“Caesar shows cognitive skills that far exceed that of a human counterpart. The drug in his system has radically boosted healthy brain functions.”
– Will Rodman
SYNOPSIS: A substance designed to help the brain repair itself gives rise to a super-intelligent chimpanzee who leads an ape uprising. – via IMDB
This was something I was dead set against watching. Hell, my other half damn near strapped me to the couch to force me to watch it, and my entire opinion of the Planet of the Apes franchise was changed… well, not the franchise maybe, but certainly the new direction and reboot. I regret not seeing it in cinema because this is something worth seeing on the big screen, and the years have passed with me getting progressively more excited for the sequel.
I enjoyed the cast, the concept, the CGI, Caesar (that goes without say), and the story. It was well paced, never leaving you confused or wondering what the hell had happened. Seeing how Caesar came to live with Will was great, he was adorable, and it was amazing how much he helped Charles become more stable. The psychology behind Caesar’s intelligence and desire to make new connections and all was also completely believable and understandable. The ties between Will, Charles and Caesar is very sweet, they bond together in the closest for of family.
Andy Serkis delivered another grand performance for his motion capture repertoire, and truly dominates in this role. Tom Felton seems destined to play the jackass forever more since his stint as Draco Malfoy, and he was really so reprehensible in here. Ugh. Brian Cox returns once again as a villainous character, also very unlikable. It was terribly sad, getting the testing portrayal from the chimpanzee’s side, and was well crafted.
The score worked wonders, too. Caesar being separated from caring family and thrown to the wolves, so to speak, it difficult, but it is fantastic to see the ape grow, to create ties with his own kind, to see his similarities with them as well as where they differ. I really liked the friendship he and Maurice had with one another, it was sweet. This is one of those films that really needs to be seen, it is exceptionally well done, and will draw in just about any viewer.
Great review Zoe! Have you seen the second one yet?? I look forward to your review of one the year’s best movies. 🙂
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Thanks Ryan! I actually saw it yesterday, this is another one of my double bill reviews. Tomorrow Dawn will post 🙂
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Sweet!
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Great review Zoe and really glad you liked it 🙂 I saw it the other day for the first time and thought it was fantastic. I was surprised by how emotionally involving it was, much more than your average blockbuster.
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Thanks Chris! It is a real good one, definitely not at all what you expect it to be, which is a surprise. I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed it so much! 😀
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Great review! Glad you liked it. When I first saw it I had no intention to watch it. I love the Planet of the Apes franchise but the Tim Burton remake left a bad taste in my mouth. Watched this version and was surprised how brilliant it was. Haven’t seen the sequel to Rise of the Planet of the Apes, but rest assured I cannot wait to see it!
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🙂 Thanks Kelechi. I had no intention of watching it initially either. I am so glad I reconsidered that. Oh gosh, that Burton one SUCKED so much!
Ooooh, I hope you get to it, it is well worth the watch!
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So last night I watched Dawn of the Planet of the Apes…
OMG what a film!
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😀 😀 😀 RIGHT?!
We getting a review soon??
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Absolutely! Hopefully over the weekend. Also want to review Rise of the Planet of Apes so probably expect back to back reviews from me 😀
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🙂 I will be keeping an eye out for them!
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Fabulous review Zoe. I thought it was pretty good. It didn’t just blow me away but it was a competent reboot/remake that is better than most we get.
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Thank you ever so kindly Keith! Oh yes, the slew of useless remakes is relentless. This one held up really well for me, especially considering my scepticism.
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Dearest JB,
😦 I didn’t love it 😦 But I have never been a fan of this franchise. Give me Lawless!!
Love,
PSC
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Dearest PSC,
I know you didn’t 😦 But that is okay, you loved Lawless, so all is still alright in the world!
But yeah the franchise sucks.
Love,
JB
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I was totally disinterested in this before I watched it but it’s really engaging mostly because of Serkis’ awesomeness. Have you seen the new one yet?
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Hahaha such a nice way to put it. Yep yep, went yesterday and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it, too!
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I thought it was even better!
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It definitely was!
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Like you, I have been dead set against seeing this movie. Or its sequel. But the overwhelmingly positive buzz both receive makes me reconsider that conviction.
Especially since even you liked it so much.
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I regret having missed this is theatre and only having seen it a few months after its release on DVD. It was exciting, thrilling, and very well put together. The sequel even more so.
I would love to hear what you think of them.
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Perhaps some day I’ll see them. . .
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Be sure to let us know what you think!
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Great review Zoe! Ha, interesting that you were so dead set against watching it yet it won you over in the end. I wasn’t all that interested in it before either but I was very impressed by it too. I really like the sequel too, absolutely fantastic and quite emotional as well. Hail Caesar!
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Thank you Ruth! It seems this film won over quite a few doubters hehe. Caesar is by far a fantastic character, and Serkis really brought him to life wonderfully.
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Good review Zoe. Showed us all that the Tim Burton remake could be forgotten. Thank the high heavens, too!
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Thanks Dan. Urgh, that was a terrible film!
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Awesome to hear you’re a fan Zoë, great work. I really like Rise, and Dawn is better still!
Adam.
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Hi Adam! Ah, this movie really did tons in terms of winning me over, and it was great. Finally saw Dawn over the weekend, it was… wow!
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I regret not re-watching this one again before going to Dawn. Both these films really are amazing. And… I do love the 1968 one, too. Yes. ; ) Great review again!
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😀 Thank you very much. I made sure to watch this one again. I like watching new movies after a rewatch of the previous ones. I like to be fresh for it all.
Maybe I should try the old ones again
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I have a boxset of all the old ones that I keep meaning to watch… Still only seen the first. Maybe someday! : )
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Well, boxsets need love too you know!
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Excellent review! Yeah, this film totally took me by surprise. Definitely the breath of fresh air the franchise needed. Guess they just needed the right technology, huh?
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🙂 Thanks! I think that there is a lot with the sci-fi reboots that the new technology is fixing, though the concepts were revolutionary at the time.
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Great great getting excited to watch these movies. I still haven’t seen this one either. I apologize in advance I am bombarding ur blog with comments!
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No apologies needed, I love sifting through the catch up hahaha. Ooooooh, you must. Well worth the watch!
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Yes yes need to see it, I think it has every Proby seal of approval thus far. 🙂
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Well, besides master Chop… 😦
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Well that rarely happens we know that. haha
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😛
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