 Movie
Reviews
with Evelyn Gough.
Planet of the Apes (M)
Directed by Tim Burton
 Helena Bonham Carter as Ari.
I was only three years old when the original Planet of the Apes movie, based on the novel by Pierre Boulle, hit the cinemas back in 1968. It was a decade later before I saw it on the television and it blew me away.
Starring an arresting Charlton Heston and co-scripted by Rob Serling (of Twilight Zone fame) it made a huge impression, especially the ending which totally freaked me out. (hey, it was the 70s!)
Now, more than three decades later, I wonder if the remake (oops, sorry… 'interpretation') will have such an impact on audiences. Somehow I doubt it, despite visionary director Tim Burton at the helm.
Maybe that's the problem. Maybe, like me, everyone was expecting so much more, something truly outstanding. Maybe Tim Burton should just steer clear of the cliched action/adventure Hollywood blockbuster. Or maybe he should get some better screenwriters. Maybe I'm overdoing the maybes.
Reviewers have not been kind, which rather tempered my anticipation of what had promised to be an 'exciting movie-going experience'.
Going with suitably lowered expectations I was therefore pleasantly surprised. Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes won't have me gushing, but as a 'popcorn' movie it's fine.
Mark Wahlberg stars as US Airforce pilot Captain Leo Davidson based on the USAF Oberon space station in the year 2029. When his genetically altered super intelligent chimp is sent into a mysterious electro-magnetic storm and promptly vanishes, Leo takes off to rescue him. He crashlands on the planet of the apes, where apes rule and humans are treated as slaves or vermin.
Captured by slave trader Limbo (Paul Giamatti) Leo is bought by Ari (Helena Bonham Carter), a chimp who believes humans should be treated as equals and recognises that Leo is 'special'. This is guaranteed to upset the disagreeable General Thade (Tim Roth) who has the hots for Ari but loathes humans and would hunt them into extinction given half the chance.
And that legendary ending? That memorable plot twist that once seen is never forgotten? Well, it's still there. Sort of. It too has been 'reinterpreted'.
For the better? You be the judge.
My advice! Go along for the ride, enjoy yourself, pig out on popcorn and choc tops and just don't expect a whole lot of substance to the plot, a good script or any decent character development. In fact the human characters are just plain dull especially the female lead Daena (Estella Warren). She may have the looks, but it's Ari who has all the personality. Tough choice Leo! Hope you have a thing for body hair.
You can have a lot of fun trying to identify all the co-stars disguised beneath Rick Baker's impressive make-up. Hidden behind latex and fake fur are Michael Clarke Duncan (of The Green Mile), David Warner, Charlton Heston in an unbilled cameo and Burton's real life squeeze Lisa Marie.
As a huge fan of Tim Burton, I was looking forward to something really special. He didn't deliver.
Rating: 3 stars
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