Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

[Unorthodox]

Full disclosure:  I'm an unabashed planet of the apes fan.  Sitting through the series highs (rare) and lows (common).

After the 2001 remake, I was really not looking forward to "Rise" and determined it to be a 'wait for free' status. 

Even so, several attempts at viewing had been aborted prior to this last weekend. 

Rise is both stellar, and horrendous as an addition to the series.

The underlying story of Caesar's rising intelligence, imprisonment, and transformation into an ape leader is quite marvelous old school hollywood at it's finest.  I think the best review I can give is that it captivated all 3 of my children.  Drawing them in to caring, then becoming dismayed, then cheering the eventual escape.  Any movie that keeps a 5 year old thus occupied sans song and dance routines is a winner. 

And then they had to go and spoil the ride...

The subplot of this genetically modified virus that makes apes smarter.  In classic comic book style one of the lab assistants get's exposed to this new, untested virus, in full view of everyone.  They LET HIM WALK OUT THE DOOR.  They openly joke about it after the accident?  Then, they don't get concerned when he calls in sick?  No one knows it's a problem until they find him dead?  He's coughing up blood and decides to hide this to just go home, knowing he's been infected and works in probably the only facility in the world with a chance of curing him, then he tries to contact the doctor at home instead of the research facility?  The level of mind numbing idiocy on display was enough to make me recall the MST3K mantra.   

[Buster's Uncle]

So, a lot better than Planet of the Marky Marks?

[Unorthodox]

I put this one just behind the original in terms of favorites. 


the 2001 rehash and "battle for POTA" probably duke it out for worst. 

[Buster's Uncle]

Wow.