Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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If you're hoping for a 21st century re-make of the 1968 classic, "Planet of the Apes," you'll be disappointed; and if you're hoping for a great re-boot of the franchise with a totally different take, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" will deliver, minus the word "great."
Disturbing animal cruelty and abuse sets a sympathetic stage for the story of Will Rodman, a young geneticist, who saves a baby chimpanzee involved in his own genetic experiments. Will's (James Franco), mission in life is to cure Alzheimer's disease but when the results of his experiments and the resulting drug are misinterpreted, management orders all lab animals destroyed. Will later discovers that the chimp he saved has received his drug through the DNA of its mother.
"If you're hoping for a great re-boot of the franchise with a totally different take, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" will deliver, minus the word "great."
John Lithgow stars as Will's father who is suffering from Alzheimer's, and he names the chimp Caesar. As the chimp grows, startling intelligence emerges and our young geneticist realizes his drug works.
With his father's condition rapidly deteriorating, Will decides to experiment on dear old dad. Problem is, while initially miraculous for dad, the effects turn out to be quite different for human and ape.
The story flashes forward, and while Caesar is flourishing, he's also frustrated by restrictions. When his protective instincts kick in and he threatens neighbors, Will is ordered to take him to a shelter for apes. This is not good.
Used to a loving and nurturing environment, now Caesar is exposed to the law of the jungle. Add to this a sadistic keeper (played by - get this - Tom Felton. Yes, Draco Malfoy of Harry Potter fame) who this time instead of wielding a wand wields a cattle prod. Needless to say, our super intelligent chimp doesn't take kindly to his incarceration, plots revenge and escape, and figures out how to expose his cage-mates to the intelligence-enhancing drug.
Remember the part about the effects being different for apes and humans? I'll just leave it at that. "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" absolutely wrings out emotion with some very distressing scenes of animal abuse. There are interesting and even touching moments but they're framed by such brutality and even laughable melodrama that it's hard to fully invest.
And when our sweet little chimp finally goes Rambo, leading his hairy minions on rampage worthy of a Transformers film, well, I was left the dust and debris.
Watch for a few nods to the original film and even Charlton Heston, himself. Oh, and if you still care at the end, stay for a few minutes into the credits for an indication of the price to be paid by humankind.
"Disappointed" is the key word here. I'm giving just 2 ½ stars for "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and it's rated PG-13.
