Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) Dir. Rupert Wyatt
PG - 13 105 mins.

Admittedly, I am not a fan of the Planet/Apes films. The only exposure I have to this franchise is the 2001 Tim Burton outing. (meh). Nor do I have any desire to go back and look at them. Mostly because of that douche bag Heston. Charlton heston was one of the greatest actors to grace the screen you say? Yeah, maybe. But he was also a douche bag (watch Bowling for Columbine for proof of his douchebaggery).
 But this one was a damn good flick.  This is the first Rupert Wyatt film I've seen. He's done at least three others, but I've never heard of 'em. So there's no frame reference for me.  Nothing remarkable to note, but of course that's hardly a bad thing.
 The credit here goes to (unsurprisingly) Mr. Serkis (I give him the honorific of "Mr." because he deserves our recognition) his performance is pure movie magic. Could Caesar have been portrayed completely by CGI? Of course. But it's the eyes. The complete range of facial expressions that we can now only fully achieve with the advent of motion capture technology that ads the depth of emotion that has you completely sympathising with the chimp. Especially watching his mistreatment at the hands of  some jerkoff animal "caretaker". You know the jerkoff caretaker has it coming, and you just can't wait for some monkey payback.
 James Franco also does a fine job. I have a lot more respect for Franco after watching 127 hours. While watching RofPofA you find yourself easily understanding his questionable scientific methods, mostly due to the ailing health of his father, played by (an all too short, but moving) performance by the wonderful John Lithgow. Billy Cox and Freida Pinto (slumdog millionare) also co-star.
 In the end, Rise of the Planet of the Apes will have you rooting for the apes.

Rating: Rent it (if you have extra cash, Buy it)