Rating: Summary: Entertaining, even if imperfect and over-hyped Review: I'm surprised that the response to this film has been almost hostile in some quarters. Granted, there was too much hype, but so what? If it had been quietly released at some other time of year, would that make its flaws more acceptable? First, the things most viewers and critics seem to like: the make-up, costumes, and simian movements are well-done. I liked the fact that you could glimpse the real actor under the ape-faces, especially with Helena Bonham Carter. It makes them less like cut-out characters wearing ape-masks, and allowed their personalities to come through. The ape-actors walked, ran, and leapt around in a distinctly non-human way, too. The sets were extremely elaborate and as always with Burton, there were some stunning scenarios (the first glimpse of the ape-city and the red tents on the beach, for example). That said, I did find the generally sunless, gray skies to be monotonous and dreary. The sun finally came out for the big battle scene, but if that was supposed to be symbolic, it was overdone. My main objection to the movie was that about two-thirds of the way through, the action really lagged. This was after Mark Wahlberg and his band escaped from the ape-city. I thought Wahlberg accurately portrayed his character as emotionally uninvolved and remote; that was the way the script was written, and critics who pan him for his so-called "flat" performance are misdirecting their objections. However, it was inconsistent for him to be seen roaming around on his own, apparently in deep thought. It did not fit his character, and needlessly slowed down the pace of the film. With some tight editing at this point, the movie would have been better (and shorter... directors should produce an alternate, shorter edit of any film 2 hours or longer, then show both versions to a preview audience. Longer is not always better). Once the day of battle dawned, things picked up again. I liked the ending, though it's almost impossible to come up with an explanation of events that make it logically possible. So, a less-than-perfect movie that's nevertheless successful on several levels, with great make-up, some outstanding scenes, and some very good performances. If that isn't enough to keep you entertained, wait for it to show up on HBO.
Rating: Summary: Left me wanting more Review: I can honestly say that there are only a handful of films that I have ever wanted to walk out on. "Batman Forever" was one of them. "Planet of the Apes" was not. However, I did wish that I had gone to see a different movie. While the make-up effects were outstanding, there seemed to be little else to help this movie live up to the level of Burton's other films, or the original. The acting was, I felt, weak. Most of the characters failed to instill any sort of emotions for me, and when I don't feel anything for the characters, I don't care for the characters. I also felt that a lot of the ideas that are presented remained unexplored, ideas that, I thought, would have made a much better movie. My advise if to either buy or rent the original and keep away from this one.
Rating: Summary: Customs are great Review: Planet of the Apes....the 2001 version. Very well filmed and acted. Although century 21 advances in film editing, I would say that the Drama in the original movie was deeper than this one.
Rating: Summary: Lets talk about the ending Review: The ending was a bit of a stunner the first time I saw it, I admit. Although a couple of days ago I read the Pierre Boulle classic for the first time and if I had read it I would have seen it coming. The ending is very , very similar, except for the third person thing. So check out the book, it's not the same as the movie, but it is pretty short, so I think that you couch potatoes can pull through it. The movie was very good, the apes in the movie did extraordinary performances, and I think that Roth's character was more apey to show how primitive his thinking was, just a thought. I found myself questioning time travel after the movie, saying stuff like, "Does that whole situation with the apes just not happen because Davidson went back in time or do they just keep living their lives." I tend to over think movies, anyways go see it before someone tells you the plot.
Rating: Summary: Great movie! Review: First off, I have never seen the original "Planet of the Apes", but I'm glad that I didn't before I saw this one--this is not a remake, it truly is Tim Burton's re-imagining, and he does, as always, an excellent job with this movie. The makeup and costumes were amazing, and I also think that the actors did very well. I didn't really like Daena (played by Estella Warren), because I didn't understand the point of her character. But I think that Tim Roth, Mark Wahlberg, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Helena Bonham Carter did great jobs with their characters. The ending is great! I also think that this movie presents great messages about acceptance, technology, and humanity. I plan on seeing it at least once more while it's in theaters. It's definitely worth the movie; watch this movie with an open mind, and you'll enjoy it!
Rating: Summary: Burton brings talking apes back to life Review: When I first heard about this film, it looked kind of dumb, but as the news came, it sounded better and better. The thought that it was a re-imagining rather than a remake made it sound awesome. They rarely everdo that sort of thing in hollywood. First of all, the story in itself was great, a planet ruled by apes: classic. The ending was fantastic, nut I won't give it away. It seemed to almost match the original apes film. Only one thing can make this new apes movie die, and that is if it branches off into four sequels that don't reeally have the same direction. If they do decide to make sequels, I hope that Burton stays the director, and all the stars are the same.
Rating: Summary: Great summer movie Review: I don't understand where all the bad reviews are coming from...this movie exceeded all of my expectations. i thought the ironies of slavery and superiority were great. sure, there wasn't much development of the humans, but isn't this movie called Planet of the APES???? The action was great and there was never a slow point in the movie. Excellent summer entertainment. I can't wait for this to come out on DVD!
Rating: Summary: COMIC BOOK FUN Review: Tim Burton, true to form, delivers another stunning-looking movie, with wonderfully evocative sets and costumes, and the signature foreboding title sequence. This movie has a pulpy, funny spirit that is given an infinitely lighter touch than the original. It seems built for a family audience; the thrills are all G-rated, and, except for a menacing Tim Roth, who is absolutely terrific in the pivotal role of General Thade, there is little real violence and no visible bloodshed. The true charge of the original's topsy-turvy world, where apes hunted men (who were truly savages) was in its hair-raising "realness", and thinly disguised substitute for racial tension. Despite the advanced makeup and special effects, and the fact that the apes move like real apes, this movie has a different viewpoint altogether. It is much more of a devilish comic book that pays a winking homage to the original, but is not concerned at all with the bigger themes. And you know what? It is completely fun and delightful. The much-talked about new surprise ending has its own peculiar merits. The whole affair has a sunny, retro affectionate feel that is energized and silly -- the ape characters have comic-book-sized personalities that will resonate with kids; Mark Wahlberg is cute, if dumb -- but do not go expecting a serious sci-fi movie like the original or you will be sorely disappointed. As it is, this Planet is more than a little fun.
Rating: Summary: The Apes are Back! Review: Well the Apes are officially back after a long wait from rumors of this thing being made it has finally happened. I thought this movie was really well done for what they were up against whaich was trying to duplicate the first. I still think the original is the best but this one is good in its own right. Everyone on here seems to have problems with the ending. While I admit I was somewhat confused the first time I saw it. I am intrigued to see how they follow this up with a sequel. They will explain what happened so just watch it with that in mind and enjoy. Other than that I thought this movie had a lot of funny moments...the old orangutan guy was hilarious and also plenty of action. Sure there are a few plot holes like where did the horses come from?? But so did the original Ape movies. So just take it easy and enjoy a very entertaining film!
Rating: Summary: UUUUUUUUghhhh!... Review: The only reason I stayed awake for this 119 minute wreck of a movie was because a. to write a review or b. I was with a friend, so I couldn't leave. BOTH!... Everybody I wen't with loved it. You had to think a lot. I generally don't have a problem with that, but it was every scene. It just made it worse. It was like a history lesson. Then, again I was one of theose few people who thought the add looked bad for it.
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