Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Genre

Action | Drama | Sci-Fi

Director

Rupert Wyatt

Country

United States

Cast

James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Tom Felton, David Oyelowo, Tyler Labine, Jamie Harris, David Hewlett, Chelah Horsdal, Andy Serkis, Karin Konoval, Terry Notary, Richard Ridings, Devyn Dalton, Jay Caputo, Christopher Gordon

Plot

Scientist Will Rodman (James Franco) work at a pharmaceutical firm trying to find a cure for brain ailments. Tested on a chimp, Bright Eyes, the drug increases her intelligence, but she goes crazy on the same day Will is presenting the substance to his boss, and the animal is put down.
Only after the incident Will realizes that the chimp had given birth and was trying to protect her newborn. Will takes the animal home as a pet, and soon realizes Caesar (Andy Serkis) is extremely intelligent.

Opinion

I wasn't expecting much from this film, but I gotta say Rise of the Planet of the Apes is actually a very good film. Well directed by Rupert Wyatt, this film is audacious and disquieting.
The chimps, digitally created, look real: their eyes have depth and personality, their body language and their facial expression are amazing.
Andy Serkis, who portrays Caesar, delivers a great performance and he is the star of the film. James Franco does a great job with his character; Freida Pinto does good although his character is superficial and pretty much useless; Tom Felton plays Draco Malfoy (Harry Potter saga) again, using his grin constantly.