Review of Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) by Connor B — 05 Feb 2016

This was one of the biggest surprises I've ever seen. When I heard a "Planet of the Apes" prequel was coming out, I was skeptic. On a plane ride to London, I watched it, and I was blown away.

The CGI apes are breathtaking, everyone's performances are just phenomenal, especially John Lithgow as the father, and Andy Serkis as Ceasar (the Ape). The first half of this movie could be shown as an adorably family film about a man and his monkey, but then changes tone as soon as Tom Felton's hysterically entertaining villain character enters.

Then it becomes a huge thriller/action film that leaves you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. Some of the plot points aren't exactly explained well, but that's not a huge deal or anything.

Highly entertaining, and all around well-made.