A laboratory ape with chemically enhanced abilities is raised by a scientist, and ends up leading a rebellion against the cruelty of humankind.
Following on from Tim Burton’s questionable remake, this separate instalment in the Apes series is directed by Rupert Wyatt, who manages to touch upon the real heart of the story.
James Franco plays Will, a talented scientist who thinks he may have developed the cure to Alzheimer’s disease, an illness that is slowly killing his father. Tested originally on Apes, the cure enhances brain function, and seems to increase intelligence. After an escapee Ape runs riot in the lab though, the programme is shut down, much to Will’s horror, who sneaks one of the Apes, named Caesar, home. Raising him like a son, Will develops human-like qualities, understanding the English language, being able to sign. As the ape continues to develop, Will becomes completely focused upon his discovery. However, after a mishap involving Will’s neighbours, Caesar is thrown into a zoo for apes, where he begins his rebellion against man.
A satisfying film, one that does justice to the originals, and Franco is well-suited for the role - delivering a performance that, whilst not groundbreaking, offers up some much needed human sensitivity and pathos. The film depends on the interaction between man and their nearest relatives, rather than gloomy CGI like Burton’s depiction, and the action is only used in small bursts which adds excitement. The aesthetic of the film is quite smooth, nothing gritty and bold here, but Wyatt has captured what made the Apes films so loveable back in the day - their charm. With this Wyatt puts modern special effects and a decent lead actor, and there you have it, success.
There are moments where the plot goes a little slow, there is a bit too much time spent in the laboratory for me, but overall this is a vast improvement, and one that will usher in another Apes film for certain.
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