Monday, August 29, 2011

Movie Review: Rise of the Planet of the Apes


Film of the summer? Yes. Film of the year? Maybe....just maybe. I was shocked at how good this reboot/prequel/whatever of the original Planet of the Apes series turned out to be. Like "holy fuck, how is this movie about a smart-ass CGI chimp kicking so much ass?" Well it does. This film kicks all sorts of primate ass. There's action, human on human melodrama and one amazing performance from a computer generated ape that honestly carries the weight of the entire film.

For those of you who haven't seen the original 1968 Planet of the Apes, lrn2Netflix. Really, it's a multi-generational classic that should be seen/appreciated by all. Rise of the Planet of the Apes does just what the title implies, revealing how a bunch of wild primates other throw humanity and wind up ruling the planet. James Franco plays Will Rodman, a preppy mad scientist who desperately seeks to cure his father's Alzheimer's disease. While testing an experimental drug on laboratory apes, Will inadvertently creates an uber genius chimpanzee named Caesar (played BRILLIANTLY by Andy Serkis) and is also kind of responsible for setting the stage for the ultimate downfall of human civilization as a whole, but hey...his intentions were good!

and the Oscar goes to...
They should have really just called this film, Rise of the Ape, because it's all about Caesar. Seriously. The rest of the cast is ok and yeah Freida Pinto is cute as hell, but Andy Serkis' performance as Caesar is simply out of this world. I haven't been this wet over CGI effects since Spielberg brought dinosaurs to life in Jurassic Park. Caesar undergoes a harrowing transformation in this film, from wide eyed lovable companion to a scarred and jaded revolutionary. At it's core Rise of the Planet of the Apes may just be an amped up summer popcorn flick but thanks to Serkis' performance it's really so much more than that. Also, it features all kinds of cool little tie-ins/homages to the original film (mounted cops on horseback chasing apes..iseewhatudidthere). Rise of the Planet of the Apes, my "holy crap" movie of the summer. Maybe of the year.

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21 comments:

  1. D4August 29, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    ... I didn't want to go to the movies to see this. You changed my mind.

    Damn you.

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  2. the TsaritsaAugust 29, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    I saw the remake they did several years ago with my dad and we were both pretty disappointed. But maybe I'll Netflix this one when it's available.

    PS_ saw those Kreayshawn nudes, lol. Wonder if I'll get traffic related to people searching for her pics.

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  3. UnknownAugust 29, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    Hate the planet of the apes series, I hate chimps and their ilk!

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  4. JayAugust 29, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    caesar! caesar! caesar! :D

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  5. ZombieAugust 29, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    I have been trying so hard to convince my GF to go and see this with me. lol.

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  6. NatáliaAugust 29, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    I am absolutely dying to see this movie! Your positive review has just convinced me to go and watch it this weekend! :)

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  7. mamtcAugust 29, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Honest question. Does the theater pay you to watch this movie or we need to pay and get tickets to watch this movie?

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  8. Mai YangAugust 29, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    haven't seen this one. hmmm..I really think I should check this out.

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  9. Film Geek BastardAugust 29, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    Yeah, this is a very good film. Great performance by Andy Serkis.

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  10. AllenTeschAugust 29, 2011 at 11:22 PM

    I've actually heard good things about this, not only here.

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  11. Jessica ThompsonAugust 29, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Great movie!!

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  12. mjuntaAugust 30, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    I don't like this genre!

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  13. -E-August 30, 2011 at 4:22 AM

    those cgi nerds did a good job on this one, i have to admit.

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  14. coneforceAugust 30, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    this is a clasic for me!! check out my review

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  15. SkimboshAugust 30, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    That actor...Andy Serkis: from Gollum to Caeser.

    I've watched all the PotAs, I certainly won't miss this one, but I doubt I will see it in the theater.

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  16. Electric AddictAugust 30, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    looks good i'll have to see it

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  17. Jazz bazookaAugust 30, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    i did not even like the concept of this, not to even talk about knowledge in biology and such... but hey.. also following

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  18. BartAugust 30, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    i think humans are still better at killing though...movie is fake hype imo :p

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  19. dmayneAugust 30, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    I love your review buddy keep it up

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  20. Major MackAugust 30, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    I havent seen a movie this good in some time. loved it.nice review

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  21. TheRetroCriticDecember 29, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    Not a big fan of this one myself. I can appreciate brainless blockbusters but this one really put me off.

    I'll watch anything with Franco though.

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