Directed by: Rupert Wyatt
Starring: James Franco, Frieda Pinto, John Lithgow, and Andy Serkis
Reviewer: Brett Gallman
Reviewer's Rating: ***½ (Three and a half Stars)
Fox’s latest attempt to reboot its moribund Planet of the Apes series takes us back to the beginning to explain how a bunch of primates managed to take over the earth. Just like in Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, the alpha chimp is named Caesar; however, this time he’s a genetically enhanced specimen with super intelligence created by Will Rodman (James Franco). He’s also the alpha and omega of the film, a spectacularly-conceived creation by WETA and mo-cap actor Andy Serkis; despite the lack of an actual actor in a suit, Caesar brings incredible gravitas to the screen. His relationship with Franco is a fatherly one that completely works as it hits some incredibly human peaks and valleys: disappointment, anger, betrayal, and love. That we can read all of these in Caesar’s face is the reason WETA should win an Oscar.
Another testament to their work is the fact that the film is actually most compelling when there’s nary a human to be found. Caesar’s interaction with his fellow apes is fascinating and exciting. In a digital age that has sometimes stunted our wonder, “movie magic” seems few and far between, but it’s on grand display here. However, to dwell on the technical aspects too much would overlook the fact that this is just top-notch blockbuster film-making: it’s humorous, rousing, smart, and altogether fun. The actual rising promised by the title is an exhilarating sequence that finally does the concept justice (Conquest and Battle featured similar sequences hampered by shoe-string budgets and average direction).
Though it technically isn’t connected to the previous films (including Tim Burton’s ill-received remake), there’s plenty of nods for Apes fans to gobble up; one is cheekily obvious, while others are more subtle. But most importantly, it doesn’t sell out the franchise’s moral component, and the result is the best film it’s had to offer since the original.
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