The Apes were great. The humans - not so much.

Rating: Null/10 (12 September 2011)

What was great about this movie was Andy Serkis and the other actors who embodied the apes, and the execution of the motion capture depiction of those characters. They were impressive and sympathetic even when baring their fangs in the aggressive parts. This film painted the humans as less sympathetic in how they treated the apes. Those who were kind were far outnumbered by those who were either downright mean, or just indifferent, so it was easy to root for the apes to be free of their oppressors. I also thought that the basic premise that the virus created to combat Alzheimer's, and other diseases, improved the brains of the apes while being deadly to humans was a good way to explain how the apes became superior over time.
However, I had trouble with the script in a few places. 1. I found it hard to believe that Bright Eyes could be pregnant without the scientists and lab techs noticing. I mean they are interacting with her closely every day. Wouldn't pregnancy be something they would notice, or even test for? 2. When James Franco comes back to the lab to ask for another try with his new version of the drug, his boss is pretty easily convinced without ever asking to see his test results. Before that quick little interchange, his boss wanted nothing to do with him. 3. The final interchange between James Franco's character and Caesar was a huge let-down. First, he asks Caesar to come back with him and says he'll protect him. Excuse me, but he didn't do such a hot job of protecting him the first time. I thought he was supposed to be a really intelligent scientist, but this showed how clueless he really was. And finally, his beloved ape, whom he has raised since birth and treated like his own son, actually SPEAKS HUMAN WORDS to him, "Caesar is home". And all he says in return is something like, "OK, Yeah, Caesar is home." And that's it?!? How about "Wow, Caesar, you can talk! I wish we had more time together.", or "I know you have to go, but will I ever see you again?", or "I'm sorry I let you down. I hope your new life is a good one." I wanted something more heartfelt from the human character. He took all the trouble to chase after him into the forest, but can't come up with a decent good bye? I was really disappointed in the writing of that scene. Where's my ET moment?
On another note, I really enjoyed John Lithgow's performance. I also hope Tom Felton gets more sympathetic roles in the future and isn't typecast as a meanie and a jerk.