Apes Rule

Rating: 8/10 (7 August 2011)

I didn't see other Planet of the apes movie. Even though I strongly doubt any of those past movies can top this newest edition to the franchise. For me, script and acting wise Rise of the Planet of the Apes was the best movie of the summer.
While usually a summer movie is expected to be heavy on action and CGI, Rise of the Planet of the Apes's true strength lies on its story telling. (Though the CGI part of the movie was pretty awesome too.) It was well paced, emotional and thought provoking. From the opening sequence I was hooked to the screen and I could hardly turn my head till the movie ends.
James Franco delivered a superb performance as the talented scientist who is hell bend on finding a cure for his mentally disabled father. But the best performance of the movie, just like every one else is saying, is without a doubt the ape named Ceaser acted by mo-cap actor Andy Serkis. This time i believe he has outdone himself from his previous work in Lord of the Rings and King Kong. The character Ceaser was simply phenomenal. The way the makers blend human emotion with wild animal instinct in Ceaser was really amazing. From his birth to moment he assumes the leadership of the league of free apes, audience will be emotionally attached with him every sequence. You will adore him at his infancy, get amazed by his intellect at his young age, be angry when he was treated so cruelly by human and feel the adrenalin rush when he finally breaks free and rises to the top. The way this character Ceaser developed was almost similar to a Disney character.
Rupert Wyatt did one of his best work as director. The CGI, though in my opinion is not the main attraction of the movie, was better than most of the movies of this summer. The apes movement and their facial expressions were spot on. Their wild nature was vivid while in their face you could also read affection, fear, anger, commitment and other such human like emotions in a very realistic way. The score of the movie was very well crafted. It blends well with the sequences and adds a lot in raising emotions.
It is very hard to neat pick a movie as good as this one but there are some very minor short comings in my opinion. while James Franco's character has a very big role at the beginning of the movie, his importance gradually fades away as the story reaches towards its end. I think writer could do a bit more with him. Freida Pinto has contributed virtually nothing to the story except from being the love interest of James Franco. I think she is a talented actress and could do a lot if was given the opportunity. The movie felt a bit rushed at the beginning. I personally wanted to see more of Ceasers childhood. And finally as a summer movie it could use a bit more action. Most of its action is near the end of the movie and i don't know if it is enough to satisfy an edge of the seat, jaw dropping action lover. But considering over all quality of the movie these short comings can easily be ignored.
Now, I shall watch the original Planet of the Apes movie. And for you I cannot recommend a movie more than this one. This is as good as a summer movie can be.