Those Eyes!!!

Rating: Null/10 (8 August 2011)

There is something about this movie that feels just right from its opening scene to the final frame. For starters it has a solid story, using as inspiration the original "Planet of the Apes" movie/book. Slowly, but with enough suspense to keep the audience engaged, we are given the background information as to how the apes eventually became the rulers of our planet.
Be warned, there will be at least a sequel, and if it's even close to this masterpiece, I'm already lining up for a ticket. John Lithgow, James Franco, and Andy Selkin do excellent work, in particular Franco as the scientist who manipulates science and technology in order to help humanity but ends up learning that playing God can have some serious consequences.
Most of the story focuses on the development of Ceasar's background. We learn how his exposure to the darker side of some humans leads him to understand that the world he is a part of, might be a little prejudiced against his kind. Some of the scenes in the shelter are pretty disturbing, and you are bound to react accordingly.
Eventually, the revolution begins, and things catch fire quickly, as Caesar organizes an army in order to find freedom and escape from his prison. This is the part of the movie that draws a huge gasp from the audience when we realize the way Caeasr has evolved, and when most of the special effects are going to blow the audience's expectations away. The film is tightly directed, with no a wasted frame. Elements of drama, science fiction, and even a bit of Greek tragedy are all present, leading the audience in a thrilling ride, showing us how effective good filmmaking is.
Hopefully, this is the beginning of a great series, like Nolan did with his Batman, and the new "Star Trek" series. As usual, respectable film groups might disagree, but this is movie making at its best, and I'm glad some people are still working hard to deliver.