Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Generally, I tend to avoid American blockbusters knowing that they target a different age category of audience and usually work with genres that I couldn't care less about. If they ever catch my attention, they are mostly light comedy affairs. Serious-minded blockbusters usually reek of pathos and ostentatious arrogance. The novel "Planet of the Apes" operated on a simple principle and set a simple goal: to warn about a nuclear war that would bring humanity to ruin and have the void occupied by an animal species. The original film from the 60s was impressive and effective - mainly because it faithfully stuck to the source material. At the time, it was actually a blockbuster too, but its choice of topic, simplicity, precision, and broad communication made it exceptionally strong. Its younger sibling sells something else and uses different tools. It can be argued that the original Planet of the Apes influenced a generation of viewers, sparked a social discussion, and changed the view on the Cold War. Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a predictable morality tale about the arrogance of humans in contrast to the nobility of the silent face. Many scenes are played solely for the effect, the characters are black and white, and the film is clichéd and literal, blatantly playing on emotions. From the first minutes, I didn't find it likable, but I would give it two stars for its craftsmanship without hesitation. However, that wouldn't take into account the last action-packed third, where there is a revolution and heroic clever monkeys demolish a helicopter in flight or a moving car with an armed crew. It got dark in front of my eyes and my mood dropped at the speed of a skydiver lacking a parachute. The film has enough enthusiastic admirers, so I don't need to exert myself and will limit myself to an overall impression of 10% for the technical execution. (07/10/2015)

The film objectively has enough flaws (logical missteps, sometimes strange editing, a few unnecessarily cheesy scenes). But it deserves great respect for its childish enthusiasm and completely anachronic use of tricks. I haven't enjoyed the liveliness and soul of trick sequences this much in a long time... as if Rise of the Planet of the Apes was actually going back to the 1960s, when every trick was a little joyful miracle. Personally, this film reminded me of why I love science fiction so much (that uplifting feeling of magical escape from the everydayness) and surprised me very pleasantly by resigning on the theme of direct civilizational conflict. In short, we follow the spontaneous demise of the old community and the resulting birth of a new community, which has, much more than the features of the classic apocalyptic sci-fi elements, features of a romantic story of a lone monster and its naive creator. At the same time, the film establishes the opportunity to tell the whole series again (including a reference to the unfortunate flight of Icarus), which makes me happy after watching this intimate, emotional and outwardly pleasurable spectacle. (29/07/2011)

I can't help but find this movie as a whole so paradoxically human. I was mesmerized by the beautiful shots and the perfect music. Watching the apes defy the humans and fight for freedom was an incredible experience for me. That monkey power took over the whole theater. Caesar's legendary line "Caesar is home" made me want to stand up and clap... I am also happy about the casting of the beautiful Freida Pinto. Ladies and gentlemen, you couldn't have done it better. The full 5 stars. (16/08/2011)

Phenomenal gem, polished in every aspect. A film with visual effects that are used exactly in the right places and details (the ape faces and emotions), excellent and dynamic action, captivating drama, a surprising intimate touch. Those expecting big-budget action with millions of apes battling the human population will be disappointed. The new apes are going in a completely different direction, significantly more sophisticated and entertaining. It's still popcorn and a film made mainly for “entertainment”, but the inventiveness and enthusiasm of the people behind it for the material cannot be overlooked. Thumbs up, excellent work, and a film that truly entertains from beginning to end. (13/09/2011)

Resonant. Revolting. It's hard to guess where Rupert Wyatt came from, but we can only be glad that he got to possibly the most surprising hit of recent years. Nobody wanted to see this ape's birth, the derision over an unnecessary remake was endless, and suddenly only a few people are speaking up. James Franco surprises with his acting versatility, Tom Felton confirms his villainous face, and Caesar, accompanied by Patrick Doyle's amazing music, conquers not only the highest branches of the trees but also the hearts of the audience. Despite a few surprising (but not disturbing) logical stumbling blocks, I have to admit that in this campaign, he wanted to continue at all costs, and almost everyone eagerly supports the enraged primates again. (25/10/2011)