Review of Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) by Rupert B — 27 Jul 2014

'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' is one of those prequels that will surprise you in a big way. When you look at the reputation of the successors to the original 'Planet of the Apes,' you are left thinking that this reboot will be a similar disaster.

Thanks to Rupert Wyatt, we are left with something really good. Watching this film, I never got the impression that anything was rushed or too contrived. With the usual "suspension of disbelief," in mind, nothing was ever confusing or stepped over the bounds of its world.

Will Rodman (James Franco) invents a drug that is supposed to cure brain disease, but it also has the potential to enhance brain functions beyond what has been seen. Of course, the drug is tested on apes first.

There you have it. A solid story that serves the original well. If I'll be honest, 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' surpasses its classic predecessor in scope, design, and story. As simple as the main premise may sound, this film provides moments where it immerses itself in its own universe and is really aware of character psychology.

There is a moment where Caesar (Andy Serkis) saves an ape handler who is being beat up, but is intelligent and fair enough to spare him because he was not the cruel one (leave that to Tom Felton). It just shows that there is actually a human side to Caesar that is still shown despite the fact that he is an ape, which was always regarded as being a wild animal.

With the genes he inherited from Bright Eyes and his interactions with Rodman, it makes perfect sense. Of course, there is that moment when Caesar first speaks, but I won't spoil that too much. Enough cannot be said about how great Andy Serkis is as Caesar.

Like you will see in 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,' you will observe an incredible animal instinct but have emotions that are all too human. Give this flick a watch and I promise you won't be disappointed.