Tim Burton’s 2001 remake was definitely over-shadowed this past weekend with the release of the Rising of the Planet of the Apes. However, the movie didn’t fare as well as the 2001 effort in box office numbers. I honestly believe this was due to lack of promotion here in the United States. I only happened to find out about the film’s August 5th release from family planning to go to the movies. Nonetheless, its performance by Andy Serkis in the lead ape role Caesar was nothing short of spell-binding. Caesar was the son of a female chimpanzee who was a subject in the testing of an experimental drug for Alzheimer’s. In her quest to protect her baby she had an outburst that inevitably lead to her being put down along with other chimps.
Her son, Caesar, taken in by the lead doctor in the experiment is passed her genetically enhanced intellect. The rest of the movie is built on Caesar’s understanding of his place in the universe. He’s faced with being an ape in a human’s world full of its oppression and boundaries. A moment that truly moved me was when Caesar is discussing with an orangutan why it’s important to get the apes to work together. “As one we are weak…as many we are unbreakable.” I found myself by the end of the movie cheering for the apes wanting nothing more than their freedom. The audience shared my sentiments as they applauded at the close of this film which I’ve only experienced on two other occasions after watching a movie. This Rupert Wyatt film is a rare gem full of suspense, heart-felt drama and a revolution full of awesome special effects birthing a freedom to an evolved species that will leave you chanting one thing... “Long live CEASAR!!!!”
Two thumbs up…A MUST SEE FILM!!!
