Directed by:
Rupert WyattCinematography:
Andrew LesnieComposer:
Patrick DoyleCast:
James Franco, Andy Serkis, Brian Cox, John Lithgow, Freida Pinto, Tom Felton, Tyler Labine, Sonja Bennett, Chelah Horsdal, David Oyelowo, David Hewlett (more)VOD (4)
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An origin story set in present day San Francisco, where man's own experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (17)
Generally, I tend to avoid American blockbusters knowing that they target a different age category of audience and usually work with genres that I couldn't care less about. If they ever catch my attention, they are mostly light comedy affairs. Serious-minded blockbusters usually reek of pathos and ostentatious arrogance. The novel "Planet of the Apes" operated on a simple principle and set a simple goal: to warn about a nuclear war that would bring humanity to ruin and have the void occupied by an animal species. The original film from the 60s was impressive and effective - mainly because it faithfully stuck to the source material. At the time, it was actually a blockbuster too, but its choice of topic, simplicity, precision, and broad communication made it exceptionally strong. Its younger sibling sells something else and uses different tools. It can be argued that the original Planet of the Apes influenced a generation of viewers, sparked a social discussion, and changed the view on the Cold War. Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a predictable morality tale about the arrogance of humans in contrast to the nobility of the silent face. Many scenes are played solely for the effect, the characters are black and white, and the film is clichéd and literal, blatantly playing on emotions. From the first minutes, I didn't find it likable, but I would give it two stars for its craftsmanship without hesitation. However, that wouldn't take into account the last action-packed third, where there is a revolution and heroic clever monkeys demolish a helicopter in flight or a moving car with an armed crew. It got dark in front of my eyes and my mood dropped at the speed of a skydiver lacking a parachute. The film has enough enthusiastic admirers, so I don't need to exert myself and will limit myself to an overall impression of 10% for the technical execution.
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Resonant. Revolting. It's hard to guess where Rupert Wyatt is coming from, but we can only be glad that he got to possibly the most surprising hit of recent years. Nobody wanted to see the rise of this ape, the derision over such an unnecessary remake was endless... and suddenly hardly anyone has anything to say about it. James Franco surprises with his acting versatility, Tom Felton confirms his ability to play the villain, and Caesar, accompanied by Patrick Doyle's amazing music, conquers not only the highest branches of the trees but also the hearts of the audience. Despite a few surprising (but not disturbing) logical stumbling blocks, I have to admit that after he pushed ahead in this campaign at all costs, he left almost everyone eagerly supporting these enraged primates yet again.
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The monkeys’ gazes gradually become more expressive and sincere than the gazes of the human actors, and the initial protagonist, a scientist played by James Franco, and his companions become nothing but a bunch of extras. In other words, it’s rather more "Rise of the Planet of WETA". It has the charm of fantasy worlds, a fast pace, a deluge of visual and screenwriting ideas, perfect action, loads of emotions, a subtle ecological message, and especially the omnipresent positive feel-good vibes without the need for darkness and violence, though the film talks about serious things. It is not possible that it took just a little over 100 minutes. For me, this was a feast, a perfect viewing experience and the most enjoyable blockbuster since the mid-1990s (Jurassic Park, Twister). And here I thought that the problem was just me being unable to go back there.
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The most underrated movie of this summer turned out to be his best ever movie. Caesar’s story is an amazing demonstration of honest filmmaking that has the necessary ingredients to make it a classic. Burton can go fly a kite. The special effects have been taken to a level higher again, the monkeys are sometimes more emotional that the humans. Poor old Franco is sidelined about half way through and never returns to the fore. Of the human actors, the most intriguing are the chameleon John Lithgow and David “Rodney McKay" Hewlett who was landed with the least rewarding role in the movie, poor guy. This monkey rebellion grabs you with its screenplay, which has some surprises in store, and also superb action sequences.
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Along with X-Men, this is the second blockbuster this year that pushes the envelope in spectacular ways (WETA studio has once again pushed the boundaries of the impossible) while not being afraid to be clever. There may be some reservations regarding it, but we will see after the second screening. Very soon. [PS: When I heard the word "No!" my heart stopped for a few seconds.]
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Photo © Fox Deutschland
![Rise of the Planet of the Apes - Photos](http://image.pmgstatic.com/cache/resized/w663/files/images/film/photos/159/695/159695418_07c4c5.jpg)
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