Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Anthony L

  
  To be honest, the old PG Tips adverts with the Chimps drinking tea on a loop for 2 hours would have been a better inclusion to the franchise than Tim Burtons effort, so Rise of the Planet of the Apes had a bit of slack to work with but, to it's credit, it was pretty good.… More
  To be honest, the old PG Tips adverts with the Chimps drinking tea on a loop for 2 hours would have been a better inclusion to the franchise than Tim Burtons effort, so Rise of the Planet of the Apes had a bit of slack to work with but, to it's credit, it was pretty good. It's not as good as the original and I don't think it was as good as the third film which, I love, but has been ignored - it being the only part of the story it decided to side-step away from, Ceaser is the son of Cornelius, not sure why they went to the effort of having the news coverage of the Mars spaceflight in the background to link with the first film if they didn't continue the whole story but that said, if they do another and avoid the Beneath the Planet of the apes storyline, we'll call it quits. It is essentially a blockbuster, everything is a little bit rushed to fit into the 2 hours but it's good fun, is exciting and is a little bit more intelligent than your average summer blockbuster. It fits into the franchise quite well and although the CGI wasn't always great, I hope they make more.

• Daniel P

  
  Brain: off. O.K., on with the movie. Every line of dialogue was clichéd and, as always, the cartoonishly evil nature of the apes is hard to buy into, but the film is nevertheless a plausible origin story. The Planet of the Apes franchise, at its core, was most important not for what… More
  Brain: off. O.K., on with the movie. Every line of dialogue was clichéd and, as always, the cartoonishly evil nature of the apes is hard to buy into, but the film is nevertheless a plausible origin story. The Planet of the Apes franchise, at its core, was most important not for what it said about apes so much as what it purported to say about humans. And though the rise of the apes is a result of over-ambitious human technological development, the shock value has long ago worn off, and the effect just isn't there anymore. Hey, wait a minute, I thought I was turning my brain off! Lots of action, somewhat fun, a little suspenseful: just go with it, it's better than Just Go With It.

• Sophie B

  
  A great follow up on the previous films which fully takes the story and expands it in a believable world. Great performances by all involved (although it took a while to shake the memory of Lithgow as a Dexter villain) and it gives a clear view of the reasons why each character is… More
  A great follow up on the previous films which fully takes the story and expands it in a believable world. Great performances by all involved (although it took a while to shake the memory of Lithgow as a Dexter villain) and it gives a clear view of the reasons why each character is doing what they are. Brilliantly done by Serkis once again and Felton's accent was actually believable. I especially loved the little ending snippet suggesting the spread of the disease.

• paul o

  
  Surprisingly good! Franco is as dull as he always is on screen but the story and CGI make up for that. Its a story that makes you go through the motion and directing that follows through.

• Tim S

  
  If there's one thing that the Planet of the Apes series has it's a lot of history, and going into Rise of the Planet of the Apes you can certainly feel that history and power on-screen. What could have been a disaster and just another summer movie AND another lousy POTA film… More
  If there's one thing that the Planet of the Apes series has it's a lot of history, and going into Rise of the Planet of the Apes you can certainly feel that history and power on-screen. What could have been a disaster and just another summer movie AND another lousy POTA film turns out to be much better than it has any right to be. First of all, the casting of James Franco is a no-no in my book. I like the guy a lot, but his stoned-face stare doesn't really enhance his lack of acting abilities. He's better-suited to comedies and rom-coms than leading roles in films like this. That's my opinion, anyway. He's ok, but it stands out to me and I kept wondering why he was in the movie. Second, and what I found interesting, is that we spend the film relating to the apes rather than the humans. Most of the humans in this movie are bad or just don't care - even the small part with Brian Cox in it. He does absolutely nothing in his part, but he acts as a sort of foe in a way (albeit indirectly). Third, the effects work and acting with the apes is second to none. It's shocking how accustomed you grow to the CGI apes. They're very well designed and animated to the point that when the drama at the end of film begins, you forget about the CGI. It's excellent work on the design and animation team's parts. The film isn't groundbreaking or incredible, but it's entertaining and not really insulting (despite the presence of Tom Felton :D). It's a fun and dramatic movie that works pretty well.

• Mark W

  
  In 2008 director Rupert Wyatt made his debut with British film "The Escapist". It was a tense and excellently constructed prison drama that was seen by few. Thankfully, someone from across the pond took notice though and gave him a chance on a larger scale. He delivers… More
  In 2008 director Rupert Wyatt made his debut with British film "The Escapist". It was a tense and excellently constructed prison drama that was seen by few. Thankfully, someone from across the pond took notice though and gave him a chance on a larger scale. He delivers big-time. Will Rodman (James Franco) researching a cure for Alzheimer's takes home a baby chimpanzee after its mother - supposedly a failed experiment - is destroyed. Caesar (Andy Serkis), the chimp, exhibits near-human intelligence, and comes to question his kind's place on a human planet. After attacking a neighbour, Caesar is impounded and it's here that he meets other apes and foments rebellion. This is old school entertainment, in classic B-movie style. It has the hero with a heart and the stereotypical corporate villain. I don't normally go in for big laden special effects films of this kind but it's hard to resist when they're this much fun. Andy Serkis seems to be the actor in the forefront of motion capture these days. His credentials including, "The Lord of the Rings", "King Kong", "The Adventures of Tintin" and the forthcoming "The Hobbit". This, being no less effective. In fact, it may well be his finest yet. He delivers a subtle and soulful performance. As mentioned, the near flawless special effects play a big part in this and are, quick frankly, outstanding. The biggest disappointment though, is the ending. It's an obvious set-up for a sequel which leaves an unsatisfying conclusion and the feeling that you've just been teased. As pure unadulterated entertainment this is second to none. One of the most fun-filled films of the year and my personal favourite from the apes franchise.

• Martin S

  
  This was pretty good. It's not disrespectful to the original like Burton's film. It was interesting and you feel bad for the little ape...he's not the badguy....you did this to him....I will watch the next one...when ever that comes out

• Thomas J

  
  As a long-time fan of The Planet of the Apes movies, I feel I would have liked this movie no matter what. But this is a good movie even for new fans. I only hate having that ONE character to point your finger at and for me the neighbor needed to be dealt with to resolve my hatred… More
  As a long-time fan of The Planet of the Apes movies, I feel I would have liked this movie no matter what. But this is a good movie even for new fans. I only hate having that ONE character to point your finger at and for me the neighbor needed to be dealt with to resolve my hatred for him!! lol

• Jameson W

  
  Okay, so the 2001 version wasn't good, but I'm SO glad the series was rebooted a second time with this new addition; it's that good! Everything about it absolutely fantastic: the pacing, tone, emotion, characters, action. I honestly couldn't have been more pleased.… More
  Okay, so the 2001 version wasn't good, but I'm SO glad the series was rebooted a second time with this new addition; it's that good! Everything about it absolutely fantastic: the pacing, tone, emotion, characters, action. I honestly couldn't have been more pleased. Hands down the absolute best quality about the film is the performance by Andy Serkis. He has revolutionized the way we look motion capture performances. Not only has he done it in LOtR and King Kong, he proved he could do it a 5th time delivering an astounding performance. Hopefully he can get the Oscar nomination he deserves! What a film, and what a performance from Andy Serkis!

• Reid V

  
  A visual feast with little else going for it. For starters, the structure of the film flawed. This film initially rushes you through 5 years of the main Ape Caesar's growth. 5 years of trust and development that I feel are so vital to the story, given merely a cursory glance. Not… More
  A visual feast with little else going for it. For starters, the structure of the film flawed. This film initially rushes you through 5 years of the main Ape Caesar's growth. 5 years of trust and development that I feel are so vital to the story, given merely a cursory glance. Not only with the ape, but with Franco's relationship with his lady as well. For example, We are supposed to believe that Franco has been with this girl, but the topic of Caesar's mother had never been breached? Also, another thing that makes it really hard to get invested in, is the acting. Sure there are monkeys that are capable of the same compassion and brutality as human beings. There are modern corporations dabbling in super science. But the hardest thing to swallow in the film, is that James Franco has the mental faculty to be a scientist. However not all is lost. Lithgow is good as Franco's father. Even though he looks like an Alzheimer's plagued mad-scientist and mysteriously disappears half way through the film. The main reason for seeing this is the special effects. What they have done is completely unreal. These apes look incredible. The bridge scene is tremendously executed and alone worth the redbox rental. Sadly, this film was way too overhyped and I am not looking forward to the sequels.

• Dan S

  
  An over-rated sequel to a decorated franchise, this one concerning the start of the revolution of the apes, led by the intelligent Caesar (Andy Serkis), who feels abandonment from the doctor (James Franco) who raised him, only to give him away to an abusive primate facility. From a… More
  An over-rated sequel to a decorated franchise, this one concerning the start of the revolution of the apes, led by the intelligent Caesar (Andy Serkis), who feels abandonment from the doctor (James Franco) who raised him, only to give him away to an abusive primate facility. From a pure aesthetic, cinematography standpoint, this picture could not be any better. However, from a story-telling and character development one, it leaves a lot to be desired. This could have been a spectacular summer smash, but instead it follows a cut-and-paste, predictable, cliche-ridden plot formula that you can call from a mile away. Franco's boring turn is not totally his fault, given his character is given next to no background except for the fact that he loves his Alzheimer's affected father (John Lithgow) and Caesar. Oh, and that he dates a cute vet (the gorgeous Freida Pinto) who happens to love apes too. If the story would have given a care in the world to detailing the characters, and not result to giving us stereotypical ones who spout tired dialogue, this film could have been pretty great. The cast, the makeup of the movie, and the ending that should have been glorious all deserve better than a sexy-looking summer blockbuster with no substance - sadly that's all we get here.

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  Cast: James Franco, Tom Felton, Brian Cox, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Tyler Labine, David Hewlett, Leah Gibson Director: Rupert Wyatt Summary: James Franco headlines the reboot of the immensely popular Planet of the Apes franchise, a prequel which boasts… More
  Cast: James Franco, Tom Felton, Brian Cox, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Tyler Labine, David Hewlett, Leah Gibson Director: Rupert Wyatt Summary: James Franco headlines the reboot of the immensely popular Planet of the Apes franchise, a prequel which boasts cutting-edge CGI effects and a gripping story set in modern-day San Francisco, where scientists are conducting genetic research on apes. The evolved primates, including Caesar (Andy Serkis), develop advanced intelligence and revolt against being used as lab rats, unleashing a war for dominion over Earth. My Thoughts: "I didn't love this film but I did enjoy the story. It was really interesting and I found it a bit sad. I just didn't feel like James Franco put enough emotion into his character. The Ape Caesar out-shined Franco in this film and carried it on his own. Not much to say about the supporting cast except for John Lithgow, he was great. This is my first Ape film, I haven't seen any of the one's made before this. I think this one was a bit overrated. Not one I would see again."

• Roy G

  
  Rise of the Planet of the Apes is spectacle with a kick: the transcendence of the normal in creatures so like ourselves is both an entertainment and a needling rebuke to human vanity.

• Crash E

  
  Better than I expected, and there is no need to see original Planet of the Apes series beside the special effects were good without taking over the movie

• Lewis C

  
  Better than any new Planet of the Apes movie has a right to be, and more patient and measured than most summer blockbusters dream of being. Plus, when the action hits, it hits HARD. Probably the best motion capture work I've ever seen, too.

• xGary X

  
  Caesar the chimpanzee is the genetically altered product of medical research and when he becomes the victim of the mistreatment afforded to all research animals he uses his superior intelligence to escape captivity. Well it seems that finally, after 43 years, the classic Planet Of The… More
  Caesar the chimpanzee is the genetically altered product of medical research and when he becomes the victim of the mistreatment afforded to all research animals he uses his superior intelligence to escape captivity. Well it seems that finally, after 43 years, the classic Planet Of The Apes has a worthy sequel! The latest instalment of the simian franchise takes the basic principal of the well meaning but weakly executed Conquest and combines it with elements of Greystoke to create an interesting animal orientated character study of a creature that's neither man nor ape. Once again Andy Sirkis proves his incredible skill in breathing life into animated creations and although the cast of homo sapiens acquit themselves admirably, they all take a back seat to man's best computer generated friend. It's also very nice to see a film in which the special effects actually facilitate the story instead of replacing it and as a result, Rise is one of the most intelligent and best sci-fis of recent years. I hope that this is a sign of things to come. Well, not the apes taking over the world bit, obviously...

• Cynthia S

  
  ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIC*****Well cast...well shot...and a FANTASTIC twist to the plot of the older genre. If I had paid to see this movie, I would have been well satisfied. I really liked all the older series, and found this re-make to be quite comparable. I can't wait to see the… More
  ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIC*****Well cast...well shot...and a FANTASTIC twist to the plot of the older genre. If I had paid to see this movie, I would have been well satisfied. I really liked all the older series, and found this re-make to be quite comparable. I can't wait to see the rest...:)

• Kristijonas F

  
  As a fan of the first Planet of the Apes film, I've always been rather disheartened that the countless sequels and the attempted 2001 reboot have never quite met the sheer brilliance and scope of the 1968 original. That being said, this prequel does what no other entry has… More
  As a fan of the first Planet of the Apes film, I've always been rather disheartened that the countless sequels and the attempted 2001 reboot have never quite met the sheer brilliance and scope of the 1968 original. That being said, this prequel does what no other entry has before, effortlessly re-kindling the franchise while also being just one damn good sci-fi actioneer. It has enough style, smarts and fancy effects to easily out-do all other lesser Apes films, but the astounding performances from Andy Serkis and James Franco really make this film shine.

• Lanning :

  
  Wow . . . Walter, if you haven't seen this one, it's a must. I would guesstimate that CGI is five years or less away from perfect, lifelike renderings of just about anything. The apes still look a bit fake, but they are close to perfect. <p>Oh, and if you… More
  Wow . . . Walter, if you haven't seen this one, it's a must. I would guesstimate that CGI is five years or less away from perfect, lifelike renderings of just about anything. The apes still look a bit fake, but they are close to perfect. <p>Oh, and if you haven't seen the original <i>Planet of the Apes</i> with Charlton Heston, it's a must-see as well -- maybe even before see this one -- a perfect combination. Of course the whole plague that kills all the dogs and cats that emerges from the first five films is kind of tossed by the wayside with this new one, but a really good writer could work that in (and/or around it) when the next new sequel/prequel comes out. Viva screen writers : )

• familiar s

  
  I thought it would be a different experience, but the movie didn't rise from a mediocre sci-fi drama. It leans more towards the emotional level than the sci-fi concept. I won't have been so disappointed had it been at least as good as the Planet of the Apes, if not better.… More
  I thought it would be a different experience, but the movie didn't rise from a mediocre sci-fi drama. It leans more towards the emotional level than the sci-fi concept. I won't have been so disappointed had it been at least as good as the Planet of the Apes, if not better. Hope it would get better.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings