Rise of the Planet of the Apes (12A) ****

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (12A) ****

Dir: Rupert Wyatt

Starring: James Franco, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow.

Synopsis: A prequel to the Planet of the Apes films which follows the rise and rise of Caesar. After trialing an experimental cure for alzheimers on chimpanzees, one begins to develop significantly increased inteligence. Abused and misunderstood, the aptly named Caeser begins an ape revolution to free themselves of their human oppressors.

Verdict: This film was built up to be something epic, with trailers showing constantly on TV and in the cinema and, honestly, it didn't disappoint. The origins of the Planet of the Apes were touched on brilliantly by the producers (including hints towards a possible remake of the series? See if you can spot the hints).

The main thing to talk about most is, of course, the sophistication of the CG of the apes which is, at times, almost impossible to tell from real life. This is helped in no small part to Andy Serkis, who is well versed in donning the green-suit and acting more primate than man (King Kong, Lord of the Rings). However, I couldnt help feeling that the effects to make up the new Caeser are surprisingly similar to the end result of Tim Roth's portrayal in Tim Burton's own imagining of The Planet of the Apes.

The next biggie is of course the reason behind the development of this drug which sets the whole ball rolling - alzheimers. John Lithgow's depiction of Charles Rodman, a sufferer of the disease, is scarily convincing, while deeply moving - showing how bad the condition can get and its effects both on the sufferer and those around them. This also feeds into the development again, as James Franco plays Rodman's son, Will, a scientist who develops the drug, not just for his father, but to try and help all sufferers.

The franchise has long been associated with its subtext about humanity, judging and comparing us for our similarities and differences to the apes, and Wyatt's re-imagining is no different. He carries on the tradition of touching on traditional aspects such as cruelty and hierarchy, as well as the pressing theme in this film, animal testing.

A film that is as 'heavy' and thought provoking as it is visually stunning, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a great film to end the summer on before the autumn movies roll in.