The Apes shall rumble your mind

Rating: Null/10 (12 August 2011)

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is that rare combination of unbelievable CGI, perfect pacing, satisfying characterization and a monumental protagonist that leaves you riveted from start to finish. Almost Shakespearean in its flow, Rise is a powerful narrative of the fall and the rise of Cesar, a super-intelligent ape, whom we see morph from a precocious baby into a rousing leader. And all this without speaking a word, well almost.
James Franco is fairly intense, Freida Pinto looks pretty and the other actors do a fair job. But the screen belongs to Andy Serkis' Cesar, who takes Miming to a new high. Every expression and crease on the Ape's face exudes emotion and intensity. And intelligence, plenty of it. I was silently hooting when Cesar has his first major leadership moment against his first simian adversary (no more details for fear of spoilers). The final action sequence is mind blowing and the movie has a very satisfying end.
A definite watch.