Intelligent and Pure Fun

Rating: 7/10 (31 December 2011)

I give "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" 7.5 stars
I truly enjoyed this film, one of the most enjoyable film experiences I have had in a long time. Rupert Wyatt directed the movie with perfect pacing, filling the background of the story with the correct balance of warmth, drama, and action before the climatic battle. Wyatt's pacing was patient but never slow, allowing the story to unfold naturally. We get to see the story of Caesar, the simian version of Spartacus mixed with a dash of Moses, rise to power and cheer for him along the way (Andy Serkis is brilliant, yet again).
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is a smart film and it allows all of the people who love to over analyze things (aka geeks like me) to have a heyday. The way the apes grow in power is very much in keeping with the rise of early human civilizations. One can also interpret the entire Planet of the Apes narrative as a racial allegory, which Wyatt plays to, with some scenes alluding to the civil rights movement. Nevertheless, it is important not to over-think the film. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is a fun a movie and that is its chief intent.
If there is a negative to the movie, I think Freida Pinto is a bit stiff throughout the film. The acting of James Franco, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, and David Oyelowo, all hit the right notes, playing their generalized character archetypes very well. Pinto though came across a little wooden to me and her character is unnecessary, acting mostly to add to dimension to Franco's idealistic scientist (and to increase female viewer ship). However, this is a very small qualm.
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is a wonderful summer sci-fi action blockbuster that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It is a smart film, never over thinking its subject matter but never playing down to the lowest common denominator. I cannot wait until the next installment of the rebooted Planet of the Apes narrative.