Review: (Movie) Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Rise of the Planet of the Apes, starring James Franco and Andy Serkis, is a wonderful blend of action, special effects, emotional tension, and philosophy. Last night, as I watched the movie with my husband, I was struck with just how well the movie was done. The motivations of the characters allowed us to empathize with them, but as the movie progressed we mostly empathized with the apes themselves.
Scientist Will Rodman works in a laboratory where he experiments on primates, searching for the cure to Alzheimer’s Disease. After an incident at the lab, he brings home a young chimp – Caesar, raises him like his child, and monitors his cognitive development in the hopes of saving his own father. When Caesar is forced to live at an abusive primate ‘sanctuary’, his own life – as well as the lives of the rest of humanity- will never be the same.
Originally, I thought this movie was a sequel to Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes, but I’m no longer sure there’s any connection. At the very least, it’s an alternate explanation for the way intelligent apes replaced humanity. The movie feels altogether different than the Tim Burton movie, with more realism and less theatricality, though there is the requisite “Get your hands off me, you damn, dirty ape!” The line is something of a tradition in these type of films, but I thought it cheapened the movie.
I wondered how the apes had been portrayed, but soon realized some excellent CGI was involved (ala Gollum from Lord of the Rings). The special effects were believable, and I felt sorry for the human scientist. He was experimenting on animals – which I personally found deplorable, because he wanted to save his father. How could anyone not understand his motivations, even if condemning his actions?
I won’t go into detail here (no spoilers), but the laboratory’s lax approach to security and safety seemed overly convenient. I just didn’t believe the scientists and the people running the highly secretive experimental lab would be that dense. The same thing goes for some of the police tactics later in the movie. It wasn’t all the time, but it happened enough to break the illusion and irritate me.
There was no sex, and the violence was more hinted than shown – brutal but not graphic. However, young Caesar’s childhood, his experiences at the primate ‘sanctuary’, and the humans’ treatment of apes throughout the movie are heartbreaking. The heavy emotional impact would make this movie unsuitable for younger viewers.
However, I loved the movie. The characters themselves (with the exception of lab security) were entirely believable and well-developed. The special effects were fantastic, yet just what was necessary to convey the plot well. Both my husband and myself empathized with the characters, especially the apes and Caesar’s human family. I recommend Rise of the Planet of the Apes as an entertaining, thoughtful movie to enjoy with someone you care about.
February 24th, 2012 at 12:06 am
I was very surprised he was able to get away with Caesar, and then keep him without government intervention after so many sightings and interventions. I couldn’t get into it as so much of it felt so by-the-numbers, but perhaps my mistake was watching it alone.
February 24th, 2012 at 12:33 am
Yes, like I said, too many convenient security lapses, but what I liked about the movie was its emotional impact.
February 27th, 2012 at 10:40 am
This movie passed me by without note, I think it probably was hyped and came out around the time of my son’s birth and subsequent months of little sleep. Sounds interesting, though.
I added you to my blogroll, BTW. Write On!
February 27th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Thanks, and congratulations on your new little boy!