Rupert Wyatt’s rendition of the “The Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is a breakaway prequel of the “Planet of the Apes” series. Perhaps, it is to break the sequel jinx that haunted the film for 43 years after the Charlton Heston starrer “Planet of the Apes” in 1968. The Rise of the Planet of the Apes explains how the Apes became so powerful to enslave human beings as in the first part of the franchise.
Will Rodman (James Franco) believes to have found a cure for Alzheimer’s disease through a virus strain called ALZ 112. Experimented on Chimps, Will seeks human trials. All hell breaks loose, when the subject tries to protect her baby chimp. Will, then, raises the Chimp’s baby that inherits the mother’s intelligence caused by the ALZ 112.
Will Rodman (James Franco) believes to have found a cure for Alzheimer’s disease through a virus strain called ALZ 112. Experimented on Chimps, Will seeks human trials. All hell breaks loose, when the subject tries to protect her baby chimp. Will, then, raises the Chimp’s baby that inherits the mother’s intelligence caused by the ALZ 112.
When Will’s father’s (John Lithgow) immune system produces antibodies to fight off the ALZ 112, Will discovers the 113 which eventually makes Chimps speak. With all those new found intelligence, the Apes try to take over the world. Andy Serkis (Ceaser, the Chimp) apes the ape perfectly that even the computer generated younger chimp looks artificial.
James Franco is the usual helpless Hollywood stereotype amidst the mass destructive catastrophe, typical of Hollywood. He is at least the reason behind the apes taking over the planet, as usual. Nevertheless, his performance is realistic. Frieda Pinto’s (as Caroline Aranha) jarring accent neither makes her Indian nor American. Her irrelevant stress on the second syllables – quite atypical – makes her sound like an IBCA (Indian Born Confused American) that any top Hollywood actress would have fit the bill.
Several scenes strike the right chord in The Rise of the Planet of the Apes. When the apes can be unforgiving towards Steven Jacobs (David Oyelowo), you still feel a strong sense of empathy for the chimps. This works against the script when those you don’t care for are harmed by the Chimps, when in fact the Chimps are what you truly care for.
In Hollywood, the usual tie between man-machine, animals-humans are emotional allegories with interwoven universal messages for the mankind.
Positives
Andy Serkis
James Franco
Connects Emotionally
Enjoyable, Entertaining and Engaging
Negatives
Formulaic
Clichéd
Logical Loopholes
Younger Chimp (Computer Generated)
Verdict
The Rise of the Planet of the Apes is predictable right from the word go due to the umpteen numbers of similar films in Hollywood made using the same template. Nevertheless, the action hooks you in along with the visual spectacle. The younger chimp is as artificial as Bonnie Anderson – albeit cute – in the Toy Story 3 – to whom Andy donates his toys. The mocap isn’t that perfect.
Although not deeply touching, The Rise of the Planet of the Apes tries to sincerely connect emotionally with the audience. The metaphorical final dialogue from Ceasar has so many connotations and facts that we fail to acknowledge forever. The Rise of the Planet of the Apes – Global Warning!
Rating
3/5
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