Runtime: 105 mins
In an era where
reboots/sequels/prequels/remakes/reimaginings are released in abundance, it's
hard to look beyond the copious amounts of unimaginative efforts that filter
through Hollywood year in year out. More often than not, these franchise
extensions are heavily promoted, marketed and packaged in a way that dupes an unsuspecting public into thinking that this instalment will improve on its
predecessors. Sadly they don't. In fact, such cash-ins turn out to be the
ugly duckling of the collective; something that fails to satisfy as a film, let
alone meet any expectations.
Thankfully, Rise of the Planet of
the Apes doesn't fall into
either of these pitfalls, which is surprising considering the lack of marketing (and modest $90m budget) this 50 year franchise receives. Sure, audiences can, and will, enter with preconceived ideas,
but Rise sticks two
fingers up, opting instead for something that genuinely surprises and impresses on its own merits.
Director, Rupert Wyatt (the man behind brilliantly underrated, The Escapist) breaks the cycle of franchise fodder, as Rise does what most other
reboots fail to do, which is to create something that supersedes, entertains
and evolves. Even rarer is that Rise outdoes
2001's Planet of the Apes remake (in every department), and whilst
that may not be a particularly difficult feat, this shows how careful planning and attention-to-detail can result in a movie where audiences and critics can speak so positively of.
For those who aren't familiar with the
series, Rise is the chronological start of the Planet of the
Apes timeline. Scientist,
Will Rodman (James Franco), heads a team that test the cognitive function of apes, all in the name of genetic engineering,
with the hope of developing a cure for Alzheimer's. Will is desperate to
develop a serum to aid his ill father, Charles (John Lithgow), whose health is rapidly deteriorating. After an
incident at the research facility, the programme is subsequently shut down, but after he
discovers an abandoned new born, Will takes it upon himself to raise the ape,
he names Caesar ( played by Andy Serkis), who shows early signs of developing at an
advanced rate. Any further synopsis detail would give away elements of the
well thought out story, which is one of the most pleasing aspects of the film. Banished
are nonsensical, ridiculous plot points, as Wyatt works from a solid and
well written script that undoubtedly proves the quality over quantity
theory. The plot moves at a well structured pace, as side characters, including love
interest, Caroline (Frieda Pinto) and John Landon (Brian Cox), are integrated.
They play small, non-vital roles that serve a purpose,
but ultimately under-use their talents. Similarly Lithgow feels a little
miscast as Franco's confused father; based on his career, the role would
perhaps benefit from a lesser known actor, or one void of comedic association.
What quickly becomes clear is
the focus on the plight of the apes and not the struggle of humanity.
Wyatt conveys an impressively deep, meaningful and emotionally charged
story from an ape perspective, which is a massive achievement in itself.
What's more, this focal point never feels silly or clumsy; it's handled with
care and constructed strongly, as the subtlety of their performances evoke feelings associated with human characters. This is all done by the power of CGI too (aside
from some baby Caesar moments). No longer are we subject to actors running around in
costume - all marsupial involvement is computer generated. At times
it looks stunning, with the attention to detail so fine it often convinces as
the genuine article. However, it does indulge a little
during some extravagant climbing/swinging
sequences, courtesy of Caesar. These over-the-top segments
briefly remind audiences they are watching something designed on a computer,
whereas the more subtle gestures, such as physical movement, inner emotion and stunning facial expressions, work far
better if we are meant to believe what we are seeing is real.
Fortunately, the positives outweigh the minor
negatives, which include its thematic elements.
Relationships form a basis of the story; whether the focus is father and son
(Charles/Will and Will/Caesar), or Caesar's leadership over the apes, there is a
suggestion of belonging. There is a touching "What is Caesar?" moment, which arguably provides a catalyst for an ape up-rise, and enters territory of science interfering with nature. As a result of this, it somehow feels right to be in support of the animals, over the ignorance of humanity. We witness the evolution of protagonist (Caesar) turn antagonist, as the story is told from the ape's perspective, their oppression is juxtaposed in stark contrast to previous Apes titles as we
can, for once, sympathise with them rather than see them as the oppressors of subservient humans.
Rise is a film with enormous heart and is, for the most part, emotionally gripping. The human characters serve the progression of the
story, but the true heart is Caesar, portrayed magnificently by Serkis. The
exquisite CGI really makes the film more engaging and thus believable, whereas shoddy effects would have
destroyed such an illusion (See I Am Legend).
It may prove useful to know some of the franchise back story (i.e.
what the original premise is), but it isn't essential. It does,
however, put Rise into context, making it easier to
digest, but in no way any less enjoyable.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes is the biggest surprise of the year and, along with Super 8,
asserts itself as a one-to-watch. Thoroughly entertaining, with a fantastic
performance from Serkis as the ape that instigates the beginning-of-the-end for
humanity; for once CGI manages to emotionally engage without feeling awkward or lacklustre. The well formed script strengthens no end, as Rise delivers on all levels; from
summer blockbuster, to credible film, to franchise reboot; this is a powerful and essential film
you must experience for yourself.
★★★★★
