Screen Rant’s Ben Kendrick reviews Rise of the Planet of the Apes
At first glance, the decision by 20th Century Fox to capitalize on the familiarity of the Planet of the Apes franchise – changing the title of this film from Caesar to Rise of the Apes to Rise of the Planet of the Apes – could seem as though audiences are being sold style over substance.
While Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt (The Escapist), probably wasn’t in charge of the film’s final title, the obvious push to sell the movie based on its relationship to Charlton Heston’s iconic sci-fi hit (instead of the film’s own merits) may cause savvy moviegoers to be suspicious. It wouldn’t be the first time that Hollywood has attempted to revive Planet of the Apes – with even Tim Burton struggling to deliver an enjoyable modern remake.
So does the relatively-unknown Wyatt, paired with Academy Award-nominee James Franco – as well as fan-favorite motion capture actor Andy Serkis – deliver a smart and entertaining prequel/reboot for the Apes franchise?
Fortunately, and surprisingly, the answer is yes. The Rise of the Planet of the Apes is not without a number of problems, especially with regard to the film’s pacing, but still manages to offer a compelling tie-in to the cult hit franchise – one that rests heavily on an intriguing psychological arc for an entirely digital chimpanzee.
For anyone unfamiliar with the Rise of the Planet of the Apes storyline, the film follows Will Rodman (James Franco) who is working on a chemical compound designed to cure Alzheimer’s Disease, which happens to afflict his father (John Lithgow). Through a chimpanzee test subject named “Bright Eyes,” Rodman discovers that his compound not only rebuilds damaged brain tissue, but significantly increases intelligence. When his study is suddenly scrapped, following a lab accident, Rodman is forced to put-down all of his primate test subjects and is left to raise a young Chimpanzee named Caesar – who has genetically inherited super-intelligence from his mother. As Caesar grows, it becomes difficult for the chimp to make sense of his role in a human world, as well as withstand his animal impulses.
Andy Serkis and James Franco in 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes'
Rise of the Planet of the Apes would not be possible without the especially impressive efforts of Weta Digital (the team behind Avatar), the CGI effects company who produced, through motion capture, the remarkably life-like performances of the apes. By far the strongest element of the film is Caesar’s arc – which successfully presents a mostly non-verbal evolution of the character from a reckless and charming baby chimpanzee to a contemplative but dangerous adolescent. Weta’s digital protagonist, coupled with another incredibly life-like performance from Andy Serkis, work to create one of the most intriguing connections to an entirely digital character that audiences will have ever experienced. In the end, it’s not just that Caesar looks real – the character, through both the remarkable physical appearance as well as his onscreen actions, is genuinely brought to life.
Surprisingly, the human characters aren’t quite as well realized. Where Caesar’s evolution is unique and compelling, most of the other actors in the film are reduced to very traditional roles. Franco’s Rodman is the obsessed but sensitive scientist who breaks the rules for all the right reasons. The actor does a competent job of interacting with the CGI Caesar – as well as pumping some believable emotion into the human-side of the equation. However, even a talented performer like Franco is somewhat held-back by the film’s interest in his ape counterpart; as a result, Rodman is mostly reacting to the things happening around him – and isn’t given much room to evolve. Similarly, Freida Pinto plays Caroline Aranha, a veterinarian that becomes involved with Rodman – another character that is mostly defined by a relationship, not her actions. Again, Pinto delivers a okay performance in the role but isn’t given anywhere to take it. Lithgow delivers a few charming moments, but the other supporting characters – specifically cruel animal sanctuary wardens John and Dodge Landon (Brian Cox and Tom Felton, respectively) – are one-note caricatures – as is David Oyelowo’s money-hungry executive, Steven Jacobs.
It’s an ironic state of affairs that – in a film about apes that break free from the confines of human oppression – it is the human actors who are restrained by the weight of their digital colleagues.
Caesar leads the attack in 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes'
Anyone looking for Rise of the Planet of the Apes to put a cap on summer action spectacle will probably get dragged down by the pace of Wyatt’s film. In spite of the CGI action-heavy finale, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is mostly a plodding character drama – one that features a number of tense, but mostly small-scale, encounters. While everything that’s depicted onscreen is interesting, and successfully works to develop Caesar’s character, the film does get bogged-down at times. The final act offers a number of interesting visuals (most notably an empty suburban street lined with trees – and falling leaves) and successfully depicts the actual rise of the apes – but anyone expecting a large-scale, action-packed, finale might be a little let-down. However, for viewers who are locked into the film’s character moments, the final set-piece manages to deliver both a dramatic and emotional pay-off – not to mention successfully ties the film to the overarching franchise (though Rise takes a number of liberties with the accepted canon).
Planet of the Apes die-hards will, no doubt, notice a few nods to the original films peppered throughout Rise (especially an on-the-nose sequence during the credits). However, it’s important to note that, for anyone who might be turned-off by the campy sci-fi roots of the film, the tie-ins are ancillary to the far more compelling story of Caesar’s psychological evolution. As mentioned, the heavy-handed Planet of the Apes branding may dominate the film’s marketing campaign, but the actual story and characters depicted onscreen successfully rise above the PR blitz to deliver a unique and compelling movie-going experience.
Despite thin human drama, and one note supporting characters, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a surprisingly sincere story that elevates the franchise canon – and delivers one of the most life-like and honest digital characters ever constructed with 1′s and 0′s on a computer.
If you’re still on the fence about Rise of the Planet of the Apes, check out the trailer below:
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If you’ve already seen the film and want to talk about various plot details without ruining it for others, head over to our Rise of the Planet of the Apes spoilers discussion.
Follow me on Twitter @benkendrick – and let us know what you thought of the film below.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes is now playing in theaters.
Our Rating:
4 out of 5
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I heard that they manage to get in both “It’s a madhouse” and “Get your stinking paws on me you damn dirty ape”
Looking forward to this. But not sure if I will get to see it as there is Super 8 and Cowboys And Aliens out at the same time.
don’t waste your time on either one of those… Apes is better than those two.
They need another rating system that has more stars!!! “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is the best movie I have seen this year by far I couldn’t think of any other movie I would go pay to see on the big screen again!!!! Treat yourself to a jaw dropping good time,If you have the option of the larger screen pay the extra cash you will want to pay it again when its over!!!!!!!!!!!
Harry Potter was the best film of the year so far, mate.
So true! Best film I have seen this year along with Super 8. I loved every minute of this from start to finish. Excellent, excellent, excellent film!!!
I’ve seen Harry Potter 4 times now, in every format it was released in.
Haven’t seen Super 8 yet, I dont know what it’s about.
I watched Star Trek again last night and it just re-inforced how awesome JJ Abs is so I will check Super 8 out at some point.
Whatever it is!
No interest looks bleh to me and I can’t stand James Franco
That said
“Get your stinking paws on me you damn dirty ape”
You may have made a typo there because that sounds dirty
Give it a shot Daniel it’s one of the better films of the year!!!The only movie I saw that was better was………..
……Well there are still a few months left in 2011 so….yea, good movie, dare I say great?!?!!!!!!! OK great!!!I feel like Tony the Tiger doing a movie review! Check it out!
Dahawk thanks but i’m gonna pass. I don’t care for Planet of the apes or the premise of this film. I’ve never been a fan of the franchise at all. Plus really cant stand Franco he’s overrated and IMO is a fairly bad actor. Plays the same pot smoking dude in everything.
Whether you see it or not is irrelevant to me, but I do not feel it is fair to suggest Franco has been pigeonholed as an actor. He may be the go-to guy for “amiable pothead” roles but that simply is a testament to how great his performance was in Pineapple Express (same can’t be said for Seth Rogen), especially if you believe that Franco played the role authentically without going method.
Pineapple Express will always be remembered as his breakout role but it wasn’t his first film. Not that his turn as Harry in “Spiderman” will go down in cinema lore, but I think he made the most with what was given to him. He may not be the most versatile actor in Hollywood but it’s not like he is Robert Pattinson, or Michael Cera/Jesse Eisenberg (one and the same). I love Jesse Eisenberg but you could literally interchange the characters that he has played and no one would notice the difference. Whether it be Adventureland, Zombieland, even The Social Network, he is the same anal-retentive, speed talker. Franco at least has some range. Everyone remembers his role as Saul in Pineapple Express but when I first started hearing about it, I was like “James Franco as a stoner? That won’t work”. Bottom line is it’s easy to believe that he is overrated, but if you pay attention to his roles, he gives every character some depth so that it’s not “hey, it’s James Franco playing a scientist, but that it’s an actor acting. Not every actor could do what he did and carry a movie by himself in “127 Hours”.
I didn’t mean Franco only gets pothead parts I mean that he plays every part like he is a pot head. He’s fine in comedies, but he is an over rated actor. He reminds me of Keanu reaves. He is just the same all the time. He acts like the local clerk at a skate shop in every film he is in. struggles with simple lines and is bland in every non comedic performance.
When i heard James Franco as a Stoner i thought “That’s obvious” because while watching spiderman I thought “That guy has to be high like all the time. He really has trouble acting and looks high”
I like Franco’s acting, so we’ll just agree to disagree on that point. His roles are quiet varied to me but I think I’m picking up on things people miss. What I like about Franco is that he’s interested in so many things, and works hard at all of them. Just to name one of his accomplishments, he’s working towards his PhD right now.
A movie I like with Franco is Annapolis, great movie.
I thought it was going to be bad too but i loved it! Hell i wanna see it again.
Re JJ Abrams: loved Star Trek. Hated the lens flares. He did it again in Super 8. It’s like it’s his favorite toy he can’t out down, or maybe an insane interior decorator: ‘I want pink taffeta EVERYWHERE!’
Bright Eyes, the ape in the new film, also goes back to what Zira called Charleton Heston in the old film.
Cowboys and Aliens was good popcorn fun. I don’t know how anyone can judge a film that hasn’t even been released over one that has. In summer, I tend to give most of them a chance. It’s summer, after all.
Looks interesting.
I was hoping they stick with the novel
Just came out watching the Rise of the apes, it was an amazing movie.I enjoyed it every bit of it. There were moments were everyone laughed out loud and some, the entire theater applauded. Like everyone even i was curious how a bunch of apes can overtake the world and it proven to be way above my expectations. The movie did make sense a lot, and i really liked the ending.
I will definitely re-watch it again.
I give it 9/10.
I just went to see it and I didn’t get the same reaction in the theater that you did, but everyone seemed to have enjoyed it. I know I did especially looking for all the little easter eggs. And the apes look amazing.
My crowd applauded afterwards too.
Very Good Movie. Best one since the original. 9/10
Sounds this movie is worthwhile going and seeing. I guess I will go see this one next
this looks really really good.
I have been thinking this may end up being the best genre film of the summer
I always loved the premise of Planet of the Apes but the new Apes only gives updated special effects. This film may disappoint even a rabid fan. This is too under-stated. I know it’s a prequel but the story is mildly interesting, the action limited, and there is little to suggest it’s worth remembering in the years ahead. I felt no desire to see it again. Unlike the first Apes film this one just doesn’t leave me wanting more. I kept waiting for a payoff at the end but it was predictable.
Why waste money to sleep in the theater? This has to be why you didn’t get what there was to offer from this movie, Sorry, had to say that.
I thought this movie was great!!! I don’t think there’s been a better movie this year!The story line leaves nothing to chance everything melds together in a way that makes sense, gains the confidence of the viewer that this could be happening anywhere.
I wanted to stand up and cheer for the apes……..The action surpassed that of alot of the movies to come out this year. Green Lantern was OK, Thor was good, as well as Captain America, the action in apes was at least as good if not better and even more intense than all of these.
are you crazy? like, do you smoke? this movie only had a few action scenes, at the end, and they were all short and not as good as other movies this summer. this movie ends terribly. a HUGE letdown. maybe its just me personally, but i wanted to see the apes actually take over the planet, since, i dnno, thats what this movie is about…
agreed…i was disappointed myself
If the film asks the audience to root for the apes,
as I have a sense it does, I for one cannot go that far.
And if one cannot I presume the film cannot really satisfy.
Ya – you’d be in for a rough ride. The film hinges on caring about Caesar – not the humans.
Thanks, Ben.
Much appreciated.
one producer a while back says these are the events that happened way before tim burton’s planet of the apes and a director says its reboot.
dag these clowns can’t get this franchise straight, but we shall see how this one turns out because i had no clue this movie was even going to be made ontime this year.
I don’t think anyone mentioned it in the review or the comments, but make sure you stay through the credits – you don’t have to stay through all of them (you’ll know when it’s time to leave).
@Eric
From the review: “Planet of the Apes die-hards will, no doubt, notice a few nods to the original films peppered throughout Rise (especially an on-the-nose sequence during the credits).”
But good to mention it again for sure.
Everyone that was hating on this movie should read this…
Everyone hating on this movie needs to STFU, lol
Damn this movie was great, just saw it tonight and I’m still numb!!! Easily best movie of the summer, and so far best movie of the year!!!
This movie is great! Seen it 3 times already! This is the best movie of the year!
I was really concerned that this might be the same sort of disappointment that 2001′s Planet of the Apes had been. It wasn’t. It was brilliant! The best Ape movie to date: Check out my full review: http://bit.ly/nyoyJd
As you may well deduce from my avatar, I have always been a great fan of the original film (greatest movie ending ever!) the nonsensical money-chasing bilge that followed it, not as much so.
Whatever they have come up with, I can’t accuse them of “raping my childhood” because said childhood was already duly violated hoping that every next Apes sequel would stop sucking and get the franchise back on track “Hey Charlie Brown, I’ll hold the football, and you run up and kick it!”
Scientific tampering may have replaced nuclear war as the cause of the Rise, but if it is done convincingly and the Apes are sympathetic while at the same remaining ugly, scary menaces to humanity, then you’ve got a winner. It’s a tough balance to strike, the original King Kong pulled it off, the remakes, -feh-.
Based on your review, I’m off to the movies. In Screen Rant less is often more, as that means that there is some good stuff in there that the reviewer doesn’t want to spoil.
Maybe for the fist time in four decades, I’ll get to see an Apes “sequel” that doesn’t leave me saying “Damn you Hollywood, damn you all to Hell!!”
The movie is to me, the best movie of the year! I loved it.
(sorry if this is repetitive but) Quick question fellow screenranter’s. I am brand new to graphic novels as in never read any and would really welcome any suggestion as to where to start. P.s I’m a big fan of film noir
Hellboy.
I’ve never really been into the Planet Of The Apes franchise,but I decided to give this movie a change,and I’m glad that I did because it’s really good.
My gripe with the movie are minimal,but I enjoyed it more than Thor or Captain America.
I would say that it’s probably my third favorite movie this year,behind X-Men:First Class and Hannah.
Great movie! Im definitely watching this one again.
It’s a rental.
Saw Apes last night and was very impressed. Lots of references to the original and lots of great newness as well. Anyone looking for a good movie to go watch right now should give this a go.
I TOTALLY agree. It was a great movie. More than I expected.
It was sheer brilliance, Serkis performance is utterly fascinating, plus on the human side John Lithgow is excellent!!
Go see, go ape!!!!!
You ever get picked on by a bully and dream you had the power of an ape? Go live your dreams…see the movie.
the human cast were pretty solid imo, but the CG apes def stole the show (in this case movie). some issues here and there with the animation (draco being dragged away was pretty bad) and some continuity errors (like how they manage to get 5 silver backs and orang-utans when we only see one of each) but on the whole the movie was amazing, WETA is yet to disappoint me with their CG work
i’m not even a PotA fan, yet i got all the references, which was pretty cool. def look forward to the sequel
Love it! This was a definite 4/5 for me.
Shout-out@ Kahless http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9sFyY9LN0M&feature=watch_response
Going tomorrow.
Really?! With a name like Bright Eyes, I would never have guessed.
Highly motivated and Very nice movie, excellent performance! enthusiasm and determination to all of the cast and characters of this movie. Congratulation job will done…
I enjoyed it. I do agree with the reviewer that the human characters weren’t given much to work with. You could tell they were really trying to keep it under two hours long. That’s about the only drawback. Everything else worked. It wasn’t an all-out action fest, but the story and characters were engaging. It’s a semi-remake of Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. It just leaves out all of the time travel and cause/effect time loop elements of the original films. It’s not connected to the Burton film at all since the end of that film explained the genetically enhanced apes from the ship had escaped and took over. This one is definitely a reboot or restart that uses some elements of the original films.
The Caesar ape performance was uneven and inconsistent. Too often he felt like an old tired ape about the age of Serkis rather than a young ape. The film breaks a lot of its own rules that it sets thus breaking the suspension of disbelief. Fox Studios once again sets another one of its films in San Francisco and on the Golden Gate bridge. Gets old fast. Not a great setting. They get some kind of tax break shooting in the Bay.
Caesar’s character design was poor. His face is often times menacing and unsympathetic. Other times he is sympathetic. Again the performance is uneven and inconsistent.
I recommend waiting for dvd rental if you absolutely must see it in your lifetime. Another forgettable Planet of the Apes film. Time to put this franchise to rest.
Caesar’s performance was uneven and changed in feel precisely because he’s still a chimpanzee….known for being mercurial and reactionary, suddenly being smarter & self-aware wouldn’t change this about a chimp. I feel it was a perfect characterization, it shows that they were truly paying attention to the details rather than just blindly going for the “dumb animal gets smart, then no longer acts like an animal” storyline. They were going for “what would he really be like if this happened?”
saw it yesterday and id say it was pretty good sequel should be pretty interesting