Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) - What a Bunch of Crazy Apes!

Rating: 8/10 (22 December 2011)

James Franco stars in a new sci-fi ape thriller that is neither a sequel or remake to the original "Planet of the Apes", but a visual re-imagining of the original idea. Franco stars as a scientist who tries to research a way to create a medicine for Alzheimers' to cure his dying father. He decides to test this medicine on a series of chimps, who later gain revolutionary intelligence. Then something goes wrong in the lab, and Franco is forced to raise a baby ape named Caesar. He takes a dose of this magic drug, and years later, Caesar is showing signs of advanced intelligence. But then some consequences occur, and Caesar is forced to be taken to an animal shelter, then Caesar starts a rebellion to prove to the animals that they are more than just lab rats. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is a spectacular film, and it's easily one of the more better films of 2011. The dazzling use of motion capture technology to make the apes look so realistic is truly breathtaking. This film is thrilling and exciting, and the action scenes are super cool. There's also excellent performances by this wonderful cast ensemble. James Franco is just super as the scientist searching for the cure to Alzheimers', John Lithgow is brilliant as Franco's Alzheimer-stricken father, but Andy Serkis steals the whole show as Caesar, and he helps prove that Caesar is more the main character, instead of a computer-generated animal. But, the only disappointing character is Frieda Pinto as Franco's love interest who delivers no purpose of what her character had to do with anything. The rest of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is crystal perfect. The special effects are dazzling, the acting is superb, the suspense is real, and the finale on the Golden Gate Bridge brings a ton of drama and suspense. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is surprisingly one of the more better films of the year, from the beautiful graphics, the fine storyline, and an excellent performance by Andy Serkis. This is probably one of the most exciting movies of the year, and it's definitely worth anyone's precious time and money. All audiences will be dazzled with what this movie has to offer. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", in my review, "a stunning reboot, a thrill ride from start to finish".