The best movies you never see coming. Into the Age of Anxiety comes this redux of the familiar Planet of the Apes series which relies heavily on that familiarity as it charges forward into uncharted territory. That territory is part breathtaking technology, part human self-loathing for what we’ve done, who we’ve become and our own despairing hopelessness about our future, and part rumination of the animal within: it all vibrates and quakes in this, one of 2011’s best films.
Never underestimate the element of surprise. Expectations weren’t running high — the thinking was it would be as campy as the old Planet of the Apes movies or worse, as bad as the Tim Burton one. What most weren’t expecting, of course, was that the Rise of the Planet of the Apes would be so character driven: because the technology is now seamless, there is very little separation between our awe and our emotional reaction. But still, with a movie like this there will always be those who refuse to take it seriously because technology is scary, which of course, is part of the film’s central theme.
The reason to see this movie is marvel at what we can now do with motion capture if you have the right actor (Andy Serkis) and the right FX (WETA), and a director (Rupert Wyatt) knows how to tell a good story; it’s almost shocking, for instance, how long it takes the movie to get going. It takes its time without rushing the audience headlong into the action. We get little hints of it here and there but at some point it sinks in that we’re not going to get the non-stop action and violence to which our ADD culture has become accustomed. So the audience dials it down, sits back and absorbs this odd character Caesar.
The Rise of the Planet of the Apes comes out the same year as Project Nim, and a year or so after a big chimp bit off a woman’s face. Project Nim is a documentary about animal experimentation gone wrong — this idea that humans could somehow domesticate a chimp and teach him sign language proved that domesticity, the forced nature of suppression, isn’t something you can teach at birth, but rather, something that must be bred out of primates. Nim could not help his animal within. He did not have reason. But it’s perhaps more useful to look at what Nim did have rather than what he didn’t have. And that is what is heightened in the chimps who evolve with the help of a drug in the film.
Apes freak out humans because they are so like us and yet so different. They are the closest thing to us — separated, in some cases, by an astonishing 5% difference between us and chimps. They reveal what we all bury every day: sexual impulses, exposed rage. The animal in us has long been diverted underground but at our core we are still primal and we are apes too. What divides us from them, that 5% difference, is about standing upright and using our much bigger brains. If you study evolution you’ll know that nothing happens that cannot happen: we have bigger brains that can’t get any bigger because of the size of the human pelvis. The size of the human pelvis can’t get any bigger because then we could not walk upright. We needed to walk upright so that we could run from predators and carry our young. These are all just theories as to why humans evolved the way they did and why chimps went the way they did.
No one knows if chimps might evolve due to an environmental factor or a mutation in another million years. They might. And part of that evolution could be intelligence and walking upright. Dolphins, dogs or whales could also evolve. We already know elephants are a lot smarter than any of us ever realized. It is only our own ignorance and narcissism that prevents us from really looking and seeing what animals really are.
The film is infused with our terror and uncertainty about the world we’ve built for ourselves. There is a sense that we’ve taken the hand we’ve been dealt — a hefty hand, six million years or so of evolution — and royally fucked things up. Most of the country is on medication to curb depression, even children. The truth is that our technology is moving much faster than we can manage and while we’re living longer we’re also worried about future – a future that is seeming less and less hopeful as time goes on.
The same kind of distrust and anxiety was woven through the late ’60s and ’70s — so it’s not surprising that their apocalyptic view still resonates. Things are even more tense in 2011 because we really don’t know what will mean the end of the human race though many of us are starting to think it won’t be too far off – could be a super virus, could be nuclear war, could be global warming, could be … cell phones. We just don’t know. And we live with this white noise every day.
It’s quite something to find yourself more moved by a mocap ape driven internally by the master, Andy Serkis, than by any of the live action performances in any film so far this year. It was surprising how much he stuck with me long after the film came to an end and even into the night. It is the careful consideration of his own experience that makes this something exceptional. His emotional array is spectral. At no point do we not buy that these apes have gained intelligence, or had their own intelligence enhanced. At some point the Academy is going to have to give Serkis an Oscar for what he can do with this medium. They have to catch up with it eventually, though that could be a long time coming because the Academy is driven by actors and actors don’t take kindly to the idea that they can be replaced, enhanced, controlled.
Half of the exhilaration here is the director’s sleight of hand. It isn’t so much that the apes are faithfully rendered and seemingly real — so real you can’t believe you are not watching reality — it’s how he keeps the action moving. It’s that the director has such a command of the pace and the action, the film only slows down when we must head back into the human world and follow those stories. But any time it’s on the apes it exists in startling rapid-fire time. It’s as if every time an ape turns its head something falls off the shelf.
What’s most frightening about it in the end is how it reminds us that we’ve trapped even ourselves in a prison of our own making. When the apes decide they’ve had enough, something in us makes us wonder what would it take before we too have had enough?
**So, you will wonder, does The Rise of the Planet of the Apes have a shot at a Best Picture nomination? With Telluride, Venice, London and Toronto coming up it’s hard to imagine it won’t be wiped away by the Big Oscar Movies. If the Academy were truly a forward thinking bunch, which we know they aren’t, it would absolutely be seriously considered. But one must always remember that it’s like Thanksgiving. You have to pick the movie that everyone can get and tolerate. It isn’t about finding the best; it never has been. But a number one vote is a vote that comes from love. If they love it, they will vote for it. Hopefully they can overcome their genre prejudice with something like this. The key will be to celebrate the director. It’s not often that a movie comes out of nowhere like this — so the element of surprise is something they have in their favor.
HEY DEAN TREADWAY, YOU THINK YOUR BEING AT LEAST NICE? GO ROT IN THE TRASH AND DIE! DON’T NOBODY LISTEN TO HIM!!! HE JUST THINKS HES A PERFECT KING, WELL HES NOT, HES JUST A PERSON OUT THERE BEING NOTHING BUT WORTHLESS IN THE WORLD. THIS IS A BEST FILM OF THE YEAR MOVIE CAUSE ITS WORTH IT!! AND IF ANYONE HAS TO SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO THIS GOOD MOVIE YOU CAN GO ROT AND DIE IF ALL I CARE, I HAVE THE HEART TO TELL YOU TO WATCH A BEST FILM MOVIE, BECAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT THAT DOES TO YOU? IT MAKE YOU HAPPY TO SEE SUCH A GOOD MOVIE, DOES IT? AND I WANT TO MAKE OTHERS HAPPY! I LOVE THIS MOVIE SO MUCH I HOPE YOU ALL DO TO. SO PLEASE ENJOY IT AND HAVE FUN, DON’T BE LIKE THE ‘PERFECT KING’ CAUSE NO ONE CAN HELP YOU AND IT DOESN’T MAKE YOU LOOK GOOD.
HEY DEAN TREADWAY, YOU THINK YOUR BEING AT LEAST NICE? GO ROT IN THE TRASH AND DIE! DON’T NOBODY LISTEN TO HIM!!! HE JUST THINKS HES A PERFECT KING, WELL HES NOT, HES JUST A PERSON OUT THERE BEING NOTHING BUT WORTHLESS IN THE WORLD. THIS IS A BEST FILM OF THE YEAR MOVIE CAUSE ITS WORTH IT!! AND IF ANYONE HAS TO SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO THIS GOOD MOVIE YOU CAN GO ROT AND DIE IF ALL I CARE, I HAVE THE HEART TO TELL YOU TO WATCH A BEST FILM MOVIE, BECAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT THAT DOES TO YOU? IT MAKE YOU HAPPY TO SEE SUCH A GOOD MOVIE, DOES IT? AND I WANT TO MAKE OTHERS HAPPY! I LOVE THIS MOVIE SO MUCH I HOPE YOU ALL DO TO. SO PLEASE ENJOY IT AND HAVE FUN, DON’T BE LIKE THE ‘PERFECT KING’ CAUSE NO ONE CAN HELP YOU AND IT DOESN’T MAKE YOU LOOK GOOD.
* * * * * * *IT MAKES ME SPEECHLESS YET THERE’S SO MUCH TO SAY, ALL I COULD SAY IS ‘AMAZINGLY PERFECT!’ PLEASE HELP VOTE IT FOR THE BEST, YOU KNOW ITS JUST AN OUTSTANDING GREAT MOVIE, AND IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN IT, VOTE THE BEST FOR IT AND GO WATCH IT, ITS SO WORTH IT! ENJOY THE MOVIE ITS VERY GOOD, I CANT WAIT TO SEE IT AGAIN! I KNOW FOR SURE YOU WONT DISLIKE IT. * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * *IT MAKES ME SPEECHLESS YET THERE’S SO MUCH TO SAY, ALL I COULD SAY IS ‘AMAZINGLY PERFECT!’ PLEASE HELP VOTE IT FOR THE BEST, YOU KNOW ITS JUST AN OUTSTANDING GREAT MOVIE, AND IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN IT, VOTE THE BEST FOR IT AND GO WATCH IT, ITS SO WORTH IT! ENJOY THE MOVIE ITS VERY GOOD, I CANT WAIT TO SEE IT AGAIN! I KNOW FOR SURE YOU WONT DISLIKE IT. * * * * * * * * * * *
By the way, the calling of this as the “best film of the year” makes me wonder if Sasha likes movies that do not have a fantasy/sci-fi/horror element. THE TREE OF LIFE, and even BRIDESMAIDS, BUCK, MEEK”S CUTOFF, UNCLE BOONMEE. MYSTERIES OF LISBON, CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS, WIN WIN or a largely drubbed (by the online element) movie like CRAZY STUPID LOVE, are each obviously more valuable to humanity.
By the way, the calling of this as the “best film of the year” makes me wonder if Sasha likes movies that do not have a fantasy/sci-fi/horror element. THE TREE OF LIFE, and even BRIDESMAIDS, BUCK, MEEK”S CUTOFF, UNCLE BOONMEE. MYSTERIES OF LISBON, CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS, WIN WIN or a largely drubbed (by the online element) movie like CRAZY STUPID LOVE, are each obviously more valuable to humanity.
Okay. RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. The review is simple. The shots in which there were apes–and ONLY apes–were brilliantly directed. The shots in which ANY humans appeared were completely bland. Andy Serkis was superb, but I think underused; nevertheless, I believe there’s an entirely great performance there that deserves recognition (particularly with Serkis’ past experience with this kind of role). Though I do not want to posit a special category, nor do I want to include Serkis in with the regular actors categories, I do think there should be some consideration given to Serkis as the recipient of a Special Achievement Oscar for his body of motion-capture work, in which he is an absolute pioneer. Back tto the movie: the script was lazy. The “villains” (David Oyelowo’s Steven Jacobs, Tom Jacobs’ goony cagemaster, and even Brian Cox’s lackadaisical ape boss) were unfulfiling (I spent the whole movie trying to determine whether Jacobs was actually Aaron Paul from BREAKING BAD–a negative that’s not the movie’s fault, mind you, though I would like to see credits at the BEGINNING of a movie make a return). My 2nd biggest complaint with the film–after the limpness of its human participants, including the dull Frieda Pinto, the googly-eyed John Lithgow, and the sleepy James Franco) has to do with the numerous, and I assume fanboy-inspired references to the original PLANET OF THE APES. Jacob’s “damn dirty ape” line, in particular, was absolutely embarrassing and unnecessary; so was the appearance of Charlton Heston as Moses, and the “it’s a madhouse” reference; also the cops on horses, in the climax, was unrealistic and obviously a reference. And the film disappoints by setting the entire conflict on one bridge. You get no idea that the entire city has been taken over. Still, in the sea of swill that is summerime moviegoing, it was worthy (I rank it a B-). But may I remind you: with that caviat, we’re grading on a curve. This is NOT one of the best films of the year. However, I expect a better film to follow it. I would recommend the next film have only ONE human in it.
Okay. RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. The review is simple. The shots in which there were apes–and ONLY apes–were brilliantly directed. The shots in which ANY humans appeared were completely bland. Andy Serkis was superb, but I think underused; nevertheless, I believe there’s an entirely great performance there that deserves recognition (particularly with Serkis’ past experience with this kind of role). Though I do not want to posit a special category, nor do I want to include Serkis in with the regular actors categories, I do think there should be some consideration given to Serkis as the recipient of a Special Achievement Oscar for his body of motion-capture work, in which he is an absolute pioneer. Back tto the movie: the script was lazy. The “villains” (David Oyelowo’s Steven Jacobs, Tom Jacobs’ goony cagemaster, and even Brian Cox’s lackadaisical ape boss) were unfulfiling (I spent the whole movie trying to determine whether Jacobs was actually Aaron Paul from BREAKING BAD–a negative that’s not the movie’s fault, mind you, though I would like to see credits at the BEGINNING of a movie make a return). My 2nd biggest complaint with the film–after the limpness of its human participants, including the dull Frieda Pinto, the googly-eyed John Lithgow, and the sleepy James Franco) has to do with the numerous, and I assume fanboy-inspired references to the original PLANET OF THE APES. Jacob’s “damn dirty ape” line, in particular, was absolutely embarrassing and unnecessary; so was the appearance of Charlton Heston as Moses, and the “it’s a madhouse” reference; also the cops on horses, in the climax, was unrealistic and obviously a reference. And the film disappoints by setting the entire conflict on one bridge. You get no idea that the entire city has been taken over. Still, in the sea of swill that is summerime moviegoing, it was worthy (I rank it a B-). But may I remind you: with that caviat, we’re grading on a curve. This is NOT one of the best films of the year. However, I expect a better film to follow it. I would recommend the next film have only ONE human in it.
I disagree with you Sasha. This is far from being the best film of the year in my opinion. Sure it’s surprisingly good. But it’s really nothing to write home about. Caesar, portrayed amazingly well by Serkis, is a particularly interesting character and has more depth and complexity than all the human characters combined (Franco is unusually inexpressive and Pinto is painfully underused). In fact, all of the “human” actors are underused. The problem I think is that it feels very much like a part of something much more. It doesn’t feel whole. And this is what keeps it from becoming a great, standalone movie.
I disagree with you Sasha. This is far from being the best film of the year in my opinion. Sure it’s surprisingly good. But it’s really nothing to write home about. Caesar, portrayed amazingly well by Serkis, is a particularly interesting character and has more depth and complexity than all the human characters combined (Franco is unusually inexpressive and Pinto is painfully underused). In fact, all of the “human” actors are underused. The problem I think is that it feels very much like a part of something much more. It doesn’t feel whole. And this is what keeps it from becoming a great, standalone movie.
Wrong. Midnight in Paris is the best film of the year. But this one’s still pretty good.
Wrong. Midnight in Paris is the best film of the year. But this one’s still pretty good.
Sasha, did you know your quote of it being one of the best movies of the year is on a national TV commercial for the movie? I just saw your name on CBS!
Sasha, did you know your quote of it being one of the best movies of the year is on a national TV commercial for the movie? I just saw your name on CBS!
Big chinchilla?
Big chinchilla?
Stephanie Zacharek is the real “Big C”, if you know what I mean.
Stephanie Zacharek is the real “Big C”, if you know what I mean.
haha critics seem to be less than impressed so far http://www.metacritic.com/movie/rise-of-the-planet-of-the-apes
unless a film is made by a great director i won’t see anything that gets lower than say a 65 or so on Metacritic… not to sound snobbish but there are just too many good films out there to watch and rewatch
i hope this one keeps up a little- it would be great it if were a good film.
unless a film is made by a great director i won’t see anything that gets lower than say a 65 or so on Metacritic
Loophole #1 — lucky for you, it stands at 68 now
Loophole #2 — luckily, Tarantino and Scorsese are great directors or you almost would’ve missed Inglourious Basterds (69) and Shutter Island (63)
Loophole #3 — as luck would have it, Rupert Wyatt is a great director
I could have begun by saying “haha” — as if I get a kick out of poking holes in what you wrote, but that would be weird, wouldn’t it?
We’re all smart enough to look beyond the raw metascore, aren’t we? An easy test for metacritic is to look at the very lowest reviews to see if they were written by anyone I trust.
In this case, Rise of the Planet of the Apes gets dragged down by Stephanie Zacharek and Rene Rodrigez — so, I need to remember I stopped caring what Zacharek thinks years ago.
In fact, if SZ hates a movie, I consider it a recommendation.
Zacharek gives Rise of the Planet of the Apes a C?
ouch, it must suck as bad as Tree of Life, Super 8 & Midnight in Paris – which she also gave C, C, C
haha critics seem to be less than impressed so far http://www.metacritic.com/movie/rise-of-the-planet-of-the-apes
unless a film is made by a great director i won’t see anything that gets lower than say a 65 or so on Metacritic… not to sound snobbish but there are just too many good films out there to watch and rewatch
i hope this one keeps up a little- it would be great it if were a good film.
unless a film is made by a great director i won’t see anything that gets lower than say a 65 or so on Metacritic
Loophole #1 — lucky for you, it stands at 68 now
Loophole #2 — luckily, Tarantino and Scorsese are great directors or you almost would’ve missed Inglourious Basterds (69) and Shutter Island (63)
Loophole #3 — as luck would have it, Rupert Wyatt is a great director
I could have begun by saying “haha” — as if I get a kick out of poking holes in what you wrote, but that would be weird, wouldn’t it?
We’re all smart enough to look beyond the raw metascore, aren’t we? An easy test for metacritic is to look at the very lowest reviews to see if they were written by anyone I trust.
In this case, Rise of the Planet of the Apes gets dragged down by Stephanie Zacharek and Rene Rodrigez — so, I need to remember I stopped caring what Zacharek thinks years ago.
In fact, if SZ hates a movie, I consider it a recommendation.
Zacharek gives Rise of the Planet of the Apes a C?
ouch, it must suck as bad as Tree of Life, Super 8 & Midnight in Paris – which she also gave C, C, C
“Best film according to who…?”
According to the person writing the review, maybe?
Jesus, can people not recognize an opinion without the stupid “IMHO” tag? How could a statement like “2011’s best film so far” be anything BUT personal?!
RARGH!
“Best film according to who…?”
According to the person writing the review, maybe?
Jesus, can people not recognize an opinion without the stupid “IMHO” tag? How could a statement like “2011’s best film so far” be anything BUT personal?!
RARGH!
Sasha, love you dearly and I also thought this film was pretty terrific, particularly Serkis and the unabashed emotionality he displays in Caeser’s evolution from coddled infant to protective family member (the scene protecting Lithgow then being cradled is beyond brilliant) to leader of the oppressed and subsequent uprising. However, in no world is this film better than or even equal to:
Tree of Life, A Better Life, Win Win, Trust, Beginners, etc… Those films are the best this year, in my view…
This is a thoughtful, escapist film that falls short of being terrific in its under-developed human characters, particularly Pinto.
Sasha, love you dearly and I also thought this film was pretty terrific, particularly Serkis and the unabashed emotionality he displays in Caeser’s evolution from coddled infant to protective family member (the scene protecting Lithgow then being cradled is beyond brilliant) to leader of the oppressed and subsequent uprising. However, in no world is this film better than or even equal to:
Tree of Life, A Better Life, Win Win, Trust, Beginners, etc… Those films are the best this year, in my view…
This is a thoughtful, escapist film that falls short of being terrific in its under-developed human characters, particularly Pinto.
Why do I get the feeling this is heading down the “Avatar” “The Social Network” road?
Why do I get the feeling you’re looking forward for the next Avatar / Social Network road to open?
Why do I get the feeling this is heading down the “Avatar” “The Social Network” road?
Why do I get the feeling you’re looking forward for the next Avatar / Social Network road to open?
Andy Serkis is very underrated, mostly because his biggest films have been motion capture. You should try and catch him in Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll where he plays Ian Dury to perfection.
Jeff Wells thinks Rise of the Planet of the Apes is even better than the original, which is high praise indeed in my book!
Andy Serkis is very underrated, mostly because his biggest films have been motion capture. You should try and catch him in Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll where he plays Ian Dury to perfection.
Jeff Wells thinks Rise of the Planet of the Apes is even better than the original, which is high praise indeed in my book!
It sounds like what should be a victory could end up being it’s doom money-wise.
The general action-seeking audience will feel cheated and be bored, because the marketing has been so focused on the ape rampage. If it really doesn’t happen till the very end, the brainless audience (and they seem to rule more than we’d like them to) will go “booh! come on, already! yawn!”.
Don’t get me wrong. The character and build-up thing about this thing has me VERY intrigued now. I wasn’t going to see it, but now I definitely am – even though it sounds like it messes up the whole Planet of the Ape history. The reason why the learned to stand on their feet was because the Apes from the first two movies went back in time and ultimately got the Apes to rebel so the cycle would be complete. Now it’s about technology in stead? That would ruin the whole cycle concept that WAS the original series.
Oh well. Still going to see it not judging its messing with the old movies. I can’t wait now. You can take yet another honor of convincing me to see a film, Sasha.
I just hope it doesn’t become a financial disappointment because it has brains and character in stead of mindless action-that-we’ve-seen-a-billion-times-already. 🙂
It sounds like what should be a victory could end up being it’s doom money-wise.
The general action-seeking audience will feel cheated and be bored, because the marketing has been so focused on the ape rampage. If it really doesn’t happen till the very end, the brainless audience (and they seem to rule more than we’d like them to) will go “booh! come on, already! yawn!”.
Don’t get me wrong. The character and build-up thing about this thing has me VERY intrigued now. I wasn’t going to see it, but now I definitely am – even though it sounds like it messes up the whole Planet of the Ape history. The reason why the learned to stand on their feet was because the Apes from the first two movies went back in time and ultimately got the Apes to rebel so the cycle would be complete. Now it’s about technology in stead? That would ruin the whole cycle concept that WAS the original series.
Oh well. Still going to see it not judging its messing with the old movies. I can’t wait now. You can take yet another honor of convincing me to see a film, Sasha.
I just hope it doesn’t become a financial disappointment because it has brains and character in stead of mindless action-that-we’ve-seen-a-billion-times-already. 🙂
Best film according to who…? I highly doubt it’ll get 100% approval from top critics with an 8.8 average like Deathly Hallows: Part 2 did!
Best film according to who…? I highly doubt it’ll get 100% approval from top critics with an 8.8 average like Deathly Hallows: Part 2 did!
Aint It Cool News
Say what? Looking over the review, I see not a single exclamation point, nor any “Film X meets Film Y” descriptions. So how is it like AICN? Because it’s a review of a sci-fi action movie?
Aint It Cool News
Say what? Looking over the review, I see not a single exclamation point, nor any “Film X meets Film Y” descriptions. So how is it like AICN? Because it’s a review of a sci-fi action movie?
I love the site, and really enjoy most of the articles posted on the site (other than last year’s Social Network campaign) but this review felt like something that would have been posted on Aint It Cool News. As some commenters have noted, it’s a little strong to call this the best film of the summer. The reviews I’ve read elsewhere (EW, Hollywood Reporter) haven’t been very strong. This article piques my interest just a bit but I’ll also see what the other reviewers have to say before deciding to spend my money on it.
but this review felt like something that would have been posted on Aint It Cool News.
Huh? It really doesn’t sound as though you “love the site,” more like you don’t know the site. Not sure how this was an AICN review. It is meant to be a reaction to the film which the readers of this site were interested in reading. Nothing more than that. I don’t call myself a critic either.
I love the site, and really enjoy most of the articles posted on the site (other than last year’s Social Network campaign) but this review felt like something that would have been posted on Aint It Cool News. As some commenters have noted, it’s a little strong to call this the best film of the summer. The reviews I’ve read elsewhere (EW, Hollywood Reporter) haven’t been very strong. This article piques my interest just a bit but I’ll also see what the other reviewers have to say before deciding to spend my money on it.
but this review felt like something that would have been posted on Aint It Cool News.
Huh? It really doesn’t sound as though you “love the site,” more like you don’t know the site. Not sure how this was an AICN review. It is meant to be a reaction to the film which the readers of this site were interested in reading. Nothing more than that. I don’t call myself a critic either.
I realy don’t get it… the main reason for the increase in the number of BP nominations was to include blockbuster and not so Oscar-friendly genres like Animation and Sci-Fi. Because of the TV ratings mainly.
This rule change looks to benefit the Oscar-friendly project. But… why nominating 6,8…10 of this films and not a single ”people’s choice”.
Potter deserves this nomination… if it fails, no other blockbuster, Sci-Fi, animation, whatever… will get in. It would be a lock last year, but now…
I realy don’t get it… the main reason for the increase in the number of BP nominations was to include blockbuster and not so Oscar-friendly genres like Animation and Sci-Fi. Because of the TV ratings mainly.
This rule change looks to benefit the Oscar-friendly project. But… why nominating 6,8…10 of this films and not a single ”people’s choice”.
Potter deserves this nomination… if it fails, no other blockbuster, Sci-Fi, animation, whatever… will get in. It would be a lock last year, but now…
Bandwagon?
Bandwagon?
think u guys are jumping on the band wagon a little early
think u guys are jumping on the band wagon a little early
Better than The Tree of Life? I highly, highly, highly doubt it. But interesting review nonetheless.
Better than The Tree of Life? I highly, highly, highly doubt it. But interesting review nonetheless.
It’s very different from Tree of Life – apples and oranges. So “better” is kind of hard to say. It’s like saying white wine is better than wheat bread.
Better than The Tree of Life? I highly, highly, highly doubt it. But interesting review nonetheless.
Better than The Tree of Life? I highly, highly, highly doubt it. But interesting review nonetheless.
It’s very different from Tree of Life – apples and oranges. So “better” is kind of hard to say. It’s like saying white wine is better than wheat bread.
Off Topic:
Warner Bros. will “absolutely, hands-down, across-the-board” push Deathly Hallows Part 2 for a Best Picture nomination.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118040763
Off Topic:
Warner Bros. will “absolutely, hands-down, across-the-board” push Deathly Hallows Part 2 for a Best Picture nomination.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118040763
* enamored
* enamored
I am not enamorated with Sasha the film “critic”, but it’s hard not to admit this article makes an impression.
I am not enamorated with Sasha the film “critic”, but it’s hard not to admit this article makes an impression.
wonderfully written, sasha. equal parts passion, thoughtfulness, and insight. thank you.
wonderfully written, sasha. equal parts passion, thoughtfulness, and insight. thank you.
WOW, that’s a surprise, I really thought this will be shit and now it looks like it could be one of the best films of the year. And Sasha/Ryan basically called it with all the related articles, I had no idea why waste time to post about this film and now look at its critics scores !
OT : Two of the most promising Oscar-contenders (J. Edgar, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) now have official release dates :
http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/warner-bros-sets-its-oscar-season-dance-card/
I think “surprise” could be a big part of the pleasure. (District 9 had the same benefit — looked questionable in previews, but the theater experience was an unexpected blast.)
Let’s keep a couple of things in mind. Try to rein in our excitement so that this fragile interplay between expectation and satisfaction doesn’t tip over the edge into too much amped-up anticipation and disappointment over the next two days.
Also, be prepared for mainstream critics to be all over the map. This is not a movie a lot of critics will think is cool to praise (and many will openly sneer at it.)
(phantom, thanks for the release date tips!)
WOW, that’s a surprise, I really thought this will be shit and now it looks like it could be one of the best films of the year. And Sasha/Ryan basically called it with all the related articles, I had no idea why waste time to post about this film and now look at its critics scores !
OT : Two of the most promising Oscar-contenders (J. Edgar, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) now have official release dates :
http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/warner-bros-sets-its-oscar-season-dance-card/
I think “surprise” could be a big part of the pleasure. (District 9 had the same benefit — looked questionable in previews, but the theater experience was an unexpected blast.)
Let’s keep a couple of things in mind. Try to rein in our excitement so that this fragile interplay between expectation and satisfaction doesn’t tip over the edge into too much amped-up anticipation and disappointment over the next two days.
Also, be prepared for mainstream critics to be all over the map. This is not a movie a lot of critics will think is cool to praise (and many will openly sneer at it.)
(phantom, thanks for the release date tips!)
I can’t wait to see this on Friday! Expectations have been moderately raised! 😀
Quick question though Sasha: What are your thoughts on a film with the theme of revolution (complete with what sounds like a transition from the basic elements needed for one to full-blown revolution) in a year with the most revolutions since the fall of communism?
Apologies for the copius usage of “revolution”. 😛
Quick question though Sasha: What are your thoughts on a film with the theme of revolution (complete with what sounds like a transition from the basic elements needed for one to full-blown revolution) in a year with the most revolutions since the fall of communism?
I think Planet of the Apes raises is interesting in terms of the idea of revolution. It’s always a good idea to fight and to do so when they never see you coming. It’s similar to District 9 in that way – both are about the underdog taking on the establishment and both have you sympathizing with the non-humans.
I can’t wait to see this on Friday! Expectations have been moderately raised! 😀
Quick question though Sasha: What are your thoughts on a film with the theme of revolution (complete with what sounds like a transition from the basic elements needed for one to full-blown revolution) in a year with the most revolutions since the fall of communism?
Apologies for the copius usage of “revolution”. 😛
Quick question though Sasha: What are your thoughts on a film with the theme of revolution (complete with what sounds like a transition from the basic elements needed for one to full-blown revolution) in a year with the most revolutions since the fall of communism?
I think Planet of the Apes raises is interesting in terms of the idea of revolution. It’s always a good idea to fight and to do so when they never see you coming. It’s similar to District 9 in that way – both are about the underdog taking on the establishment and both have you sympathizing with the non-humans.
Saw it last night – time to recognize Serkis – and he’s doing second unit for The Hobbit. What a find he was.
Saw it last night – time to recognize Serkis – and he’s doing second unit for The Hobbit. What a find he was.
Andy Serkis should have been nominated in 2003 for LOTR: ROTK.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes will probably get 3-5 nominations, like Star Trek. Nothing major, all technical.
Special effects nominations should go to:
HP7, Part 2 (If it doesn’t get this nomination, chances are, it will not get any nominations. Yet even better reviews than LOTR: ROTK. Lock.)
The Tree of Life (Simply put, astounding imagery. Lock.)
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (From the guys who brought you the LOTR trilogy and Avatar. Lock.)
(Last two spots up for grabs)
Probably not nominated:
Super 8 (Critically alright, but the VFX was not a standout, more about the period look and acting.)
Transformers 3 (Sucks critically, nothing can fix that.)
Pirates 4 (Sucks critically, nothing can fix that.)
Captain America (Critically alright, but the VFX was not a standout, more about the period look.)
Andy Serkis should have been nominated in 2003 for LOTR: ROTK.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes will probably get 3-5 nominations, like Star Trek. Nothing major, all technical.
Special effects nominations should go to:
HP7, Part 2 (If it doesn’t get this nomination, chances are, it will not get any nominations. Yet even better reviews than LOTR: ROTK. Lock.)
The Tree of Life (Simply put, astounding imagery. Lock.)
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (From the guys who brought you the LOTR trilogy and Avatar. Lock.)
(Last two spots up for grabs)
Probably not nominated:
Super 8 (Critically alright, but the VFX was not a standout, more about the period look and acting.)
Transformers 3 (Sucks critically, nothing can fix that.)
Pirates 4 (Sucks critically, nothing can fix that.)
Captain America (Critically alright, but the VFX was not a standout, more about the period look.)
Sasha thank you so much for writing such an in-depth review while not given anything away. One of the coolest movie reviews I’ve read in a long time.
This has been an underwhelming year for film so far, and I really didn’t think we’d be getting anything interesting until mid-September. It’s a great feeling to be excited for a movie again. I can’t wait to see it.
Sasha thank you so much for writing such an in-depth review while not given anything away. One of the coolest movie reviews I’ve read in a long time.
This has been an underwhelming year for film so far, and I really didn’t think we’d be getting anything interesting until mid-September. It’s a great feeling to be excited for a movie again. I can’t wait to see it.
Harry Potter has visual effects in the bag. It’s the closest to a LOCK that we can already call at this time of the year.
Planet of the Apes, Super 8, Capitain America, Pirates 4, Transformers 3, Hugo and Tree of Life should battle for the other 4 spots.
Harry Potter has visual effects in the bag. It’s the closest to a LOCK that we can already call at this time of the year.
Planet of the Apes, Super 8, Capitain America, Pirates 4, Transformers 3, Hugo and Tree of Life should battle for the other 4 spots.
Gotta find a way to convince my friend now. I’ve been underwhelmed by some of the earlier footage, but its gotten more impressive and the reviews seem to be indicating this is far more story and character driven than the trailers are letting on.
Gotta find a way to convince my friend now. I’ve been underwhelmed by some of the earlier footage, but its gotten more impressive and the reviews seem to be indicating this is far more story and character driven than the trailers are letting on.
I’m not trying to be a buzz kill or anything. This review definitely convinced me and I’m going to go see it. The only thing I’m asking is: you really think this is the best film of 2011 so far? I mean, better than Deathly Hallows Part 2 or Super 8? Tree of Life? Drive? I’m just wondering. I could easily be wrong and think the same thing once I see it. Trailers never do their jobs like they used to. That’s why sites like awardsdaily.com come in such great use. Even if I hate the movie this weekend, it will be impossible for me to say though that your reason was invalid, because it wasn’t. I now look forward to seeing it this weekend.
you really think this is the best film of 2011 so far? I mean, better than Deathly Hallows Part 2 or Super 8? Tree of Life?
For me it is. But that’s just my taste. I’m sure others will disagree. Drive is a great movie – The Artist, Tree of Life, even Melancholia are all great movies. But the apes movie hit all of my buttons — partly for personal reasons but also because it’s just so well directed – so economical. Coming in a close second is The Artist. Drive is really great too.
I’m not trying to be a buzz kill or anything. This review definitely convinced me and I’m going to go see it. The only thing I’m asking is: you really think this is the best film of 2011 so far? I mean, better than Deathly Hallows Part 2 or Super 8? Tree of Life? Drive? I’m just wondering. I could easily be wrong and think the same thing once I see it. Trailers never do their jobs like they used to. That’s why sites like awardsdaily.com come in such great use. Even if I hate the movie this weekend, it will be impossible for me to say though that your reason was invalid, because it wasn’t. I now look forward to seeing it this weekend.
you really think this is the best film of 2011 so far? I mean, better than Deathly Hallows Part 2 or Super 8? Tree of Life?
For me it is. But that’s just my taste. I’m sure others will disagree. Drive is a great movie – The Artist, Tree of Life, even Melancholia are all great movies. But the apes movie hit all of my buttons — partly for personal reasons but also because it’s just so well directed – so economical. Coming in a close second is The Artist. Drive is really great too.
Italian poster for A Dangerous Method here http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpd59hAd8n1qb63suo1_500.png
Italian poster for A Dangerous Method here http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpd59hAd8n1qb63suo1_500.png
Thank you Sasha.
Thank you Sasha.
Whoa… colour me impressed.
Whoa… colour me impressed.
@Sasha
Sorry if I’m inadvertently spoiling a great moment, but I’ve heard there’s a moment when [..SPOILER…] that’s incredibly chilling.
[SPOILER deletion, my decision. — Ryan]
Drew – I tried not to give too many details away – praising it the way I have here already almost ruins it for everyone. So yeah mums the word on that. What would totally rock my world is seeing it with a packed house on a Saturday night with movie lovers, not critics because critics are too poker faced to really let themselves go and enjoy the thing.
@Sasha
Sorry if I’m inadvertently spoiling a great moment, but I’ve heard there’s a moment when [..SPOILER…] that’s incredibly chilling.
[SPOILER deletion, my decision. — Ryan]
Drew – I tried not to give too many details away – praising it the way I have here already almost ruins it for everyone. So yeah mums the word on that. What would totally rock my world is seeing it with a packed house on a Saturday night with movie lovers, not critics because critics are too poker faced to really let themselves go and enjoy the thing.
Owen Gleiberman seems to be less-than enthused about it: http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20483133_20484242,00.html
Yeah he gives it a lousy B- he probably won’t be the only person who feels that way but to me, the movie delivers on all fronts. The reason being: while it might falter here or there ultimately it is a rich and full cinematic experience. It reminded me a lot of District 9 in the same way it was a genre movie that has real characters and good writing – a tragedy in the making and one that points a harsh finger back at ourselves. What are they so mad about, asks Gleiberman? Maybe he should follow that up by asking himself if he’d like to live in a fucking zoo or be imprisoned in a lab. Uh, not so bad if you get used to it?
Owen Gleiberman seems to be less-than enthused about it: http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20483133_20484242,00.html
Yeah he gives it a lousy B- he probably won’t be the only person who feels that way but to me, the movie delivers on all fronts. The reason being: while it might falter here or there ultimately it is a rich and full cinematic experience. It reminded me a lot of District 9 in the same way it was a genre movie that has real characters and good writing – a tragedy in the making and one that points a harsh finger back at ourselves. What are they so mad about, asks Gleiberman? Maybe he should follow that up by asking himself if he’d like to live in a fucking zoo or be imprisoned in a lab. Uh, not so bad if you get used to it?
Wow… No one saw this coming, that’s for sure…
Wow… No one saw this coming, that’s for sure…
I read in an interview that Andy Serkis considers Caesar to be his best performance (in Performance Capture, at least).
Wouldn’t it be great if Andy Serkis was given an Oscar nomination for playing a Performance Capture character? Somehow, though, I think if he’s going to get any nominations this year, it’ll be a Supporting Actor nomination for playing Captain Haddock in “The Adventures of Tintin”. He seems to be completely embodying that character in the trailers, and hey, doesn’t AMPAS love nominating people for playing drunks?
I read in an interview that Andy Serkis considers Caesar to be his best performance (in Performance Capture, at least).
Wouldn’t it be great if Andy Serkis was given an Oscar nomination for playing a Performance Capture character? Somehow, though, I think if he’s going to get any nominations this year, it’ll be a Supporting Actor nomination for playing Captain Haddock in “The Adventures of Tintin”. He seems to be completely embodying that character in the trailers, and hey, doesn’t AMPAS love nominating people for playing drunks?
Three “honor to be nominated” slots then. 🙂
Three “honor to be nominated” slots then. 🙂
There will be five nominees in the visual effects category.
There will be five nominees in the visual effects category.
MAN I’m stoked! The distributor has done a great job of building anticipation slowly with increasingly better trailers and last-second screenings. Here’s hoping they’re rewarded with a $60 million opening.
When I think about its Best Picture prospects, the comparison that comes to mind is another acclaimed August sci-fi release: DISTRICT 9. That was in a 10-film year, though, rather than 5-10, so who knows? I’m already pulling for it, and I haven’t even seen it.
The Visual Effects category should be hard-fought between this and HARRY POTTER. The third slot will be the “honor to be nominated” slot.
MAN I’m stoked! The distributor has done a great job of building anticipation slowly with increasingly better trailers and last-second screenings. Here’s hoping they’re rewarded with a $60 million opening.
When I think about its Best Picture prospects, the comparison that comes to mind is another acclaimed August sci-fi release: DISTRICT 9. That was in a 10-film year, though, rather than 5-10, so who knows? I’m already pulling for it, and I haven’t even seen it.
The Visual Effects category should be hard-fought between this and HARRY POTTER. The third slot will be the “honor to be nominated” slot.
I rarely put comments on these things… but I saw the film last week and been reviewing movies for publications for 20 years and I have to agree, this is the Best Film of 2011 so far. It really is moving, poignant and beautiful filmed and characterised. A smart blockbuster and I really hope people get out and see this. Andy Serkis for Best Actor at next years’ Oscars.
I rarely put comments on these things… but I saw the film last week and been reviewing movies for publications for 20 years and I have to agree, this is the Best Film of 2011 so far. It really is moving, poignant and beautiful filmed and characterised. A smart blockbuster and I really hope people get out and see this. Andy Serkis for Best Actor at next years’ Oscars.
I cant believe that this has actually turned out to be a good film at the very least. The first trailer was laughably awful. Yet I saw a different trailer for it at Captain America the other day and it looked a bit more interesting. Then the buzz turns out that its good. Nice to see that in this age of knowing virtually everything about a film before going to watch it, you can still be surprised from time to time. Know I’ll set about knowing everything about this film before I go to watch it.
I cant believe that this has actually turned out to be a good film at the very least. The first trailer was laughably awful. Yet I saw a different trailer for it at Captain America the other day and it looked a bit more interesting. Then the buzz turns out that its good. Nice to see that in this age of knowing virtually everything about a film before going to watch it, you can still be surprised from time to time. Know I’ll set about knowing everything about this film before I go to watch it.
You think it is better than Tree Of Life?
You think it is better than Tree Of Life?
I assume a visual effects nomination is in order?
I assume a visual effects nomination is in order?
exciting! great review 🙂
exciting! great review 🙂
@Joey
“I planned on seeing this movie drunk with a friend. Now I have to put the vodka away.”
Hahaha…. could always smoke a joint first.
@Joey
“I planned on seeing this movie drunk with a friend. Now I have to put the vodka away.”
Hahaha…. could always smoke a joint first.
I was so not planning to see this, now I’m excited can’t wait! And about Serkis, I hope he gets nommed for playing Gollum again in whatever Hobbit movie he appears, he deserves it
I was so not planning to see this, now I’m excited can’t wait! And about Serkis, I hope he gets nommed for playing Gollum again in whatever Hobbit movie he appears, he deserves it
All that said, WOW! I’m going to have to see this now.
All that said, WOW! I’m going to have to see this now.
I have a feeling that if Serkis is ever honored, it will be a special Oscar, in the mode of when Pulitzer honors a comic book or some other genre they don’t really take seriously enough to give it a standard prize. (Obviously, in both cases, I’d rather these awards just broaden their horizons in a way that didn’t tokenize the thing they’re awarding.)
When’s the last time they gave one of those? Not the Thalberg or the humanitarian award. It’s been a while, right? Animation/CGI performances might be a reason to resurrect them.
I have a feeling that if Serkis is ever honored, it will be a special Oscar, in the mode of when Pulitzer honors a comic book or some other genre they don’t really take seriously enough to give it a standard prize. (Obviously, in both cases, I’d rather these awards just broaden their horizons in a way that didn’t tokenize the thing they’re awarding.)
When’s the last time they gave one of those? Not the Thalberg or the humanitarian award. It’s been a while, right? Animation/CGI performances might be a reason to resurrect them.
I would forgive AMPAS a lot of things if they’d give Andy Serkis an Oscar – his performance as Gollum was worthy of two, and as King Kong at least a nomination.
I’m so surprised that this is as good as you’re saying, Sasha. Kinda can’t wait for this film now!
I would forgive AMPAS a lot of things if they’d give Andy Serkis an Oscar – his performance as Gollum was worthy of two, and as King Kong at least a nomination.
I’m so surprised that this is as good as you’re saying, Sasha. Kinda can’t wait for this film now!
I planned on seeing this movie drunk with a friend. Now I have to put the vodka away.
I planned on seeing this movie drunk with a friend. Now I have to put the vodka away.