First off: forget Tim Burton’s awful PLANET OF THE APES(2001) remake from ten years ago. Just pretend it doesn’t exist, which is what the filmmakers and the studio behind RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES seem to be doing, with loads of hints casually displayed throughout the film that this is in fact a prequel to the 1968 Charlton Heston-starring classic.

I've always had a soft spot for the original PLANET OF THE APES series. My old man got me to watch these when I was a kid and I couldn't get enough of it. While only the first film could really be called a classic, in my opinion, each of the films are entertaining in their own right. One of the better films, CONQUEST OF THE PLANET OF THE APES(1972) is obviously the main influence on RISE, although it’s not a remake. The only elements that are really used are Caesar, the super-intelligent chimp, and the eventual uprising, which is depicted in a less cartoonish manner here (no submachine gun wielding Apes...yet).

It’s actually a fairly intelligent re-imagining of the series, with the idea that a serum designed to cure Alzheimer’s sowed the seeds of the revolution. As they say, "the path to hell is paved with good intentions", and this idea seemed like a truly inspired way to tell this particular tale.

I also really appreciated the gem of a performance given by John Lithgow as James Franco’s Alzheimer’s afflicted father, which is very affecting and believable. While he doesn't have much screen time, in just a few brief scenes Lithgow manages to convey the heart-break of a once-brilliant man slowly losing himself to dementia, and the relationship between him and Caesar is my favorite part of the film.

RATING: 8.25/10

When the original Planet Of The Apes was made they had to make huge changes from the novel it was adapted from due to budget and effects constraints...now that we have the technology no one seems to be going back to the source material...it's sad, Pierre Boulle's La Planète des singes(Monkey Planet) deserves a faithful adaptation.

That being said, Rise does have me intrigued.

I think Escape From The Planet Of The Apes is a classic, it's my favorite of the sequels followed closely by Conquest.

Despite weak animation, and not so great voice acting...the short lived 70's animated series Return To The Planet Of The Apes is good, it takes things from the movies, and Pierre Boulle's novel(mainly the apes being more advanced, driving vehicles, flying planes, etc)

ESCAPE is definitely another good installment in the series. Seeing Cornilius & Zira in the wardrobe of that era is funny.

If you're a fan of the original from 1968, you'll 4sure be able to pick up on the hints/homages that RISE pays to it. I won't give much away, but I kept pointing at the screen when something was hinted. My homie was all "what are you pointing at"? HAHA!

Anyways, this installment does the series justice and I'm speaking as a fan of the original series. I find myself defending it at times. But even if you haven't seen the originals, it's still a fun and entertaining film.

The film simply sucked.....

I don't care for remakes. You can call it what you will but its not a new idea, its someone uninspired taking someone elses idea and adding their $.02. Felt that way about clash of the titans and I'll probably feel that way about Conan. I'm waiting for some ******* to remake JAWS and my head will pop.

I'm looking forward to seeing it and hope they don't stop here but do several.

Gonna go check that out tomorrow. Anyone in Seattle, WA wanna watch a movie with me tomorrow? =)

i watched it sunday, and it's flat-out one of the best movies i've ever seen.

very well-made...there isn't that disjointed feeling when you realize something is an effect. the story builds gradually and steadily, and you fall in love with the characters.

i expected it to be hokey, but it certainly isn't. the actors are very believable, and so is the story-line.

it sort of reminded me of "project x" with matthew broderick, but better.

Seeing it today!

And thoroughly enjoyed it!!

yea i saw it too, very good, love it when animals get even with mean people. animation is awesome, great visual effects.

the other remake of tim burton's had great costums, story line kinda sucked.

original ones are great, even back then.

Good film