Great effects, but more importantly - a great story!

Rating: 8/10 (28 August 2011)

"Rise of the Planet of the apes" is the first series "reboot" since Batman begins that actually feels justified, and I was so hyped about its new take on the series that I highly doubted I would dislike the movie.
Needless to say I think "Rise" is great. A Film that introduces a new generation to "The Planet of the apes" franchise, while giving those that liked the originals something new, at the same time entertaining both with truly amazing special effects.
Other film-makers should take some notes from this too, as it's the films story that takes priority over the effects. Although the visuals deserve equally as much attention. Andy Serkis as Caesar (The ape whos story this movie follows) brings a character too life that could off otherwise been tedious. You are with this character all the way, and quickly forget that he is simply a bunch of computer pixels. Off course it helps that there a bunch off great actors in this film (James Franco, John Lithgow, Brian Cox) but at the end of the day its the computer generated Caesar who is the star.
The Flick also doesn't make the mistake off trying too have the "shocking" ending that the original or most of its sequels had (Something that ultimately destroyed Tim Burtons take on the apes a decade ago) and instead has a suitable conclusion to the lead characters story, while subtly hinting at where this new "apes" series will lead. Its in a direction that those who remember the old movies should be happy with too, as its not exactly the same but in a direction that's familiar.
The only flaw about the film is that those who've never heard of the original concept may be surprised by just how "intelligent" these apes can get. I did hear laughing and tutting by some of the younger members off the audience. These are probably the same people who complained about the films original title (Rise of the apes) being changed. I can't help but feel the title change was truly justified after seeing the movie. Because now that the audience knows this is a "Planet of the apes" film, some of its sillier moments don't feel quite so ridiculous as they would off been otherwise.