Disappointing sequel considering cast and budget

Rating: 3/10 (12 February 2013)

Missed this in theatres-and I'm relieved I didn't go. I kept waiting for the humans to propel the story from the establishment of the apes' story at the beginning. It can be hard to relate to motion-captured 'acting' as there is a residual unrealness to the apes' closeups revealing realistic but not actual eyes. Still they really tried hard in that regard, just not always a bullseye.
It was the lack of the three leads being able to reveal their underlying emotions as not enough time was spent on them. For instance, when John Lithgow dies, the scene was a throw-away one with a brief shot of Franco and Pinto dressed to suggest a funeral. Their glance at Lithgow's book didn't allow them time to have a few lines revealing their characters' thoughts, leaving the audience to get an emotional tie only to the apes - a missed opportunity at something deeper. The leads are capable of much more than was offered them; I wish the two producer/writers and director had noticed that in the rough cut.
Also, the film is devoid of any humor; just some quick references to past films' dialogue.
With too much reliance on special effects and lack of human motivation in response to the apes' 'rise,' and the actual finale taking place after the producer and director credits, when a paying audience usually is exiting the theatre, an unsatisfying feeling to the whole production becomes dominant.