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Set in current times, Rise of the Planet of the Apes follows Caesar (Andy Serkis), a highly intelligent chimpanzee that starts an ape rebellion against humans. The source of his intelligence was a series of experiments performed by Will Rodman (James Franco), who was trying to find a cure for Alzheimer by experimenting on animals. When one of the experiments went awry, he ended up raising Caesar, along with his ill father (John Lithgow).
This film served to spark a new series of films that work as prequels to the original franchise that started in 1968. Instead of trying to change the main paradigm of the series, something that might've led to the failure of Tim Burton's 2001 remake, this new series doesn't try to change things, but rather build on it as we see the events that might have led to a planet being controlled by apes.
This is probably the fourth time I've seen this film and, although I wasn't that crazy about it at first, I've grown to appreciate it more every time I see it again. I do think the execution feels a bit flat and there are some things that don't work as well, but there is a good core story there in the relationship between Will and Caesar, but also Will and his father. On the other hand, I don't care a lot about the romantic relationship with Caroline (Freida Pinto) nor do I think it's necessary.
The other thing that works great is the humanity they manage to imbue Caesar with. It's amazing how much they can do with a CGI character, in terms of facial expressions and body language, while also building a believable relationship with Will; one that maybe even works better than Will's relationship with other human actors. This also goes to Serkis' commitment to this performance. Caesar's dislike for humans and eventual rise to leadership is also well portrayed, even if it lacks some "oomph" at times.
I'm probably one of the few people in the planet who is OK-ish with Burton's film, but I understand why it didn't work for most people. His attempt to change things, maybe even just for the sake of change, didn't seem that well thought. I think that's why this new take had more grasp. It works as a standalone film while also respecting the original and paying homage to it, adding a backstory that makes sense. At the end of the day, some things aren't meant to be changed. We need to accept that.
Grade:
RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
(2011, Wyatt)
(2011, Wyatt)
"Some things aren't meant to be changed. You need to accept that."
Set in current times, Rise of the Planet of the Apes follows Caesar (Andy Serkis), a highly intelligent chimpanzee that starts an ape rebellion against humans. The source of his intelligence was a series of experiments performed by Will Rodman (James Franco), who was trying to find a cure for Alzheimer by experimenting on animals. When one of the experiments went awry, he ended up raising Caesar, along with his ill father (John Lithgow).
This film served to spark a new series of films that work as prequels to the original franchise that started in 1968. Instead of trying to change the main paradigm of the series, something that might've led to the failure of Tim Burton's 2001 remake, this new series doesn't try to change things, but rather build on it as we see the events that might have led to a planet being controlled by apes.
This is probably the fourth time I've seen this film and, although I wasn't that crazy about it at first, I've grown to appreciate it more every time I see it again. I do think the execution feels a bit flat and there are some things that don't work as well, but there is a good core story there in the relationship between Will and Caesar, but also Will and his father. On the other hand, I don't care a lot about the romantic relationship with Caroline (Freida Pinto) nor do I think it's necessary.
The other thing that works great is the humanity they manage to imbue Caesar with. It's amazing how much they can do with a CGI character, in terms of facial expressions and body language, while also building a believable relationship with Will; one that maybe even works better than Will's relationship with other human actors. This also goes to Serkis' commitment to this performance. Caesar's dislike for humans and eventual rise to leadership is also well portrayed, even if it lacks some "oomph" at times.
I'm probably one of the few people in the planet who is OK-ish with Burton's film, but I understand why it didn't work for most people. His attempt to change things, maybe even just for the sake of change, didn't seem that well thought. I think that's why this new take had more grasp. It works as a standalone film while also respecting the original and paying homage to it, adding a backstory that makes sense. At the end of the day, some things aren't meant to be changed. We need to accept that.
Grade: