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I wasn’t sure what to expect from this movie, and my expectations were not high, but I found that the movie delivered more than I anticipated.  I was never really into the Planet of the Apes remake movie, or the original, but this movie made me feel completely different because of the story, although it is ultimately the same thing.  This prequel makes me wish for yet another remake of the Planet of the Apes, just because I got so involved in the characters lives and would love to see a sequel with them involved.

The movie was as realistic as you can get when it comes to testing medicine on apes that causes them to be way more intelligent than anyone ever imagined.  Not sure if having professional intelligent scientists create a medicine that ultimately will kill humans without them realizing it is realistic, but then there wouldn’t have been much of a movie otherwise.  With a movie like this, you pretty much know what you’re getting yourself into before it even begins.  What I didn’t realize is how much I would enjoy Caesar, played by Andy Serkis, the main character chimpanzee, who forms a strong bond with the scientist Will Rodman played by James Franco.  I felt bad for the poor ape  when he is left at the ape facility and ends up with feelings of abandonment.  I wish the story had been done a little differently with the scientist having to give him up, because its not realistic that with him knowing how intelligent Caesar was that he would have let them keep him locked up like an animal.  He gave him up too willingly, and although he eventually realizes he made a huge mistake, not many people would have been able to do that.  Some people wouldn’t give up their dog that easily not to mention an ape that has been in your life since it was born and even knows sign language!  I think they could have done other things with that part of the story, because it was hard to accept.  Otherwise it was a realistic understanding of how it all began.  When you inevitably hear Caesar speak for the first time, I couldn’t help but feel like it was a bit off, even though it has to go into the movie.  It’s just hard to wrap your mind around an ape being able to talk.

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I also enjoyed the father with alzheimers played by John Lithgow. His role was an emotional one in a way, and many people can surely relate to a situation like that with a family member.  That whole situation certainly made the realism come to life because its what motivated Will so much to finding a cure.  David Hewlett played the arrogant neighbor, who in a way, is a big part of the movie. I like this actor and it was hard to watch him play this type of role.  Although his character is self centered, rude, and obnoxious, he brought much to the movie and it was played well.  I didn’t care too much for Freida Pinto’s character, Caroline, who played Will’s girlfriend.  Her role in the movie was too small and insignificant.  She added a small touch to the movie itself, but I was annoyed by how unnecessary it was.  And of course every movie needs a dumb naive kid who in this case, ends up being the caretaker for the apes at the facility.  You kind of wonder how he ended up with that job, but he certainly got what was coming to him.  The role was played by Tom Felton.  Another very important factor in the movie was the special effects, which I thought were done very well.  The apes were realistic and it definitely helped bring the movie to life.

The director, Rupert Wyatt, did a good job with this movie as far as keeping it along the story line of the original Planet of the Apes movie, and you really get a feel for that at the end, right after the credits begin.  Overall the movie was presented well with a decent story and good entertainment.  Still thinking about the movie a day later, wishing for more.  I give Rise of the Planet of the Apes 3.5 beat downs by one smart ape.