Rise of the Planet of the Apesachieves the unthinkable.
On paper, it shouldnt work.
Throughout movie history, it usually doesnt.
Caesar, played by Andy Serkis, in Rise of the Planet of the Apes.Image: Fox
That mega-hit spawned four sequels and a remake, a feat unto itself.
The idea behind Rise, and eventually its follow-ups, is simple.
How specifically did Earth go from a planet ruled by humans to a planet ruled by apes?
Caesar and WillImage: Fox
We learn Dr. Rodman created this medicine to help his ailing father (John Lithgow).
Its also revealed that it was human greed more than anything that led to our demise.
All of which is captured with energy and heart by director Rupert Wyatt.
Image: Fox
We watch as Caesars story unfolds via dynamic, awe-inspiring camera moves and angles.
The narrative flies by with edits and montages that keep the film propulsive and impactful.
And, of course, Andy Serkis performance capture work as Caesar is nothing short of remarkable.
But that doesnt take away from how character and plot work hand in hand.
Eventually, somehow, the world has to be taken over by apes.
Which, to this day, I find an odd choice.
Which, in the end, is another triumph of Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
It tells a complete, emotional, exciting story with a definitive ending.
Even though there were centuries of stories left untold, there was no true need to continue.
This could have been it.
As for Rise of the Planet of the Apes though, rewatching it was a complete delight.
Its a beautiful movie that, if we recall correctly, was followed by even better movies.
If youre curious about that,heres a fairly outdated link, but youll get the jist.
Next up: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
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