In anticipation of the latest Planet of the Apes instalment coming to cinemas this month, we thought we would take you back to 2011 for this week’s “Friday Night Movies,” to enjoy the origin of the “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” Directed by Rupert Wyatt, this film reboots a beloved franchise and offers a riveting exploration of themes like intelligence, freedom, and the consequences of playing god.
Plot
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is yet another sci-fi adventure of humanity’s perpetual quest to transcend nature’s limits. The story follows Will Rodman, a scientist driven by a desire to cure Alzheimer’s, a disease afflicting his father. In his quest, Will develops a new drug intended to regenerate brain cells, which he tests on apes. The initial results on the apes are astonishing, leading to enhanced intelligence in a test subject named Caesar.
As Caesar’s intelligence and sense of identity burgeon, so too do the stakes, culminating in a dramatic upheaval that questions the very fabric of human supremacy.
Cast
The cast of “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” brings to life a story that is as much about interspecies relationships as it is about societal introspection. James Franco‘s portrayal of Will Rodman provides a heartfelt look into the world of scientific ethics, showing a man torn between his scientific ambitions and the moral quandaries they spawn. Andy Serkis, through motion capture, transforms into Caesar and a supporting cast, including Freida Pinto as Caroline Aranha, Will’s compassionate girlfriend, and John Lithgow as Charles Rodman, Will’s ailing father.
Reviews
The reboot of the much loved Sci-Fi has been given a big thumbs up from both audiences and critics. On Rotten Tomatoes “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” scored 77% Audience Score with many reviewers commending the film for its intelligent script and groundbreaking visual effects. Meanwhile, IMDb users were equally as impressed providing a 7.6/10 rating from over 560,000 reviews.
Trailer
Memorable Scenes
Several scenes from “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” have etched themselves into the annals of film history. Perhaps the most iconic is the moment Caesar first speaks, a simple utterance that reverberates with powerful implications about consciousness and liberation.
Another unforgettable sequence is the dramatic escape from the sanctuary, where Caesar demonstrates his leadership and strategic planning, rallying his fellow apes in a show of defiance and intelligence.
Fun Fact
A fun fact about “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is the extent of its technological innovation. Andy Serkis’s performance as Caesar was captured using sophisticated motion capture technology, which was so detailed that it could convey subtle facial expressions, making Caesar’s emotions strikingly human-like.
How To Watch Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Until then – same time, same channel next week.