I wasn’t holding my breath when news broke of a new Planet of the Apes film almost eight years ago, but I was nonetheless curious. Fast forward to August 9th, 2011, discount Tuesday at my local cinema. I figured the lower price of admission would ease the blow if the film went south. As usual, there wasn’t an usher in sight to check my ticket, so I saw myself in and took my seat with an equal feeling of excitement and apprehension. Unlike the 1968 original, our story begins not in the distant future, but present-day San Francisco, where scientist Will Rodman (James Franco) is working on a viral-based drug to cure Alzheimer’s disease. Through testing the substance on chimpanzees, it inadvertently gives rise to a super-intelligent ape named Caesar, who, after some time, begins to question his identity.
There’s a great deal of emotion in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, much of which stems from the heartbreak of helplessly watching a loved one suffer, whether it be mental deterioration or inhumane treatment. Ironically, it’s an act of love which serves as the catalyst for what ultimately becomes mankind’s tipping point, fueled by anger and hatred towards the powers that be. These poignant themes not only allow us to connect with our central characters, but lay the groundwork for what’s to come in later films. For a franchise originally known for its ground-breaking makeup effects, motion-capture is now the talking point among fans and film industry types. Andy Serkis, who portrays our protagonist Caesar, has elevated the technology through immense physicality derived from his performance, and the almost photo-realistic digital effects vindicate the film’s reliance on computer-based resources. James Franco is excellent as the compassionate Will, who raises Caesar into adulthood while caring for his ailing father, played convincingly by John Lithgow.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a sombre but powerful start to a trilogy of films that have well exceeded expectations. Fans are treated to numerous Easter eggs and references, both in acknowledgement and respect for what came before.
RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
(2011, dir: Rupert Wyatt)
★★★★
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