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Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Time Out rating

Average user rating

28 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

This stand-alone prequel to Franklin J Schaffner’s ‘Planet of the Apes’ (1968) distinguishes itself from other ill-conceived reboots in general, and from Tim Burton’s disastrous 2001 remake in particular, by looking with fresh, simian eyes at its core conflict between human and primates.

Aficionados will note that the plot echoes elements of ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’ (1972), the fourth movie in an already etiolated series. There are also some in-jokes, with the 1968 original even glimpsed on a TV screen at one point. Crucially, though, the events are seen from the point of view of the chimpanzee Caesar, a CGI creature infused with an uncanny nascent humanity by performance-capture master Andy Serkis. The nature of the human/ ape conflict has changed, too, with the racial discrimination so topical in the civil rights era of the late ’60s supplanted by contemporary fears about scientists who play God by experimenting on ‘inferior’ species.

The chimp-based research into brain tissue regeneration conducted by scientist Will Rodman (James Franco) for pharmaceutical company GenSys does have a human element; his once musically talented father, Charles (John Lithgow), now has Alzheimer’s. Even so, Rodman concedes that the anarchic aggression displayed by the lab chimps dosed with experimental drug ALZ-112 means that they must be destroyed.

However, when the unborn child of chimp Bright Eyes survives this cull, Will takes him home, names him Caeser, and continues his discredited research in secret. As Will’s father regains his faculties, Caeser grows from an inquisitive infant into a strong, super-intelligent adult chimp, one with ‘human’ emotions but also a dangerous aggressive streak.

On the insistence of beautiful primatologist Caroline (Freida Pinto), Will exiles Caesar to the San Bruno Primate Sanctuary, where neglect by its owner, Landon (Brian Cox), and the cruelties meted out by his son, Dodge (Tom Felton), provoke the chimp into fomenting an ape rebellion. Once free, the weapon-wielding apes invade the streets of San Francisco, terrorising and killing its human inhabitants.

Despite a quantum leap from his low-budget British prison movie ‘The Escapist’ to this $90 million blockbuster, director Rupert Wyatt stages the climactic battle on the city’s Golden Gate Bridge – a stunning set-piece featuring hundreds of life-like apes – with remarkable assurance.

He also strives to match the philosophical seriousness of the first ‘Apes’ film, but his handling of the underdeveloped characters is never as convincing as the visual effects work. Also, particularly in the ferocious battle scenes, there is far too much special pleading on behalf of the selectively violent apes.

Author: Nigel Floyd

Time Out London Issue 2138, Aug 11-17 2011

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User reviews of this film

hugh bris said...

Posted on Feb 21 2012 02:20 Real sci-fi is based on science. The 60's original has a satisfying amount of scientific rigor. The screenwriter has a poor understanding of evolution. An unrealistic premise means the movie fails as rigorous sci fi, regardless of it's entertainment value.

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deec said...

Posted on Jan 06 2012 23:58 I didnt like any of the previous films so wasnt too sure about this one. However thoroughly enjoyed it, great storyline, great film. Cant wait to watch again!

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Thomas Noctor said...

Posted on Oct 21 2011 21:19 Excellent movie, even though 'Ceaser' doesn't move or act like a chimp, (clearly human) its an absolute cracking film! 5 Stars

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ceaser didapoo said...

Posted on Sep 21 2011 18:04 i had a poo on the isle in the film haha

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Munaw said...

Posted on Sep 12 2011 18:28 It's nude and shit.rubbish!!
they show ladies boobs!!! really

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miles said...

Posted on Sep 10 2011 17:01 wow

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Andy S said...

Posted on Sep 02 2011 12:26 Pretty darn good. Well acted and Andy Serkis did a fab job as Ceaser. Ok, the supporting cast are a bit lame and you care not when the apes go...ape :-) But a fun yarn non-the-less.

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violetta said...

Posted on Sep 02 2011 09:18 A smart scientist wants to cure his dad's alzheimer's with a clever new viral drug he's testing out on chimps - as you do. A side effect is that the monkey gets increased intelligence but the a newer version of the drug also harms us humans. I cheered when the chimps copped it but was booed out by the rest of the audience who seemed to want all of humanity overtaken by the newly bright hairy fellows. A word of advice the film doesn't quite end when the credits roll - stay in your comfy chairs - there's more insight to be revealed.

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FimFan said...

Posted on Aug 28 2011 19:21 Together with Bridesmaids, Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and Thor, these are the four most enjoyable and well-made films of the *Film Summer of 2011* for me personally!

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chris said...

Posted on Aug 25 2011 09:56 good special effects and quite enjoyable at first but the lack of any interesting characters and fairly silly, cliche script mean you might lose interest quickly. Another wasted opportunity.

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If information were sccoe said...

Posted on Aug 23 2011 00:14 If information were sccoer, this would be a goooooal!

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ri-ri said...

Posted on Aug 20 2011 10:30 This film was so good, i really enjoyed watching it and thought it was beter than any of the other planet of the apes films. It was so realistic and the story behind it was really effective which made me like it more. I would definately reccomend you go see this it is worth it. I would go watch it again!

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scrumpyjack said...

Posted on Aug 18 2011 01:12 A superior mix of effective narrative and near faultless effects. The finest blockbuster for many a year. Tellingly sad some feel the need to p*** all over it, perhaps those detractors should try relaxing a little....or avoiding films concerning apes taking control. Hint, title re - "apes sniff gas and turn on us??? PA!!!" nonsense! 8/10

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Phil Ince. said...

Posted on Aug 16 2011 22:12 I am quite surprised anyone would think this wasn't toss.

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Sharron said...

Posted on Aug 16 2011 11:33 Really enjoyed this film well worth going to see, i think there will be another one soon.It was left open for lots more stories iam now waiting for part two.

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