Very entertaining

Rating: Null/10 (6 August 2011)

When the first few minutes of this film began, I was under the impression that the character development was going to be weak, the storyline underdeveloped and filled with gaps, and that I had been duped into watching a famous-because-of-it's- predecessor film. While I may have doubted any substantial character interaction between a cgi ape and it's male owner, and while there may have been some gaps in the early and foundation-laying parts of the film, I actually left the theatre pleasantly surprised.
I don't know what I was expecting going in, but I have to admit that the cgi ape threw me off just a bit. What I was more surprised with was the depth of character that was played by a silent ape. From Inherited intelligence at birth to leader of an ape rebellion, from solving puzzles to sign language, from living at home to adapting to live with his own kind, the ape's development is quite remarkable. Sharing the lead role with James Franco (which I also did not expect), the role of Ceasar played by the ape is remarkable.
James Franco, on the other hand, plays an almost secondary role to Ceasar. His character stays mostly flat for the entire film. The interaction between him and his out-of- the-blue-acquired-girlfriend is so light and frivolous that I can't even remember her name. However, I felt that the motivation for this researcher's (played by Franco) work was set up very well. There are moments of passion, but all in all, little development.
While I felt as if I was put on a bullet train for the first few scenes of the movie, being rushed through Ceasar's early life and development, in retrospect, the story slowed down for the more important parts of the story. What was most critical to the story was the ape's journey from living with humans, to adapting to live with his own kind; from childhood innocence to the harsh reality of life.
Lastly, I thought the connections to The Planet of the Apes was great. There are several starting with the ape characters themselves, to apes riding horseback, to fire hoses, etc.. As with any prequel, this adds another dimension of interest.
To sum it up, this movie is very entertaining, centring around the character of Ceasar. Any shortcomings in plot lag, or flat acting are made up in the overall flow of the story. I would recommend this movie to anyone, including families as there is no swearing (that I remember), or sex, or drugs of any kind. Although if you are uncomfortable with some animal cruelty, be warned.