Day 77: Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

July 6, 2012 

By now you probably know of the story of Planet of the Apes. It’s a tale that stretches back to the book published in 1963, and then five years later, a famous movie version featuring Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall. I never much cared for the concept or the early Heston movie, but when I watched the trailer for Rise of the Planet of the Apes here on Netflix, I was fascinated. I just had to watch this movie… now. NOW. So I pushed the others I had planned to watch a little further down the queue, and the ape adventure began.

If you’ve never seen any of the Planet of the Apes films, this one is a must-watch. It’s a re-boot, as they call it, when the franchise is re-told, loosely based on the original version but with different characters and perspectives. The outcome, presumably, is the same.

So what’s it about, you ask? Scientists in San Francisco are conducting genetic research on apes, seeking a cure for many diseases, including Alzheimer’s. The evolved primates develop advanced intelligence from the drug, and revolt against being used as lab rats. If you know the premise, then I’m not telling you anything you didn’t already know. This film gives a fresh perspective on how the apes came to possess such superior intelligence.

It’s a fabulous movie that is fast-paced, star-studded, and gives the franchise new life. A sequel to this prequel is already in the works for a 2014 release.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes stars James Franco (127 Hours) as the head scientist, Freida Pinto as his girlfriend, and John Lithgow (The Manhattan Project) as his ailing father.

John Lithgow continues to win me over with his range of acting genres. Over the years he’s bounced around between movies and television from dramatic, comedy, and sometimes downright creepy. Remember him as the Trinity (serial) Killer in Season 4 of Dexter? And the strict bible-thumping minister in Footloose? How about alien Dick Solomon, in the 90’s award-winning comedy NBC blockbuster 3rd Rock from the Sun? For my money, anything with John Lithgow in it deserves a serious look.

Watch Rise of the Planet of the Apes – it’s worth every minute you spend in front of the television!

– Blair