Review of Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) by Krunk2 — 04 Aug 2011

Let me start out my ranting by saying I went into this movie expecting content overall content similar to that in the admittedly awesome trailer, and yes it does contain a few cool action scenes as most summer blockbusters do.

HOWEVER THIS IS NOT THE MAJORITY OF THE MOVIE!!! out of close to two hours of screen time around eighty-five percent is dedicated to nothing more than some VERY SLOW moving drama. Not that I have anything against slow moving drama movies, as I enjoyed Pulp Fiction and The Tree Of Life, but if you are going to tackle drama you had at least better make it interesting.

Save for a few key scenes, most of the movie feels predictable and uninspired, as in nothing really catches your interest until a certain series trademark line is dropped to briefly pull you back in and lose interest within a few seconds.

As with the movie, the ending is shockingly lame and baits you toward a inevitable sequel that you would rather spend your money on. To me, the movie felt rushed and unpolished, falling into that yet-another-unremarkable-series-installment-that-began-with-a-classic movie cliche.

The trailer and potential for this movie raise expectations that it doesn't quite live up to. In short: Has a couple cool action scenes, lots of references to past movies fans will enjoy, and remarkable CGI apes done by the same actor who did Gollum in LOTR.

Unfortunately most of the movie consists of slow moving, predictable drama, and the ending leaves you feeling unsatisfied. It seems as even the combined forces of James Franco and Draco can't save this movie from feeling like a downer.

However, series veterans and people viewing with the right expectations still might get a kick out of it. As for me, I just hope the next installment lives up to the trailer.