Exceeds expectations

Rating: Null/10 (17 August 2011)

I suspected this movie might be entertaining (it was) but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the plot, which as the title suggests, begins the very origins of the jump in evolution of the simian breeds. James Franco continues to amaze me with his broad range as and actor because my most recent memory of him is as a completely baked pothead in the somewhat funny film "Pineapple Express". Here he does the part of the sympathetic scientist trying to find a cure for Alzheimer's (which drives his research for personal reasons) with more than a fair amount of compassion and complete earnestness in the role. Nice to see Freida Pinto expanding her talents beyond her breakout part in "Slumdog Millionaire" as a veterinarian and as Franco's love interest. The sharp cast includes the amazing John Lithgow as Franco's character's dad, Tom Felton (proving he has one hell of good career ahead of him playing dark parts), "Stargate: Atlantis" vet David Hewlett in a well done and convincing turn in a lesser but important role as a boorish neighbor, and "MI:5" (Brit TV show "Spooks") David Oyelowo in an exceptionally good piece of acting as a cold and calculating corporate type. Excellent cast here but my main praise is for Andy Serkis who "played" Caesar the ape (or mimed it for CGI or whatever). Serkis was brilliant and managed to convey a whole range of thoughts and emotions without dialog and that's one hell of a huge achievement in and of itself. If he's not at least considered for or nominated for a supporting actor Oscar next year, then the Academy needs to see this film a couple more times and watch his work. So, in a nutshell: good thriller film, engaging storyline, excellent cast. Worth your hard earned cash to see in the cinemas.