Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Ok folks, here it is, my first movie review.  Last night I saw "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"...or "Rise" as some like to shorten it to.  I am giving this movie 3/4 of a Pizza and three Beers. 

If you're new to this ratings thing, that is a pretty good review.  The best review would be a full Pizza and a pitcher of Beer.  With this movie, you're satisfied when you're done and the pitcher is definately more than half full.  It is good, the CGI is really good, ok, the CGI is great.  I normally go to movies on Tuesdays, when the price is only $7.00, but last night was the only time I could go this week, so I paid full price, it was worth the $9.50 I had to shell out.

In general, the Apes make the movie, and except for John Lithgow's performance, the human characters aren't really that good.  The fact that the Apes, and really the main character, Caesar, make the movie is good, because they are the focal point of the movie.  The emotions shown by the Apes far out pace those of their human counterparts. 

Now I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone, so I won't give away any details, but I went into this thinking how could a small bunch of apes, no matter how smart they are, take over the Earth.  This question is answered very well in the film...so no worries there.

Caesar does not have a lot to say in this film, he is pretty new to the whole talking thing, but he seemingly finds his voice in a later film: Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972).  I can truly see the character from the current film uttering these words down the road...so either the makers of this film spent some time investigating the old series, or they got really lucky.

Caesar (1972): But now... now we will put away our hatred. Now we will put down our weapons. We have passed through the Night of the Fires. And who were our masters are now our servants. And we, who are not human, can afford to be humane. Destiny is the will of God. And, if it is man's destiny to be dominated, it is God's will that he be dominated with compassion and understanding. So, cast out your vengeance. Tonight, we have seen the birth of the Planet of the Apes!

In my opinion, this film warrents a sequel, which in the story timeline would actually be another prequel, and yes, I know it is confusing...not Star Wars series confusing, but give it time, it could easily get there...at least you wont have to deal with a crazy numbering schema here.

So, wth that, I will end my first ever blog entry/movie review.  In the coming weeks I will be reviewing more movies, as I see them, and for all you football fans out there, I will be reviewing the start of the NFL season in the coming weeks as well.  For now, peace out...and go enjoy some Pizza and Beer (at the movies).