Rise of The Planet of The Apes

"Rise of The Planet of The Apes"

A film review by: David Ramirez

****/****

A young scientist is trying to develop a cure for Alzheimer's disease by testing a genetically engineered retrovirus on chimpanzees, he gets more then be bargained for. When his most successfully test subject is forcibly put down, it would seem that all hope is lost. Hope returns in the form of a baby to whom the test subject secretly gave birth. Ceasar has inherited his mother's high intelligence; and learns quickly. Soon Ceasars life and his adopted human families life will change forever.

This origin story plays out for most of the film, but Caesar ends up becoming the focus. Although he says nothing, he generates incredible sympathy through consummate mo-cap actor Andy Serkis . Being able to generate the kind of emotion that is shown here by Serkis is truly a skill that not many actors can pull off. As you watch him on screen you forget that it's man playing a part and start to truly believe Caesar is very real and is in this extraordinaire situation. Andy Serkis who has already done work like this before in 'Lord of Rings' and 'King Kong', out preformed most actors in Hollywood without barely saying a word

James Franco plays scientist Will Rodman, who's experimenting with his Alzheimer's cure on apes. Franco delivered a superb performance as the talented scientist who is hell bend on finding a cure for Alzheimer's. Franco truly becomes the charictor he is playing, and there is nothing fake or forced about him. Do to this fact it truly makes the story that much more interesting and truly entertaining.

Instead of the very obvious route of action and various explosions, we get  a story with character development and real emotion. Also not only do you have visually stunning CGI apes but you also have a great story that is being told with very talented actors.  Add to that the burgeoning scientific moral dilemma and "Rise" builds quite the captivating story. It's intelligent, thought provoking, emotional, and very entertaining.