RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
The Escapist director Rupert Wyatt takes the helm for this Planet of the Apes prequel centering on genetically engineered chimp Caesar (Andy Serkis), who was created in a San Francisco lab by an ambitious scientist (James Franco), and who uses his powerful intellect to lead an ape uprising against all of humankind. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Cast: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Andy Serkis, Brian Cox, David Oyelowo, Tom Felton
Release Date: Aug 05, 2011
Rated: Violence and intense/frightening sequences
Runtime: 1 hr. 50 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure
Review:
The original Planet of the Apes is such an iconic film that it leaves a legacy that still rings through this most recent reboot. Winks and nods to the original pop up here and there throughout Rise of the Planet of the Apes, some subtle and others more obvious and forced. It’s a minor quibble in the grand scheme of things, especially when so much care and effort was put into making this more than just another money grabbing reboot. Rise has something missing from most reboots; it’s got plenty of heart and a strong sense of itself. The story feels authentic with a set up and follow through that flows nicely. Director Rupert Wyatt shoots his film with a steady hand, moving his film at a steady pace rarely lingers in any section too long. James Franco, Freida Pinto and John Lithgow all have paint by the number roles. Franco offers some heart to his character but like the rest he’s simply a tool for the plot. David Oyelowo and Tom Felton are given cheesier clichéd roles which border on goofy, Felton in particular seems like he was transported from an 80’s flick sans a Cobra Kai patch. The real star of the show though is Andy Serkis, whose become the motion capture “man behind the mask”, who’s performance capture work is even more impressive than his work in the Lord of the Rings. His role is mostly visual but he’s able to emote such a massive range of emotions that’s you can relate with Caesar’s situation throughout. The CGI work is excellent, delivering photo realistic creations that rarely scream CGI. There are a few scenes that will either work for you or not, depending on how invested you are by that point in the story. While Rise will never leave the lasting legacy of the original film it’s still an impressive effort all around.
B
The pacing was an obvious plus wasn't it? I think that is what really worked me as it didn't bog down at any stage.
ReplyDeleteAgain so right! It will never leave the legacy of the original! But as stand alone movie it has its own merts, and like everything it could have been far worse!
Yes it was Brent, the pacing was a major bonus, could have bogged down esp in the middle section. I thought it was really well done, being a long time fan I feared for the worse.
ReplyDelete"Rise will never leave the lasting legacy of the original film "
ReplyDeleteI cosign....it was however still a great flm.
Very much so, I'm very curious to see what the sequel brings!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing it this weekend. I was a big fan of the original. I started following you on Google
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Thank you Jim, I think you 'll enjoy it. Following yours too!
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with the originals (for my shame I know) but I really like this film.
ReplyDeleteThe film just seemed like an introduction to a bigger sequel.
The CGI was amazing - I loved Caesar's eyes
Great write up as usual!
K
Great review! Outstanding!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you enjoyed it K, it does set it up nicely for the sequel which I'd be very interested to see!
ReplyDeleteWhile I liked it a little better than you, you do raise some good points. I say if we had to rely on Franco's acting to carry the film it would have been terrible.
ReplyDeleteI actually did enjoy it for the most part, really thought most of the human cast mearly served a purpose to move forward the plot, don't think Franco could have carried this film without Serkis.
ReplyDeleteLove what you've written because I loved the movie and I'm about to give it a 5 in my review. I didn't really expect it but it was so touching and beautiful.
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