Origin story/prequel to the 1968 Planet of the Apes. Stars James Franco and Andy Serkis as Caesar the ape.
Franco stars as a genetic scientist who is working on a cure for Alzheimer's by experimenting on monkeys. But this medical research goes horribly wrong when the test subject Caesar (Andy Serkis who, like in Lord of the Rings as Gollum and in King Kong as Kong, gives the CGI primate his expressions and body movements) begins to mutate rapidly and develops a higher level of intelligence. This leads to the further development of intelligence in apes and an eventual battle between monkey and man in a war for planetary supremacy.
The ape special effect rendering is by Weta Digital in Wellington. There's no relation to Tim Burton's 2001 Planet of the Apes remake.
The notion of rebooting the Planet of the Apes series chronologically is an eminently sensible one, even if we all have a pretty good idea of where things are going to end up (there are constant references to the original films, not all of which are subtle). There’s probably no remake of the first film in the works because the ending wouldn’t exactly be the biggest surprise. But by revisiting the overall storyline of the original films and dragging it into the present, director Rupert Wyatt has done an excellent job resulting in something that should work for those either familiar or unfamiliar with earlier incarnations.
An enormous share of the credit for this can be taken by Weta Digital and their brilliant CGI ape creations, which come across as living breathing entities with actual personalities (thanks King Kong). Further to Wyatt’s credit, he has a good handle on how to make a movie in which a massive proportion of what we see is assembled in a computer, keeping rollercoaster camera movements to a minimum. Rise of the Planet of the Apes is not without flaws, however, from convenient plot turns to James Franco, the film’s human lead that doesn’t get to do anything but run around and watch stuff in the film’s last act. Still, bring on the next one...
By Steve Newall, Flicks.co.nz
Ok, I admit I had low (and I mean LOW) expectations following Tim Burton's debacle - "reimagining" Rod Serling's classic 'Planet of the apes' as... er... well, sh*t. Boy did I enjoy being wrong! Great script, lovely references to Serling's original movie (although nobody's yet to actually make the original written version into a movie - ape flying machines and all!) There's no great acting (although John Lithgow is excellent) - but the WETA-provided CGI is superb - so good are they thatcombined with the great script, the film delivers a fun, thought-provoking, action-packed ape-fest. Best popcorn muncher of 2011... by far!
really enjoyed this movie.. a good mix of story and action.
I'm old enough to remember all the original Planet of the Apes movies. This movie is better than any of them. This is similar to the 1972 film "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes". However it is not a remake. The plot is very different, but does follow events that lead to the end of human civilization and the rise of the apes afterwards. This could well be the start of a new series of Planet of the Apes movies. The first series starting with the 1968 movie wasn't very good, but if this is the new standard, then the Apes will do well.
the Apes are fantastic
Well acted and scripted, not fast paced but a very solid story. Bring on the next installment.
Wyatt brings a light touch to the potentially grim material - too light when it drops in some groan-inducing references to the original film - but he keeps the action compelling whether focusing on apes as they run amok or as they quietly contemplate their next move.
The movie has its pleasures, although human intelligence is not one of them. Caesar, to begin with, is a wonderfully executed character, a product of special effects and a motion-capture performance by Andy Serkis, who earlier gave us Gollum in "Lord of the Rings."
But after its commendably brief 105 minutes, I was impressed. The performances are committed, the special effects - especially Andy Serkis' work in the suit - are terrific, and the big money set-pieces are spectacular.
A worthy, exciting, emotional addition to the venerable monkey movie marathon. Apes will rise. Sequels are likely.
Strong action, special effects and by far the most credible ape "performances" yet seen will spell box office to inspire chest-thumping in all markets.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Wednesday, 3rd Aug 2011.
Release date: August 3rd 2011.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
