MOVIE REVIEW -Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes

More action, more effects and more doomsday stories at the box office this week.

This time it's Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes. Of course for those that can remember, the Planet Of The Apes movies of the late 1960's and early 70's were huge hits. There now is a new young audience that has a bunch of money. Toss in no new ideas, and better Hollywood effects, it was almost bound to happen. This is the story of how the Apes became empowered to begin their takeover of the world. Up front too. If you are growing weary of the end of the world scenario, this is another one and steer clear. There has been no shortage of them the past year or so. More gloom and doom.

This is the story of a young, brilliant but arrogant young chemist at a large drug company that is looking for a cure Alzheimer disease. His father is afflicted with the terrible illness, and he has a personal stake in the fight against it. He develops a revolutionary drug that has promise. It not only seems to cure the disorder, but actually enhances the brain to heights never imagined. But after a clinical trail on a chimp goes horribly wrong, the project is pulled. But one chimp subject does survive.

Cesar is a baby chimp that during his mothers pregnancy was given the drug, and he is amazingly smart. As he grows up he learns much from the world. Only to eventually be in he control of animal control with hundreds of other chimps in an illegal poaching and chimp supplying ring. He becomes the leader of the entire primate community and eventually leads his pack to escape and reek havoc in the world. With their superior physical ability, and seemingly unending capacity to learn, the Apes become a giant force poised to take over Earth.

First off, there is no shortage of stunning film making here. With the mixture of real animals, and computer generated effects Apes has a real nice look. Being fair though, you have to like to watch apes do, what apes do because there is plenty of it. The overall story is well thought out, and full of strong messages ranging from the ethics of creating medicines that effect the mind and extend life. Also, animal cruelty, and mans seemingly unending misunderstanding of his role in the world. It's the story too of corporate and personal greed, and how small we humans can be. There is no shortage of social issues addressed in this movie.

As well done as this movie is done from a movie making perspective, it may not appeal to everyone. The general idea may not interest all, just like the originals. There may be a "what's the point" argument from some who are on the fringe or disinterested, and that's OK. Apes will find it's fans, and do well. To be fair, I felt that the originals were enough. But since Apes is now here, it is well done and well written. Limited but rabid appeal. Apes is one of those stories you are interested in, or you are not. End of subject. Just like the originals.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes. Far smarter than most of the summer action flicks. Good story and well done. It you are into it, you'll totally be into it!