Entertainment Blog #249 | Rise of the Planet of the Apes [2011] - The Start...

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" resonates with the human experience of searching for identity and the struggle against oppression. The film's narrative follows Caesar, a genetically enhanced chimpanzee, whose journey from captivity to leading an uprising mirrors many real-life stories of marginalized groups fighting for freedom and recognition. This tale of evolution, rebellion, and the quest for a place in the world connects deeply with our understanding of social justice and personal autonomy.

Directed by Rupert Wyatt and written by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is a reboot of the iconic "Planet of the Apes" series and its seventh installment. Starring James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, and Andy Serkis, the film was released on August 5, 2011, by 20th Century Fox. Developed from a spec script sold in 2006, the production saw significant progress when Franco, Serkis, and Wyatt joined the project in 2009. The movie was filmed in locations like Vancouver, San Francisco, and Oahu, with Weta Digital delivering the groundbreaking visual effects.

In San Francisco, Will Rodman (James Franco), a pharmaceutical chemist, develops a drug called ALZ-112 aimed at curing Alzheimer's disease. Tested on a chimpanzee named Bright Eyes, the drug greatly enhances her intelligence, but she goes on a rampage and is killed. Will discovers she had an infant, Caesar, who inherited her enhanced intelligence. Will adopts and raises Caesar as his son, observing his rapid cognitive development. Meanwhile, Will's father, Charles (John Lithgow), who suffers from Alzheimer's, shows improvement after taking the drug.

As Caesar matures, he becomes aware of his unique identity and questions his place in the world. His protective nature leads him to attack a neighbor, resulting in his confinement to an ape shelter where he experiences cruelty. Caesar befriends Maurice, a former circus orangutan, and asserts dominance within the shelter. Concurrently, a more potent version of the drug, ALZ-113, is developed, but its deadly side effects become evident as Will's colleague falls ill. Will's father deteriorates, refusing further treatment and ultimately passing away.

Caesar, now a leader among the apes, uses the ALZ-113 to enhance their intelligence and orchestrates a mass escape. The apes free others from Gen-Sys and the San Francisco Zoo, leading to a climactic battle on the Golden Gate Bridge. Caesar's leadership and strategic prowess enable the apes to defeat the police blockade and retreat to the redwood forest. In a poignant moment, Caesar communicates to Will that the forest is his true home, and Will reluctantly accepts Caesar's decision. Meanwhile, the spread of ALZ-113 begins to trigger a global pandemic.

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" distinguishes itself through its profound exploration of intelligence and freedom from the perspective of the oppressed. Unlike typical action films, it offers a deep emotional connection to Caesar, whose character development is central to the story. The use of performance capture, particularly Andy Serkis' portrayal of Caesar, brings an unprecedented level of realism and empathy to the apes, setting a new standard for visual effects and storytelling in the genre.

The film received positive acclaim, holding an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 68 on Metacritic. Critics praised Rupert Wyatt's direction, the innovative visual effects, and Andy Serkis' captivating performance. The film was lauded for breathing new life into the long-standing franchise with its engaging narrative and technical prowess. CinemaScore audiences awarded it an "A−," reflecting strong viewer appreciation.

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" was a commercial triumph, grossing over $481 million worldwide against a $93 million budget. Its success not only revitalized the "Planet of the Apes" series but also established new benchmarks for performance capture technology and storytelling depth. In conclusion, the film's blend of emotional narrative, cutting-edge visual effects, and ethical reflections on intelligence and freedom make it a standout entry in the science fiction genre, paving the way for its successful sequels.