional punch and perhaps the best motion-captured performance in history. I can’t believe that this chimpanzee-centric movie affected me more than Oscar winner James Marsh’s own chimp-concerned documentary Project Nim, but that is the terrifying reality we l...
That a film about an ape revolution could feature one of the most heart-stopping and gasp-inducing cinematic moments of the year means I have to re-evaluate everything I thought I knew about cinema. Surely these kind of powerful sequences belong exclusively in the domain of auteurs such as Terrence Malick, or, if they are found in big budget blockbusters, they’re not in reboots of 1960s sci-fi cult favourites. Rupert Wyatt’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes is – shockingly - a subtle, thoughtful and understated action movie with a big emotional punch and perhaps the best motion-captured performance in history. I can’t believe that this chimpanzee-centric movie affected me more than Oscar winner James Marsh’s own chimp-concerned documentary Project Nim, but that is the terrifying reality we live in and I now have to embrace.
James Franco (underplaying it nicely) stars as too-handsome scientist Will Rodham, who has been testing various brain-enhancing medicines on apes to fight Alzheimer’s in humans (his father, played by John Lithgow, is a victim and source of inspiration for his plight). When one of his subjects – a fetching lady chimp by the name of Bright Eyes – shows signs of greater intelligence, Will figures he’s found a cure. But a presentation of Bright Eyes’ talents to investors goes terribly wrong, leading to a mass-euthanisation of the apes. Only one survives: Bright Eyes’ son Caesar, whom Will takes home and keeps as his own. As he soon discovers, Caesar (a mo-capped Andy Serkis) has picked up some of his mother’s enhanced genetics, and is soon communicating via sign-language with his human housemates. Will continues to trial some Alzheimer’s cures on Caesar, increasing his intelligence exponentially. After an altercation with a neighbour (just because he’s smart and cute doesn’t mean he’s not a dangerously powerful ape), Caesar is taken away and held in an animal shelter. There, he meets some fellow apes and sees first hand the cruelty of humanity through his keepers (Brian Cox, Tom Felton). The seeds of revolution have been planted, and Caesar is wily enough to incite his less intelligent captives to fight back.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes really comes alive in the second act, when Franco and a number of the other superfluous humans (including the very pretty but offensively underutilised Freida Pinto) are out of the way. Wyatt, working from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, lets us spend close to a full half hour with just these apes (all magnificent CG creations). They relate to one another and build relationships; at first like primitive animals, and eventually like more sophisticated, humane creatures. Andy Serkis, who gives an unforgettable performance as the complex, ever-evolving Caesar, wordlessly navigates the physical complexity of such a role. And then, when Caesar first reveals his grasp on the English language (a scene that could have easily been laughable), we are provided with that jaw-dropping moment I mentioned at the beginning of this review.
The final action set piece isn’t exactly epic, but it’s all we need. A lazier film wouldn’t have taken the time to establish these chimps as characters, and would try to introduce increasingly ridiculous sequences. Instead, it slowly makes the (on paper) silly situations feel real. Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a prequel to the original series, but it doesn’t end where the first picture began. Again, it would have been easy for the screenwriter to use that film’s beginning as this film’s ending. Instead, Wyatt, Jaffa and Silver trust their instincts enough to leave room at the end of this one for future sequels. That is normally the sign of a money-grubbing producer who wants to squeeze as much content from a franchise as possible. But here, given the evidence of Wyatt’s sensitive touch and the screenplay’s soulful approach, it’s indicative of smart story-tellers who know better than to waste the ground-breaking SFX work of WETA digital and Andy Serkis’ talents.
4/5
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Member Reviews (77)
77 Member
Reviews
Simon
says
Hmmm not bad although I think the early versions were better
cambob101
says
Pleasantly surprising - with great action and some surprisingly poignant moments along the way. A solid 4 stars.
Pam
says
quite good......
spotlight
says
Not the most amazing movie ever, but not the worst either - glad I just saw it on DVD rather than paying to see it at the movies - some of the live action crossed with CGI looked a bit odd/ almost cheap and tacky.
The main intelligent ape, Caesar, was portrayed well and some of the scenarios they placed him in were challenging and thought provoking. Thought it was a bit strange how the action took place over 10 years, yet none of the main characters (apart from the ape!) seemed to age at all.
Ian
says
Very good... Which surprised me, this was done so well... I did have low expectations, but it is a genuinely good take on the Planet of the Apes saga.
says
A bit ridiculous and the main theme was sidetracked along the way by cliched sub plots. The fast forward button comes in handy with this sort of movie.
Amelia of the North Shore
says
Not at all what I expected. Takes an age to get going...and then for what? Give it a miss.
says
Absolute rubbish. what a disappointment. don't waste your time. you'll never get it back
darthdorian
says
loved it. best movie i've seen in ages.
N/A
says
a bad remake of a great movie why try to remake a ovie that should be left alone
Ann E.
says
Again this is a 'man' film, my Husband enjoyed it but I was never a fan of the original 'Planet Of The Apes' so probably not for me to say much more.
Michael
says
I loved this movie! This is not to be seen as a sequel or prequel to the Tim Burton movie "Planet of the Apes". Nor is to be seen as a remake of the Original "Planet of the Apes". This was intended to be a standalone original movie (as I understand it) into the movies that will follow which are to be remakes of the original "Planet of The Apes". And ... what a modern take on the story it is - considering all the medical studies tested on animals for modern day diseases. In this case Alzheimer’s and brain studies. The Chimps and Apes are very realistic (using the same technology used in "The Lord of The Rings" trilogy and many others since. Scenes towards the end when the Chimps revolt against their keepers is awesome and leads well into the next Chapter. With a sequel slated for release in May 2014: "Dawn of The Planet of the Apes" - this is a must see movie. The cast are excellent, the special effects are excellent, the score is excellent - just watch it!
Lissa
says
Really quite a good watch. Special effects and story both effective.
purana
says
Don't bother. Didn't like this movie at all. Took ages to get to the good bits which was right at the end of the movie. Boring.
Brian
says
This movie started strongly with the character and story development but seemed to lose direction and appeal towards the end of the movie. Still an entertaining watch but could have been better.
Glenys
says
Very good, hope there is a sequil
Lisa
says
Thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Even if you didnt see the Planet of the Apes, this movie is genius in its own right. Excellent viewing from beginning to end.
Gary
says
Fabulous flick. I wasn't expecting much from an Ape movie but this was fantastic.
Had us in tears. Highly recommended viewing.
Johnno
says
I found this better than the original. This lets you know how the human race dies out.
mark
says
Being a fan of the original "planet of the apes" series, I really enjoyed this movie. A different take on the original but a great storyline and movie.
Nicole
says
Such a surprisingly good movie! The apes were amazingly real, the story believable and it triggered your emotions throughout the whole movie. Definitely worth a watch.
Margit
says
Totally differernt to the original version, however, this is a great movie worth the watch.
Hughb
says
Really enjoyed this as a prequel to the original movies. (Which I now will have to watch again)
varnish
says
Within the context of science fiction this story line has it all. Believable, well put together and gets you involved from start to finish. I have seen all the "planet of the apes" flicks and this does give you a "real" foundation to the rest of them.
Worth watching just for the special effects. Hard to work out where the ape suites finished and the animation started.
Top movie, close second to the Heston movie and way in front of all the others.
Cazzag
says
I liked the original series, I kept waiting for it to improve but I am afraid it didn't.
Rosa
says
I enjoyed the movie and it did not go too slow, l actually thought it went at the right pace, the only gripe l have with the movie is the ending.
Ray
says
Good flick worth watching.
Goldie78
says
Good movie - amazing CGI!
Purplesue
says
Thought this movie was way too long - if they cropped about 30-40 minutes from it, I feel it would have been much better. Having said that, its not bad as far as these types of movies go, & I found myself cheering for the chimps etc in taking their revenge on all the humans that were cruel to them. The first hour, unfortunately, goes way too slow for my liking, and doesn't really pick up until the monkeys are on the San Francisco Bridge. The fact that the main chimp, Caeser, speaks near is just a bit too much "over the top".
Noel
says
Although the title implies this movie is connected with the original, it really isn't as the original explained it's own history and this wasn't it. However it is not a bad watch in it's own right. Bit (very) slow in parts and a bit too much stretched out for my liking but the story line is good. Don't be put off by some other reviewers over analysing the realism, just enjoy it for what it is.
mbbb54
says
Looking forward to the follow up!
Johno
says
I enjoyed this movie, better than the original "Charlton Heston" flicks of the 70's
Phil
says
RIDICULOUS from start to finish. This is way too much for my liking. The main ape looks way to human to start with then how can it talk even if we would have created some treatment capable to get monkeys more intelligent, monkeys can't talk, it is biologically impossible. The treatment/medicine is inhaled and acts on the brain? Sorry but this movie is simply pure rubbish and I was a fan of the old planet of the apes which was logical compared to this imbecile flick.
jim
says
i found this movie exciting from the start the storyline was believable and the way they made the animals was very good i loved it as did my two daughters number 1 for entertainment
Maureen
says
really enjoyed this movie
R
says
Awful story.
Josh
says
This film requires a LOT of suspension of disbelief, but once you acquire that I see no reason why you shouldn't like this. It's a very imaginative prequel/reboot to the original classic from the late 1960s. Nice action and effects, a reasonable screenplay and a fair tribute. Regardless if you're an Apes fan, this film stands on its own.
didi
says
Pretty good
gandr
says
First half of movie shows promise until you realise the arc of the movie is setting it up for the next installment. (as other reviews confirm). The last quarter of the film goes super action Hollywood with suspension of disbelief taken off the scale. It gets so silly you'll feel ripped off.
Trav
says
Very good film with believable effects and great plot.Two big thumbs up.
Lynore
says
Good viewing.
Honest Rater
says
James Franco is actually believable in this flick. The effects are often ridiculous but all in all an enjoyable film.
Nat
says
Having never seen the movie that this is a prequel to, I did not come into this expecting anything in particular and therefore simply took this movie for what it was. And for me, what it was, was brilliant! What a great movie! I understand how those who'd heard the hype about the movie before watching it, might feel there was a bit of an anti-climax at the end. But for me, I truly enjoyed this movie! Yes, the ending was understated in many ways, however I really quite appreciated that about it. It was a truly moving journey that this film takes us on and is beautiful in so many ways. James Franco was excellent, as was John Lithgow. Frieda Pinto was wonderful also, however she could have been utilised so much more, which is a shame this was not so. But the real star of the show was Caesar (played by Andy Serkis). Extraordinarily done. Very believable & fiercely tugs the heart strings, evoking compassion, sympathy, and causes the viewer to root for the underdogs - in this case, the apes. Simply a great movie, which for me was somewhat unexpected.
odyssey
says
After all the hype, this movie was a bit disappointing. It was a nice story that provides an adequate prequel to the earlier classic, but lacks a true climax. It felt like it was only made to lead in to something else.
OscarBuzz
says
I remember that tiny little peek they gave us, where you saw the chimp looking as though he was actually thinking, almost scheming something. Just brilliant! Really clever, thought provoking, great special effects and John Lithgow is genius.
Sandie
says
Excellent movie, well worth it.
Lauren
says
Definitely different to what I expected, it was indeed captivating!
I was hooked from the start! Highly recommended whether you are a fan of the previous films or not.
Sandra Fuller
says
Excellent, totally different to what was expected. Kept me thinking long after the movie ended.
Eddy
says
Very touching movie. Discrimination by caste or social status is just as abhorent if not more so than racial discrimination because it is discriminating against your own people because they are not as fortunate as yourself
Matthew B.
says
A really good film, with plenty of action and story. No dull moments. Sets up the franchise really well!
Trish*
says
Definite watching they tell me, teenage and up, great effects
Candice
says
Enjoyed the movie was great to see where it all began ...even if it came out way to long after the first lot of The Planet Of The Apes..I've seen all of those.
You need to sit through the credits for a little bit then surprise surprise it all comes together...I loved the movie!!
I'd like to see a remake of all of them....:) They were made so well back then, imagine what they could do with them now!
Pauline
says
Enjoyable especially if you are a fan of the previous films.
Ronaldo
says
It's kinda hurried but I like it.
Didn't realise there's so many monkeys in the Bay area.
I felt bad for the silverback.
traceyg
says
I wasn't looking forward to this, but it was fantastic! Definately one to watch.
jtbug
says
OK. Liked the references to the original 1968 version (which is, incidentally, my favourite movie), but it felt a bit like Harry And The Hendersons.
The Claridges
says
Not what I thought it would be, but O.K
Louie
says
Bad Movie
Jessica
says
Fantastic movie, was so much better then I expected. It left me speechless I just loved this movie. was one of the best I have seen in a long time : )
MichelleB
says
Loved this movie!!!!!!
Nadine
says
We as the smart species unleash something just as smart and far stronger upon ourselves, which we then abandon like an unwanted puppy. And we reap the consequences.
Faye
says
Different to the other 'Planet of the Apes' but explains how the apes had taken over the earth by the time the other movies began. Still a good movie.
leah
says
Really enjoyed the movie. So refereshingly different to what i expected after previous attempts at watching ape movies. I liked it so much i intend on buying the dvd. A movie that makes you view other forms of intelligence with a new sense of tollerance and empathy.
maxima
says
Loved this action one, very entertaining right the way through.
Bernie
says
Great sci-fi movie!
Azzardleigh
says
Powerful film with Franco pulling out the stops and actually committing to this lead role bringing some plausibility to the obsessed scientist role. The animation of the apes did not distract from the film, and the build-up to the climax of the film was well-paced, well-plotted and well-developed. The relationship between Franco and Serkis and the consequent bid for freedom by the apes was executed empathically and the director did not give into Hollywood's rushed and over-explained endings.
Katherine
says
I really enjoyed this movie, I gives you a plausible explanation to how the apes made the rise to intelligence equal to man. I do believe their will be a need for a sequel before they do the remake of planet of the apes as their are a few key pieces missing, but this sets them on their way. A good movie for a no brainer afternoon or evening
kimbo
says
During experiments to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, a genetically-enhanced chimpanzee uses its greater intelligence to lead other apes to freedom. Up until the last 20 mins of this film I was really enjoying it. A feasible storyline became a farce which spoilt it for me.
sunny
says
great movie.
Nigel W
says
The genesis of those intelligent apes is explained. OK but oddly familiar story of animals (thinking Project X) getting their own back against humans. Lacked that certain emotional oooomph to take it beyond being just another good action movie.
Alex
says
Loved the movie. If you think about it, think no further, it's so worth it to watch it.
Doris
says
A lot of monkey business going on in this movie.I loved it and all the other installments. I would recommend this movie.
Lauren
says
I have never been interested in these movies I don't even know the storyline but I sat down with my partner to watch this and loved it. I've just ordered the other installments on Quickfix and can't wait to see them! Awesome movie!
joffa
says
this was great as expected. Love every installment of the planet of the apes franchise. This installment was surprisingly refreshing and it was good to see 'how it all began' in this case. (sometimes it's not)........... in other cases
Lynne H
says
Great movie - interesting social experiment. I didn't think I wanted to see this as I was not a fan of planet of the apes. Recommended.
Sampy
says
Monkey Braveheart! I can't believe I'm giving 5 stars to a movie which is a reboot prequel to a series that I was never interested in in the first place. Great acting from Serkis, Lithgow and Franco and a really engaging story that has you cheering for the apes by about half way through the movie. A brilliant ending titles sequence that is reminiscent of 12 Monkeys tops off a great film. You have to remind yourself that these are the 'bad guys' you're cheering for, it's the equivilent of wanting Skynet to win in Terminator. Good message underlying the film about how humanity places its own welfare above all else, to the future detriment of all sepcies. Best of all a good balance between the films message and its conveyance in the overall sceme of the film.
Tristan
says
Best Movie of the year so far! The Story was amazing!