Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes

A terrific rise for the ‘cousins’ of man and a dreadful fall for the species of man.

Driven to cure the illness which often plague the human brain, [Dr.] Will Rodman (James Franco) has developed a pharmaceutical catalyst allowing cerebral pathways to repair and regrow themselves. Alas, [Dr.] Rodman has a personal agenda suppressing rational procedure. A favorable, if improper, human trial is soon followed by a simian trial – with tragic result.

Born from the tragedy, a miracle in the form of a newborn chimpanzee. An orphaned animal, now in the care of [Dr.] Rodman, is much more than a simple ape. This ape can learn, has learned, perhaps better than any human being. But, even this young ape, named Caesar, cannot overcome the man’s innate tendency to be stupid and afraid. Persecuted and imprisoned, Caesar has planned and prepared for the liberation of his species.

The revolution of ape-kind will begin with death but it is not ape-kind who will be responsible for the downfall of human-kind... that blame shall be upon man!

Brilliantly directed and amazingly performed, this film is decently written with [an almost] familiar plot and a [not entirely unexpected] outcome. {Watch the newspaper headlines to determine the association between this ‘Rise’ and [Tim Burton’s] ‘Planet’.} {Fans will be delighted with the homages to the classic ‘Apes’ film series.}

B / PG2

Starring: James Franco; Andy Serkis; John Lithgow; and, Freida Pinto.
Featuring: David Oyelowo; Tom Felton; Karin Konoval; and, David Hewlett.
With: Brian Cox; Richard Ridings; Chris Gordon; and, Jay Caputo.
Plus: Terry Notary; Devyn Dalton; Tyler Labine; and, Jamie Harris.
Writers: Amanda Silver; and, Rick Jaffa.
Director: Rupert Wyatt [w/ Daniel Barrett; and, {a host of effects masters}].

By Frank Jaymes
05 August 2011