SYNOPSIS: A single act of both compassion and arrogance leads to a war unlike any other -- and to the RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. The Oscar-winning visual effects team that brought to life the worlds of Avatar and Lord of the Rings is breaking new ground, creating a CGI ape that delivers a dramatic performance of unprecedented emotion and intelligence, and epic battles on which rest the upended destinies of man and primate.

REVIEW: After seeing how Tim Burton failed to successfully reboot one of Hollywood’s cult classics, my expectations for this prequel were very low. From what I was able to grasp from the trailer and clips, it was hard for me to see this film as the rebirth of the franchise. Moreover what else was there to tell? Same story just GCI instead of makeup. Well! I was wrong. Rise of the Planet of the Apes exploded in from of my eyes as one of this year’s top summer films. 

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is not perfect it has its flaws; however it has so many positives workings in its favor that it makes those flaws disappear very quickly. The film has all the elements of a good film; a smart screenplay, strong performances, drama, stunning special effects and lots of action. What else can you ask for a summer film? Director Rupert Wyatt has just re-opened the door to a world that many, including myself thought was close forever. If there was a way to rebirth a franchise, this was the way to do it. 

The 1968 original is well known for giving us one of cinematography classic shocking scenes; even Tim Burton did the same in his 2001 remake. Rise of the Planet of the Apes didn’t give me a scene; it gave me a sequence, a realistic eye popping battle in the Golden Gate Bridge that is stock in my mind as the film’s signature. 

Overall Rise of the Planet of the Apes is so well crafted that by the end of the movie it just leaves you craving for more. 

Review By The Critic