Lively, entertaining reviews of, and essays on, old and newer films and everything relating to them, written by professional author William Schoell.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Chimp Caesar with James Franco
RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2011). Director: Rupert Wyatt.

San Francisco is treated to an angry invasion of intelligent apes when an Alzheimer's experiment backfires, This is basically a prequel to Planet of the Apes [either version], although the novel that film was based on actually took place on another planet. Rise has excellent special effects and is quite visually striking at times. Caesar the chimp is well-acted by Andy Serkis [with help, presumably, from CGI), and John Lithgow, James Franco and the lovely Freida Pinto all give good performances. Good musical score by Patrick Doyle and a strangely moving conclusion.  Not a movie that will necessarily stick in your mind but entertaining enough.


Verdict: Apes run wild. ***.

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