A brilliantly conceived science-fiction thriller with a human interest story devoid of schlock, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” depicts the beginning of super intelligent apes. Creative special F/X, CGI digital imagery, and unsettling, heartbreaking moments comprise the thought-provoking scenario headlining geneticist Will Rodman (an earnest James Franco) experimenting with a new drug to perfect an Alzheimer’s cure. His musician-father Charles (John Lithgow) suffers the ravages of the disease. As a result of the experiments, a chimpanzee named Caesar (a digitally enhanced Andy Serkis) acquires untold abilities beyond comprehension. Injections of the miracle drug are in the unique program wherein Will unwittingly plays God and upsets the balance of nature which spawns a fast-growing breed of humanistic apes. They revolt against inhumane treatment and subjugation, and geared for battle, rampage to take over Earth.
Director Rupert Wyatt’s morality tale features first-rate action sequences. At the core is a heartwarming love story between Will and his zoologist-girlfriend Caroline (Freida Pinto), as well as his parent/child relationship with Caesar. Also in the cast: Tom Felton/“Harry Potter” films as a cruel animal handler.
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