MOVIE REVIEW: RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (12A)

"EXPLOSIVE INTELLIGENCE"

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is an action, drama & science fiction film Directed by Rupert Wyatt (same guy that brought us The Escapist, 2008) In San Francisco a man’s own experiments with genetic engineering leads to the development of intelligence in apes and sparks off a war. 
Its starring James Franco, Frieda Pinto, Andy Serkis, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, David Oyelowo, Tyler Labine, David Hewlett & James Harris.

#Fact: Tobey Maguire (Spiderman) & Jeff Goldblum were originally casted in this movie but talks broke down and both stars ejected from the project.

#Fact: Unlike all previous Ape films where it’s just actors in make-up. This film’s Apes was created digitally using Motion Capture --> (The process of recording movement and translating that movement on to a digital model).

THE REVIEW:

I  watched this film I must say I really enjoyed myself (didn’t expect to). From start to finish this prequel is very engaging, I was actually surprised on how much substance this movie has. It’s well paced, easily understandable and most importantly it has depth. The relationship between the ape and the human is what they show off really well. The emotions in the story acted out are right on the money and I really felt a connection. 


Director (Wyatt) showed us that animals like these monkeys/apes would do things we humans do in our lives and react to certain situations the same way and they understand how life works just like we would. Its is a summer supriser because nobody will expect it to be this good. The action scenes are explosive, exciting & very entertaining. This film is a cheeky way of sticking a middle finger at all these Superhero films that’s been coming out this summer. I fully recommend it.

Even more impressive is the special effects on display, everything about how these animals  from their looks to the way they swaggered about & expressions was just marvellous to watch. The attention to detail and style is what sets this Movie apart from all the previous ones. You won’t see effects this breathtaking or a long time to come, I can promise you that. This is what the previous film like Planet of the Apes would have loved to look like.

The lead character (well chimp) Cesar played by Andy Serkis is definitely the #StarOfTheShow. We follow his life throughout and what an animal he grows to be. I already developed a like for him from the start and by the end I was fan. It’s the way he’s been made to look and how powerful he’s presence is when he’s the focus. All the efforts put in my by real life actor Serkis is captured perfectly, he must be one of the best animal impersonators ever to do it. #WellDone.

Franco, Pinto, Lithgow, Cox, Felton & Oyelowo all put in high standard performances.

OVERALL:  Better Than Expected.

 STAR RATINGS OUT OF 5:  4.5

ONE FAVOURITE MOMENT IN THE FILM:

Cesar’s response to Will (Franco) when he comes to take him back after bribing John (Cox) with money.

 (if you loved another moment in the film, please feel free to share it with us in the comments)

TRAILER: