Review of Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) by The V — 19 Apr 2014

I love the Planet of the Apes movies and the reboot is no exception. I really enjoyed where they are beginning with this "new" franchise and I can't wait to see where it goes. This beginning of the newly CGI apes is more like an upgrade version of Conquest. This time around an ape named Caesar is raised by a scientist named Will who is searching for a cure for Alzheimer's disease. He and the company he works for comes up with a certain type of viral drug in helping those with Alzheimer's. They use apes for their experiments until a mishap shuts down the project sending Will into having to protect (and hide) a baby chimp he names Caesar.

Over the years, Will continues his research on the viral drug and uses Caesar for these experiments. This proves to be a success since the drug heightens Caesar's brain power, making him smarter, faster and more of an independent thinker. Unfortunately, the side effects prove to be a much more deadlier result for human beings. The viral drug proves fatal over a period of time, but it gives the apes a much more advantage. Caesar is given a power greater than any ape and when he's locked away with his other ape brothers for standing up against someone bullying Will's father (who has Alzheimer's) he asserts himself by becoming one with his ape brothers. He is an Ape, but a more evolved one at that.

The effects are amazing! Andy Serkis who plays Caesar behind the CGI gives an excellent performance. You'll be rooting for the apes all the way through and don't forget about it's upcoming sequel: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Can't wait for that one!